Three Types of Fasting

There are three types of fasting

One is of the average Muslim (one who submits to the Will of Allah Almighty), he fasts only from food, drink, and marital relations. 

The second is the fasting of the Mu'min (believer) - he fasts from everything that is forbidden - bad language, bad thoughts, looking at bad things & listening to bad things etc. 

The third and most supreme type of fasting is that of the Muhsin (one who has perfected his faith in Allah Almighty) - and this is fasting from everything other than Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. To such a person, a Knower of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, nothing in the world exists besides Allah. Wherever he looks, he sees Allah swt, whenever he thinks, he thinks of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala!

[Imam Ghazali]

Quran-e-Pak : There is no Deity Except ALLAH

ALLAH (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

[Qur'an 2:255]

Reward Without Measure

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied between ten and seven hundred times, but Allah says, ‘Except for fasting, because it is for Me and I will give the reward for it.’” [Bukhaari]

Among the actions which will be multiplied beyond measure, to an extent known only to the One Who gives the reward, is fasting.

The reason that the one who fasts will be given reward without measure is that fasting requires Sabr (patience), and those who are patient will be given reward without measure. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without measure.” [Surah Az-Zumar: Ayat 10]

Imaam Qurtubi said: “The scholars said, ‘Every reward will be measured and weighed out, except (the reward for) fasting, which will be poured out and heaped up.’” [Tafseer al-Qurtubi]

Fasting helps us to achieve Taqwa

Fasting helps us to achieve Taqwa by training us to be conscious of Allah.

When we are alone making Wudu and we put water in our mouths, we can easily swallow some of it and no other human being will know, but what is it that prevents us from doing so? It's our realization that even if nobody knows about it, Allah still knows and our fast would not be accepted. Our consciousness of Allah prevented us from swallowing the water. Thus if we are alone thinking about committing a sin, we should be in the same state of consciousness. If we fast often, we will be training ourselves to be conscious of Allah at all times.

Fasting is not just about starving our bodies and holding back natural desires. it's about helping us achieve Taqwa.

"O you who have believe, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain Taqwa." al-Baqarah / 183

The Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever does not abstain from false speech and acting upon it, Allaah has no need of his abstaining from his food and drink.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari

If fasting does not prevent us from committing sins, then we have not fulfilled the purpose of fasting.

Daily Ramadan Prayers.. Dua: DAY 1

Asalam o Allikum,

Below are 30 Daily Ramadan Prayers (Duas) that will, inshallah, make the fast easier, enlighten the mind, and ennoble the heart.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 1

ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.

RAMADAN The Month of Spiritual Uplift

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.

The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

• Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

• Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.

• Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

• Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

• Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.

• Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May ALLAH accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May ALLAH bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

RAMADAN MUBARAK 2013

May This Ramadan Brings happiness and blessings for you and your family. May ALLAH give   you strength to maximize your "Ajro Swab" Ameen