Alhamdulillah, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the

Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our

Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬, his family and Companions.

We thank Allah for allowing us to witness another

Ramadan. We pray He will accept our fasting and
forgive our sins, and allow us to meet again in the
next Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month of purification and self-training.

As such, there should be a difference between how
we observe this month (Ramadan) and the rest of the
11 months.

A Companion of the Prophet’s (‫)ﷺ‬, Jabir bin

Abdullah said,

“If you fast, then block your ears, eyes and

tongue from lies and sins: do not abuse your
servants; be tranquil and dignified on the day of
your fast; do not let the day when you do not fast
and the day when you fast be the same.” [Muslim]
In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said, meaning: “He
who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely
(during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he did not eat or
drink.” [Bukhari Muslim]

In short, fasting is not just about restraining the stomach. It also means
restraining our tongue, eyes, ears and even heart for the Believer who
wants to gain the complete rewards of fasting.

Fasting should not affect our daily work nor should it be used as a reason
to neglect our normal duties. Islam does not demand that the one who fasts
keeps awake all night only to sleep during the day. Instead, Ramadan is
the month for us to put in greater effort to perform our usual duties and
more – extra worship, additional charity and good deeds – while
abstaining from food and drink. Indeed, Ramadan also teaches us to
exercise patience and perseverance.
For our Ramadan – and all our acts of
worship and good deeds – to be
accepted, we should be guided by Allah’s
authentic revelation and examples of His
Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬. This
ties back to our Declaration of Faith, in
which we testify that there is no God
worthy of worship except Allah, and we
testify that Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬is His
Servant and Messenger.

This Ramadan Reminder is our humble way

of sharing the true teachings of Islam
derived from Allah’s Book and a revival of
the examples of His Messenger, Prophet
Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬, following purified sources
of knowledge.

May Allah accept our Ramadan, our

worship, good deeds and charity, and may
we come out of it a better person than
before.
 1

GAINING TAQWA (PIETY)

Allah the Most High says, meaning:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon

you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so
that you may attain taqwa.” [Al-Baqarah, 2: 183]

The meaning of “taqwa” according to Ibn Masud: "That He

is obeyed and not defied, remembered and not forgotten,
and that He is thanked and not shown ungratefulness.”
[At-Tabaraani in Al-Kabeer 90/92]

The Qur’an has used the word “taqwa” to mean consciousness

of Allah, fear of Allah, worship of Allah, sincerity in faith, and
restraining from being disobedient to Allah. In short, taqwa is
to do one’s best efforts to live by His commands and to avoid
what He forbids.
One of the ways to attain taqwa is to follow the footsteps of
Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬, the Companions and their true
followers. Allah the Most High says, meaning:

“And the first to embrace Islam among the Muhajireen

and the Ansar, and those who followed them in the best
way, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased
with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath
which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That
is the great success.” [At-Tawbah, 9: 100]
 2

RECITE THE HOLY QUR'AN

This is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed and Allah
mentioned it by saying, meaning:

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the

Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the
guidance and criterion (between right and wrong) …”
[Al-Baqarah, 2: 185]

When Allah sent down the Qur’an, it was the opening of a

new chapter in the life of mankind. It brought mankind from
darkness to light, syirk to tauhid (oneness of God), kufr to
eeman, and from wrong to right.
Allah the Most High says, meaning:

“This is a Book which We have revealed unto you (O

Muhammad) in order that you might lead mankind out of
darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief
in the Oneness of Allah and Islamic Monotheism) by their
Lord’s Leave to the path of Almighty, the Owner of all
praise.” [Ibrahim, 14: 1]

The one who fasts should aspire to complete the recitation of

the Qur’an in Ramadan. The best would be to read both the
Arabic, contemplate its meaning and understand it. Set your
intention and devise a strategy that works for you.

