Alhamdulillah we are now only 11 days away from Ramadan! In this week's newsletter, we would like to share with you some etiquettes for Ramadan that the Prophet (PBUH) himself has emphasized to his beloved Ummah.

1. The Prophet (PBUH) urged for iftar to be taken early.
In a Hadith authenticated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast." [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1957]

It is preferred for the fasting person to hasten in breaking the fast when the sun has set. This is to replenish the body with much needed sugars and fluids, and helps restore energy which is essential for a productive night in preparing for Tarawih. 


2. The Prophet (PBUH) urged us to have dates for iftar.
The Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith reported by Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi: "Whoever has dried dates, then let him break the fast with that, and whoever does not, then let him break the fast with water, for indeed water is purifying." [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 694]

One of the many physical benefits of breaking the fast with dates is that our body benefits from the date’s high level of natural sugars. Sugars travel most quickly to the liver, where they are converted into energy more quickly than any other nutrient. Muslims have an immediate need for this energy when they break their fast, for they need energy to perform their sunset prayers. Ironically, one also needs this energy to consume the iftar meal. When a person eats, the body uses energy to digest the food. Eating large quantities of food immediately after fasting is not healthy for the body, which is in a weakened condition. Eating a date first helps the body start its digestive process and gives it the energy to deal with the secondary, more complex foods, eaten during iftar.

3. The Prophet (PBUH) took his iftar at two stages. 
As much as we are urged to hasten breaking our fast, we are also urged to ensure we perform our Maghrib prayers on time. As Maghrib does not last for more than an hour, it is advisable to observe it the moment the Adhan is said. 

Thus, taking iftar in two stages has a good impact on our health. Stage one: break your fast with 3 dates and a few sips of water. Doing this reduces the level of hunger left during the day. It also helps curb the tendency of overeating after Maghrib. Stage two: Resume your iftar after having performed Maghrib prayers.

4. The Prophet (PBUH) would not sleep immediately after breaking his fast.
Remember that in the month of Ramadan, we are expected to perform ibadah more than usual compared to other months. The tendency to fall asleep after iftar is high, especially after a long tiring day of work and activities. Therefore it is advisable for us to cut down on our food intake during iftar. Excess consumption of food will make us sleepy and lazy, which might lead to us missing Tarawih prayers.

5. The Prophet (PBUH) urged for consistent sahur.
In a hadith authenticated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Take Sahur, for in Sahur there is blessing." [Sunan an-Nasa'i 2149]

The prophet taught his companions and by extension, every Muslim that they should begin their fasting by taking something.  It does not necessarily have to be heavy meal, in fact, overeating negates the spirit of fasting. Sahur helps to prevent headaches, migraines, and severe thirst. It effectively grants the body the energy it requires to undertake the responsibilities of the day.

6. The Prophet (PBUH) urged for sahur to be delayed.
In a hadith authenticated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “My Ummah will not cease being upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking the fast and delay the Sahur (pre-dawn meal).” [Musnad Imam Ahmad]

It is advisable to have our sahur 15 to 30 minutes before Fajr. This is to allow the body to make use of the energy gained from the food and drink consumed to the maximum.

7. Using Miswak or toothbrush. 
It is preferred for the fasting person to use a miswak or a toothbrush. There is no difference if he uses it at the beginning or the ending of the day. It is confirmed that the Prophet used the Miswak while fasting.

The point to note is that the bad breath produced during fasting in Ramadan, is not generated from the mouth. It is from the empty stomach. That breath only disappears after we break our fast. In a hadith narrated by Sayyidina Abi Hurairah (RA) and reported by Imam Al-Bukhari: "By the One, in Whose Hand my soul is, the smell of the fasting person's mouth is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk." Only Allah knows if any of us will live to witness the next Ramadan. This should be an enough motivational factor, for us to present our best of etiquettes during the holy month of Ramadan. Knowledge without application is meaningless. May Allah (SWT) guide us to apply what we have learned in this coming Ramadan.
 

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Alhamdulillah, the video from last Sunday's Kuliah Tafsir with Mufti Dr. Md Fatris Bakaram is now up. Click here to watch https://islamicevents.tv/channel/mufti-kuliah-tafsir. The Mufti Talk is being broadcast live every Sunday after Maghrib prayers on our website www.islamicevents.tv/live. 
   

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Listed below are the events that we have coming up for the rest of January and February. Please do check them out and plan your schedules ahead of time. InshAllah it will be of great benefit to you.