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As Fasting Starts
During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims often engage in some actions either deliberately or not but find it difficult to determine whether such actions affect the relevance of their fast or not. They don’t know if certain things or actions are allowed or not allowed while fasting. Some of them are even shy of asking questions from Islamic scholars to know the right ways of going about those things when they are fasting. When they are in the circle of their non-Muslim friends, family or colleagues, and they are asked about Ramadan and what invalidates it, they are always reluctant to respond because they are not too sure of what to say. Islam is a religion built on the foundation of knowledge and knowledge about Islam should be sought for. It is even more rewarding to spread any of the knowledge acquired in Islam. Below are answers to some of the questions many Muslims seek to know but are too shy to ask.
Is Ramadan only about not eating and drinking?
Fasting in the holy month of Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink between a specified period, from dawn to dusk. There’s so much more required from Muslims. The abstinence should extend to keeping away from all types of sins; things that are haram all year round. Ramadan creates an avenue for Muslims to focus on character development. It is a month Muslims conquer their bad habits and focus on connecting with their Creator. If one abstains from food and drink yet is rude, ill-mannered and unpleasant, such a person has missed the point of fasting. Sure, their fast is accepted from a legal perspective but they haven’t gained anything from it except the feeling of hunger and thirst.
When am I exempted from fasting?
Only healthy Muslim adults are required to fast. There are some conditions which can make a Muslim to be exempted from fasting. Some have to make up the fast on other days and others don’t need to make it up at all. Below are examples of groups of people who don’t need to fast: ( 1.) Women who are pregnant, women on their menstrual cycle or a breastfeeding mother are exempted from fasting but they have to make the fasts up at a later date (2.) People with long-term health conditions are exempted from fasting. As the condition is there with them for life, they don’t have to make up the fasts (3.) People who take medication are not required to fast unless the medication cycle can be changed safely and be taken during the non-fasting hours.
(4.) Children who have not reached maturity don’t need to fast as Islamic obligations are not yet compulsory for them (5.) The old and frail are also exempted from fasting.
Why does Ramadan start on different dates every year?
To answer this particular question, Islam runs on the lunar cycle whereas the Gregorian calendar runs on the solar cycle – and there’s a 10 or 11-day gap between the two. This means that Ramadan will fall roughly 10 days earlier every year according to solar year calculations.
Why can’t I brush my teeth whilst fasting?
There is no harm in brushing your teeth during the fasting hours as long as you don’t intentionally swallow any toothpaste. Be sure to spit and rinse thoroughly to avoid the possibility.
Is it true that it is forbidden for non-Muslims to eat in front of muslims during fasting hours?
It would be nice of the non-Muslims to be conscious of their eating habits around Muslims who are fasting. But it’s not a requirement as Muslims are not to make things difficult for the non-Muslims around them by telling them to eat elsewhere. The will power behind your fast is stronger than being swayed by some food in front of you!
Why is it that I can’t swallow my own saliva whilst fasting?
Swallowing one’s saliva is a natural occurrence for all human beings and it is often done unconsciously throughout the day. God would not let a reflex action such as that be a cause for breaking your fast. Obviously don’t let the saliva collect in your mouth to swallow as that might be problematic, but natural swallowing isn’t an issue!
Does accidentally eating breaks your fast?
Islam is so beautiful, you know? One could literally go and eat a full chicken at an eatery whilst completely forgetting that he is supposed to be fasting and it would not break the fast, once we remember. Whereas, eating even a tiny crumb of bread when one knows that he is supposed to fast breaks the fast and is a sin. Sometimes, we have a natural habit of taking a couple of chips from a friend’s plate. We need to make an effort to control these natural actions, but if it happens accidentally the fast will not break. Just try and spit out any remains and continue your fast.
Can I take medicine while fasting?
You can take medicine if they’re essential to your survival. If it’s possible to take medicine outside fasting hours or suspend the medicine during Ramadan then go for it but ask your doctor first!
Can I smoke during Ramadan?
People who smoke usually want to know if smoking invalidates their fast. They often start by making the premise that smoking isn’t food or drink, so can I do it during the fasting hours? The answer is no. One of the key reasons for its prohibition is that smoking contains particles that can be swallowed and reach the stomach.
Is it true that if you manage to complete ramadan you can do what you want?
No. if anybody sees fasting like that, they’ve missed the entire point of the month! Muslims are supposed to use the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to boost our good deeds and faith, which they can take forward for the rest of their lives. Ramadan isn’t like some reverse purge where you have to be good for one month so you can afford to be bad all the others.
Does taking injections invalidate my fast?
Vaccines and injections don’t contain any nutrients or anything that can be considered food or drink, which is why it’s OK to take your Covid or any other vaccine during the month, particularly if it’s essential for your health.
Does bleeding break the fast?
It depends on the type of bleeding. If you slip and cut your knee (God forbid) the ensuing blood would not break your fast. But the bleeding women experience during their menstrual cycle will break the fast. You can ask your local scholar for any specific query.
Can I have a blood test during Ramadan?
A blood test whilst fasting is not ideal so it’s best to stay away, especially, if it causes weakness and illness. If you need to provide a small vial for health reasons, it should be okay. Speak to your doctor, if you are not sure.
Can I pour water on my head while fasting?
It’s perfectly OK to wash your hair or pour water on your head as long as you don’t intentionally swallow any of the water that falls down on your face.
Is it ok to chew gum during Ramadan
Some understandably think chewing gum whilst fasting is OK because nothing is being swallowed – but it still has sugar and flavouring that are impossible to avoid swallowing – hence it’s forbidden during the fasting hours.
Can I get married during ramadan?
You can but it would be a pretty boring wedding without food. In all seriousness, marriage is one of the most stressed upon sunnah by the Prophet and God, so there’s no problem at all with doing it.
Why are there still evils in the land when it is said that satan is being locked up during ramadan?
Although it is the common belief that satan is locked up. But don’t forget he’s been trying to influence you all year round so the effects of that could still be present in your heart. Satan being chained is obviously very beneficial but we still need to be careful and vigilant.
Can a traveller fast during Ramadan?
You can travel but it’s not recommended unless it’s an essential visit. This is because travelling breaks the fast and you have to make up for the days missed before the next month of Ramadan.
-JAMIU ABUBAKAR
(08085185886)
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