For the New Muslim or those who have yet to read Arabic,
don’t fret! Read the meaning, understand it and seize every
moment to use the Qur’an completely. Intention matters, as
does the effort.
 3

FAST ALL YOUR SENSES

Narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said:

"There are people who fast and get nothing from their
fast except hunger, and there are those who pray and
get nothing from their prayer but a sleepless night." [Ibn
Majah]

The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “If a person does not avoid vain talk
and evil conduct during fasting, Allah does not care if he
abstains from food and drink.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Ramadan isn’t just about abstaining from food and drink.

Rather, fasting is a tool for us to bring about a real internal
change in ourselves. When we fast, our senses should fast
along with us, too: our eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet.
 FAST OUR FAST OUR
EYES EARS
Control what we see of our
surroundings, including on the Desist the urge to listen to idle
phone and TV. Spend time talk, gossip, and music. Pay
reading the Qur’an, attention to lectures or talks
memorising supplications, or that are beneficial.
reading books of knowledge

FAST OUR FAST OUR

TONGUE HANDS
Refrain from doing things that
Abstain from using
can bring injury to others or
unkind/foul words, gossiping
fitnah to yourself. Instead, use
or backbiting. Use the tongue
them to make charity, help the
to recite words that remember
community in need, reach out
Allah, share knowledge and
to the poor and needy, or
creating goodwill.
spread the message of Islam.

FAST OUR FEET

Stop from going to places that could lessen the value or
ruin your fast such as cinemas or cafes for idle talk.
Bring them to places where Allah is remembered or
where the community can help you better
your Ramadan.

Our hearts and mind should also be fasting together with us

in Ramadan. This will ensure all aspects of our life – body,
mind and soul – become pure and exercise self-restraint.
 4

MANAGE YOUR TIME

Ramadan does not come to change our schedule. It comes to

change our hearts. Successful people are good at time
management, hence how they achieve their goals.

So design your Ramadan schedule wisely. Instead of

watching TV, use the precious time to make dhikr. If priority is
given to shopping, cooking and iftar get-togethers, we will
lose precious time that can otherwise reap the barakah of
Ramadan.
 5

GIVE EXTRA, SHARE MORE

Ramadan trains us to be extra generous. It is telling us to put

more smiles on our brethren’s faces and remove their pain and
sorrow.

The existence of the poor and needy is part of our test in this
world. In reality they don’t need us, but we need them.
Alhamdulillah, through them we are able to earn more
rewards. We are given the opportunity to be humble and to be
grateful of Allah’s blessings.

Ibn ‘Abaas said: “The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬was the most charitable

amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the
month of Ramadan when Jibreel used to meet him on
every night of Ramadan till the end of the month …”
[Bukhari]

It is also highly recommended to feed those who are fasting

because the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “He who gives food for a
fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same
reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the
fasting person’s reward.” [At-Tirmizi]
 6

AVOID EXCESSIVE EATING

Food is indeed a blessing. Unfortunately, Ramadan is also the

month where we see an increase in food wastage because
many tend to overindulge.

Food wastage goes against the essence of Ramadan. Allah

the Most High says, meaning:

“Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of Satan and Satan

is ever ungrateful to his Lord.” [Al-Isra, 17: 27]

Let us enjoy these blessings by eating moderately and just

enough to give us the strength to continue our daily routine
and acts of worship. Muslims do not live to eat, but eat to live.
 7

CONTROL THE TEMPER

Hungry stomachs can trigger the nerve and easily test our
patience. Take this opportunity to remind ourselves that
Ramadan is here to help keep our cool, and we should never
let the situation or circumstances ruin our Ibadah.

When your patience is tested, the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said:

“Powerful is not he who knocks the other down. Indeed,
powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.”
[Bukhari and Muslim]
1
MAKE NIYYAH
It is obligatory to make the intention for
those who wish to fast. The place of
intention is in the heart.
The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “He who does not
intend during the night to fast, then
there is no fast for him.” [An-Nasa’i]

2
TAKE SUHOOR
(PRE-DAWN MEAL)
Suhoor is a meal of blessing. Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
said: “The suhoor is a meal of blessing,
so do not leave it, even if one of you
take just a gulp of water, since Allah
sends mercy and His angels to seek
forgiveness for those who take
Suhoor.” [Ahmad]

Taking suhoor is also to differentiate

between the fast of a Muslim and the
People of the Book. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
“The distinction between our fasting
and the fasting of the People of the
Book is the taking of the pre-dawn meal
(Suhoor).” [Muslim]

Suhoor time is also the best time to make

du’a as Alalh will not reject it.
3
BREAK FAST IN A
SIMPLE MANNER
Breaking fast is known as “iftar”, it is not
dinner. Dinner begins only after Maghrib
prayers.

