There are many things that Muslims should avoid while fasting and this article will explain fully how to fast correctly. Is boycotting part of fasting?
Ramadan is a month of everything halal (permissible) and it is a month of avoiding the haram (forbidden). The rules and guidelines of Ramadan have been established by Prophet Mohammad over 1400 years ago and the sharia has emphasized the importance of following the Sunnah (ways and words of the prophet).
When looking at how to become closer to Allah, the Muslim should avoid things that would allow the shaitan (devil) to enter and cause doubt in the mind. When Ramadan approaches and Muslims everywhere are preparing for a month of fasting and devotion, it is a time also to prepare the home.
Which foods to eat when breaking the fast may include avoiding boycotted products of both Israel and Denmark. Boycotting was never part of the Sunnah, but what is part of Islam is defending Muslims being persecuted and defending anyone annoying Prophet Mohammad in anyway.
Many prominent leaders from all over the world have praised Prophet Mohammad in how he was one of the great leaders of the world. Here are a few things that have been said: Prophet Mohammad: You Must Know This Man.
It should be a personal decision concerning boycotting and something that is suggested, not something mandatory. Ramadan is to avoid all thoughts of war, hatred and desire to do harm. It is a month of wanting to help those who have less, the sick and the persecuted. Boycotting is a peaceful demonstration affecting the pocketbooks of those who harm Islam.
Is Smoking Forbidden While Fasting?
The sharia has stated that anything that harms the body and that will cause eventual death including food and drugs must be avoided. For this reason smoking is haram. During fasting Muslims are not permitted foods, drugs (unless a medical necessity) and smoking. Many Muslims will go the entire month without smoking and as soon as the call for prayer is announced, the smoking starts once more.
Smoking is an addictive substance and it harms the body and it harms those near. The second most preventable death is second hand smoke. On judgment day would a Muslim be held accountable for the death of a spouse due to the inhalation of smoke fumes? Allah knows best.
Backbiting, Lying and Scandal Mongering Forbidden All the Time
Lying is a sign of being a hypocrite and being a hypocrite is one reason for severe punishment of the grave. No true Muslim can be a liar as this is against everything taught in Islam. It is important while fasting in Ramadan that the Muslim remain honest and pure.
"The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise and when he is entrusted he betrays the trust." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Both backbiting, spreading of gossip and scandal mongering are forbidden in Islam. Scandal mongering is the spreading of a "truth" in a manner that would not please the person being talked about. Scandal mongering is the worst of the three sins also.
"The worst servant of Allah is the one who is double faced, who praises his Muslim brother in his presence and speaks ill of him in his absence; and he is jealous of him when the other is rich, but forsakes him when in need. (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, page 343).
This saying speaks of lying and scandal mongering. Two of the worst sins a devout Muslim can possess. The better Muslim speaks good or remains silent and covers the faults of the Muslim brother.A Muslim must make 70 excuses for a friend before becoming angry.
Sexual Intercourse to be Avoided
All sexual intercourse is to avoided until the fast is broken. Both husband and wife are held responsible for any sexual contact. Even kissing must be avoided, if it would arouse feelings that need to be avoided. Prophet Mohammad has guided the Muslim on the correct conduct during Ramadan and should a Muslim break this rule, the fast is void. Unlike when food is eaten accidentally, the Muslim simply asks Allah for forgiveness and continues the fast.
If the sexual intercourse was intentional then the Muslim must fast an additional 60 days continuously in a row. If the person is unable to do that then the feeding of 60 poor people is necessary. In addition to sexual intercourse, masturbation is also forbidden.
Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil and Say No Evil
In a final summary of what is to be avoided, follow the "speak no evil, hear no evil and say no evil" title. Television and computer time should be eliminated, except for the watching of news, prayer services in Mecca and Medina and programs to teach the Muslim how to fast and become close to Allah.
Do not remain in the company of those who do wrong and commit sins and avoid and backbiting and scandal mongering. The Muslim who listens to gossiping would be held responsible as though the words came from their own mouth. It is a time to read Quran, go to the mosque and pray the late night prayers and send blessings on Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him.
Search for Layalat al Qadr in the last ten days of the month and say A Special Prayer for Layalat Al-Qadr in hopes of obtaining the reward of 1000 months of worship. Say dua for the sick, the needy and the persecuted and make nothing bad in the dua and only seek Allah's protection from any evil intended.
Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever this name is mentioned.
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