Ramadan fasting and its concessions
There are many amongst us whose desire to fast is eclipsed by a myriad of health problems that render them physically unfit to fast even though they may be spiritually geared up.
However, Allah, out of His mercy, has good news for this category of legally responsible Muslims. In the same verse in which Allah pronounced the obligation of fasting, He exempted from this duty, either permanently or temporarily, those who are hindered from it by forbidding physical ailments, old age, travel, etc. Allah says (what means):
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Qur’an 2: 185]
Deferred fasting and atonement
1. The traveller
2. The ill
3. Those for whom it may be difficult rather than easy.
4. Menstruating female: Menstrual bleeding causes physical impurity [Qur’an 2:222]. Some might even feel physically weak and emotionally depressed. Some degree of pain and discomfort is very common. During her period, a woman should not fast; she should start fasting only when she is clean. She is required to make up the days she missed at a later date.
5. Pregnancy
6. Breast-feeding mothers: Fasting may lead to reduced milk production by the mother and if the baby is dependent solely on its mother’s milk, it may critically affect the baby’s health. If the circumstances call for, mother should defer fasting for later days or make alternative arrangements, e.g., atonement.
7. Disability due to old age, e.g., simple physical weakness which can be complicated by calorie deprivation or dehydration. Since old age is irreversible, regular atonement will be necessary.
8. Chronic irreversible pathological conditions e.g., old age dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may need regular atonement.
9. Psychological disorders: depending on the reversibility, persons suffering from these disorders may need temporary or permanent atonement.
10. Any chronic illness where there are less chances of recovery and fasting may further complicate the situation e.g., some form of Diabetes Mellitus or any other condition that requires frequent medications and monitoring of patient’s condition, atonement will be the alternative means.
It is noteworthy that there is no permanent exemption from fasting.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
Why talk about our Salaf?
Every nation boasts of its predecessors and the contributions they had made, whether in spiritual or materialistic fields. Every nation raises high the rank of its scholars and boasts about them and their history.
People normally do this to display the virtues of their predecessors and to set them as role models for the forthcoming generations in order to encourage them to follow in their footsteps and make them proud of having such predecessors.
The normal outcome of this is embodied by the zeal demonstrated by these new generations to actively work to improve and develop themselves to be carbon copies of their predecessors.
More than any other nation, we Muslims have a lot to be proud of and have many bright examples to follow among our Salaf (predecessors), may Allah have mercy upon them.
Our Salaf, may Allah have mercy upon them, certainly deserve to be held in high esteem due to their precise compliance with the instructions of Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
Who is it, then, that we refer to by the term “our Salaf”? They, may Allah have mercy upon them, are the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and those who followed in their footsteps.
They were leading examples for those who came after them in all regards, especially in how strictly they obeyed Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
Our Salaf, may Allah have mercy upon them, practiced the highest level of adherence to the sayings of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, in all their affairs. This was clearly demonstrated by the way they practically lived their lives and was directly reflected in the way they performed their acts of worship.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