ADAB OF BREAKING FAST

Be ablution-ready (wudhoo’), so you can

pray Maghrib as soon as possible

Make du’a in the last few minutes before

breaking fast because the du’a of the one
who fasts at this time will not be rejected

Break fast with dates, or something which

is soft, sweet and high in fibre, such as
fruits. Drink some water, then perform
your Maghrib

“The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to break his fast

with fresh dates before praying; if
fresh dates were not available, he
would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates
were not available, he would have a
few sips of water.”
[At-Tirmizi and others]
ADAB OF BREAKING FAST

Avoid heavy meals during break fast

Break your fast by saying “Bismillah”, use

your right hand to eat and drink, and
supplicate with this du’a after your iftar:

Dhahabadh-dhama u wabtallatil
‘urooqu, wa thabatal ajru
inshaaAllaah

Meaning: The thirst has gone and the

veins are moistened, and the reward is
certain, if Allah wills.
 EARN GREAT REWARDS

The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “Every (good) deed of the son of Adam

would be multiplied, a good deed receiving ten times its like, up
to seven hundred times. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has
said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I
will give a reward for it … ” [Muslim]

FASTING ERASES PAST SINS

Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “He who fasts Ramadan, due to
Eeman and hoping for reward (from Allah), then his past sins are
forgiven.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

FASTING WILL ACT AS A

SHIELD AGAINST THE FIRE
Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “When a servant of Allah observes
fasting for a day for the sake of Allah, He thereby repels the
Fire (of Hell) a distance of seventy years.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
 FASTING WILL INTERCEDE
ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “On the Day of Judgment, fasting
will say: ‘O My Lord, I prevented him from food and desires so
accept my intercession for him.’”
[Ahmad, al-Haakim and Abu Nu’aim]

DEDICATED ENTRANCE
TO PARADISE
Sahl ibn Sa’d narrated that the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “Indeed there is a
gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan. On the day of Resurrection
those who fast will enter through it …”
[Ibn Khuzaimah]
 1

UMRAH IN RAMADAN

For those able to perform the Umrah during this blessed

month, the reward is equivalent to Hajj as mentioned by our
Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬:

“Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward).” [Bukhari]

 2

I’TIKAF (SECLUSION)
IN THE MASJID

I’tikaf is the seclusion for the specific purpose of focusing and

devoting all our attention to worshipping Allah. It is not
prescribed except in a mosque. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “There
is no I’tikaf except in three mosques.” [Bayhaqi]

The three mosques that are referred to in the hadith are the
Masjidul Haraam (Makkah), Masjidun Nabawi (Madinah) and
Masjidul Aqsa (Jerusalem).

‘Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬used to

practise I’tikaf in the last 10 nights of Ramadan and used to
say: “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of
the month of Ramadan.” [Bukhari]
WHAT TO DO DURING I’TIKAF

VOLUNTARY MAKE RECITE THE

PRAYERS DZHIKR, SEEK QUR’AN
FORGIVENESS

SEND SALUTATIONS READ AND

ON THE PROPHET (‫)ﷺ‬ MEMORISE HADITH

READ BOOKS ON TEACH & LEARN

KNOWLEDGE (though one who is in I’tikaf
should not speak unnecessarily,
it is permissible for them to teach
others something of beneficial
knowledge, or be in a study
circle of learning)
 3

LOOK FOR THE NIGHT OF

DECREE/NIGHT OF POWER
(LAYLATUL-QADR)

Laylatul-Qadr or “The Night of Decree” was the night in which

the Qur’an was first revealed (over a time span of 23 years)
from Allah the Almighty to His Messenger Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬. It
is a blessed night in the last ten days of Ramadan that is so
virtuous where worship done on it is superior than a thousand
months.

