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Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has given
guidance to the Muslims for each and every thing. He has given detailed
instructions on when to start the month of Ramadhan and how to spend
time during this month.
Beginning and Ending of Ramadhan: Hazrat Ibn
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) has narrated that: "I heard the
Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying that
you should start fasting when you see the moon for the month of Ramadhan
and stop fasting when you see the new moon" (Sahih Bukhari,
Kitab-ulSaum).
Forgetfulness
while fasting: The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said:
"if some mistakenly eats while fasting he should complete his fast
till the evening because surely Allah made him eat and drink" (Sahih
Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Saum).
Importance of eating breakfast: Anas relates
that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Take breakfast before
the fast begins; there is blessing in breakfast" (Bokhari and Muslim),
Zaid ibn Thabit relates: We ate breakfast during Ramadhan with the
Holy Prophet, peace be upon him said: "The difference between our
observance of the fast and that of the People of the Book is eating
of breakfast" (Muslim).
Etiquettes of Sehri (food taken at dawn):
Sehri is a blessed meal. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him) has said: "This is truly a blessing. One strengthens
in oneself the habit of getting up early in the morning and to worship
Allah and one can offer humble prayers to Him." The Holy Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said: "Eat Sehri as there
are blessings in eating Sehri" (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Saum).
At
time of Iftar (opening the Fast): There are some times during the
day that are more helpful and assist in prayers being answered, Allah
accepts more prayers when the fast is opened. In one saying the Holy
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has reported to
have said: "No prayer is rejected at the time of the opening of the
fast that is offered by someone who has been fasting" (Sunan Ibn Maja,
Al-Abwab Al-Dawat).
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