Allah says in the Qur’an, meaning:

“Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down on the Night of
Decree (Laylatul-Qadr). And what will make you know
what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better
than a thousand months. Thererein descend the angels and
the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission with all decrees.
Peace … until the break of dawn.” [Al-Qadr, 97: 1-5]

DURING THE NIGHT OF LAYLATUL-QADR

Angel Jibreel (as) and other countless angels descend to our
world with infinite blessings and mercy
Decrees for the year are decided on that night. Allah says in the
Qur’an, meaning: “On that night is made distinct every
precise matter.” [Ad-Dukhaan, 44:4]
WHAT TO DO ON THE NIGHT
OF LAYLATUL-QADR

SUPPLICATE
It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, as making
du’a during this night can change the Decree of Allah.
The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “Nothing can change the Divine decree
except du’a.” [Ahmad]

It was reported by ‘A’ishah that the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬recommended this

specific supplication on this night:

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni"

Meaning: “O Allah, You are the One Who pardons greatly, and
loves to pardon, so pardon me.” [Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmithi]

WORSHIP AND
DO GOOD DEEDS
Increase your worship and acts of good deeds. ‘A’ishah reported:
“Allah’s Messenger (‫ )ﷺ‬used to exert more efforts (in worship)
on the last ten than on other nights.” [Muslim]
Zakat, the Third Pillar of Islam, represents our social responsibility towards
the poor and needy. A Muslim fulfills this duty by taking 2.5% of one’s
surplus wealth yearly to a specific group of recipients mentioned in the
Qur’an. Zakat also purifies one’s income or property.

Zakat is so important that it is always connected with salah (prayer) in the

Qur’an.

“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put
forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of
what you do, is Seeing.” [Al Baqarah, 2: 110]

“Take alms from their wealth, in order to purify them and sanctify
them with it.” [At-Taubah, 9: 103].

The rewards for paying zakat in Ramadan is great. Let us hasten this
blessed ibadah for the sake of Allah.
Not to be confused with Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr is the
obligatory zakat to be paid by every Muslim at the
conclusion of the month of Ramadan. The purpose
is two-fold: to give thanks to Allah for being able
to fast, and to enable the poor to enjoy the day of
Eid. Therefore, it is mandatory for every Muslim to
pay Zakat al-Fitr before the start of Eid al-Fitr
prayers.

“…and whoever gives zakatul-fitr (alms) after

Eid prayer, it is only a charity like any ordinary
charity (not Zakat al-Fitr).” [Abu Dawud, Nasa’i
and Ibn Majah from Ibnu Abbas]

Hasten your Zakat al-Fitr and do not leave it to the

last day of Ramadan.
Eid ul-Fitr is the Muslim’s celebration to mark
the end of Ramadan.

The following are the highly recommended

Sunnah of Prophet Muhamamd (‫ )ﷺ‬which he
performed on Eid:
 MAKE TAKBEER
(PROCLAMATION OF THE GREATNESS OF ALLAH)

This is a distinctive feature of Eid and is mentioned in the Qur’an:

"… And that you should exclaim Allah's greatness for having
guided you, so that you may be grateful." [Al Baqarah, 2: 185]

The Eid Takbeer is as follows:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaaha illallah Allahu Akbar,

Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd”

Meaning: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no god

except Allah. Allah is the greatest. All praises and thanks are for Him.

The time for takbeer on Eid ul-Fitr starts from the night before Eid
until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer. [Sunan Ad-Darqutni]

The “night before Eid” here means after Maghrib on the eve of Eid
and it ends when the Eid prayer begins.

In some countries, Muslims practice the tradition of making takbeer in

unison and they do so only in the mosque. There is no evidence to
support either of this. The Sunnah of the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬is to recite
takbeer during the times mentioned in the hadith above, and this can
be done by yourself, wherever you are – while you are cooking,
cleaning, standing, sitting or lying down – and encouraging other
family members to do the same.
 PERFORM GHUSL
(RITUAL BATH)
Perform ghusl (ritual bath) on the morning of Eid. Or bathe early
before the Eid prayer.

DRESS WELL
Wear your best clothes. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to wear his best
clothes to the Eid prayer.
 APPLY FRAGRANCE
(FOR MEN) [MUSANNAF ABDUR RAZZAQ]

EAT BEFORE PRAYER

Eating before prayer. For Eid ul-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat some dates
before the prayer so as not to extend the fast. Our Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬did
not set out on the day of Eid ul-Fitr until he had eaten an odd number
of dates, and we should follow his example.
 ROUTES TO EID SALAH
Jabir bin Abdullah narrated, “On the Day of Eid, the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to
return after offering the Eid prayer through a way different from that
by which he went.” [Bukhari]

Both the routes you take will testify that you attended this prayer on the
Day of Judgement.

PERFORMING THE EID PRAYER

Eid salah must not be missed, as it is a fundamental part of Eid
festivities. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬has commanded the entire Muslim
community to head out and perform the Eid prayer to witness the
gathering and share the blessings of this day.

Every single Muslim should participate – young, old, male and female,
while the menstruating women should not forsake participating in the
sermon even if they cannot pray.
 CONGRATULATING EACH
OTHER ON EID
It is permissible to exchange greetings with one another on Eid day.
The Companions of the Prophet (radhiallahu ‘anhum) when they meet
on the day of Eid, they would say to each other:

“Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum”

Meaning: May Allah accept from us and from you (good deeds).
[Ahmad]

This is the best way to show love and respect to your fellow Muslims
on this joyous occassion as long as the basic Islamic principles are
observed (e.g. not shaking hands with the non-mahram).
 VISITING BEAUTIFYING
THE GRAVE BEYOND WHAT
IS PERMISSIBLE
The purpose of Eid is to
celebrate and be joyful.
Shaving of the beard for men
Visiting graves on this day is
Dressing up in clothes that do
contrary to this purpose. It
not cover the modesty
also falls under the Prophet’s
Excessive makeup and
(‫ )ﷺ‬general prohibition of
fragrance for the women
assigning a specific day to
visit the graves.

FREE MIXING
SPENDING
BETWEEN
THE SEXES EXECISSIVELY
Shaking hands between men Spending on food and
and women who are non- decorations that result in
mahram wastage, and playing
firecrackers.

WASTING TIME WITH IMPERMISSIBLE

ENTERTAINMENT
Singing and dancing
Playing games that emulate gambling even if no betting
occurs
Watching impermissible things on TV or the Internet
Using social media without wisdom
Sharing pictures that compromise the modesty (for women)
Inviting fitnah with free social media postings and sharing
It is time we abandon the unIslamic ways of
celebrating Eid. This is our festival. As Muslims,
Allah and the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬have taught us how to
celebrate our Eid by making takbeer, not with
firecrackers and music. These are against our
Islamic teachings.

Note to Parents:
Alhamdullillah, Ramadan has returned us to our
fitrah, by gaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Let us not commit sins, waste money, endanger
ourselves and others by playing with fireworks
that have nothing to do with the Muslim festival.
There is no adhan or iqaamah in the Eid prayer
The Eid prayer consists of two rakaah. The
sermon comes after the prayer
It is done in congregation
In the first rakaah, takbeer 7 times including
takbeeratulihram and then recite the iftitah.
After the takbeer to stand up into the second
rakaah, recite 5 more takbeerat
There is no specific supplication in between the
Eid takbeerat that has been authentically
reported from the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
After the prayer, the imam will ascend the
minbar to begin his Sermon
For those listening to the Sermon, observe the
etiquette of listening while you are there: no
talking/whispering, playing with phone.
 Let us make changes
before it’s too late.

“Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum”