Gifts on eid: sunnah or bida'h?

As the end of the holy month ramadan coming closer, in many countries, muslims started already with their "eid-shopping"... While in some families it is a custom to gift sweets, new shoes and cloths for the children only, some other families are basicly exchanging gifts on end of ramadan. Due to its actuality, the question came up on many islamic forums: is it sunnah, or is it bida'h to exchange gifts on the occassion of eid? Are we immitating the kuffar if we are doing so? I was searching for some evidence regarding eid-gifts, and this is what i found: According to shaikh Muhammad al-Jibali. 
The Sunnah does not support gift exchange for the occasion of Eid. The only exception is sadaqatul-fitr given to the poor on Eidul-Fitr, and part of the sacrifice given away on Eidul-Adha.

However, if the gift exchange results in a definite maslahah (benefit) for Muslims that cannot be attained otherwise - such as to bring feelings of pleasure and dignity to the Muslim children on these days, or to make da`wah to the non-Muslims or the weak-hearted Muslims, then it may be done. Still, this should not be made a regular practice consistently associated with the Eid. And Allah knows best.


BUT, and this is something else as "gift" in western sense, if it comes to paying zakaat or sadaqatul-fitr, or basicly any kind of charity, it is always better to give it to family-members in need as to others, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is two things: charity and upholding the ties of kinship.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2582; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.  In this sense, if you feel that a family member of yours is in need of new clothing for example, a sister or an aunty or your mother, its better to spend the sadaqatul-fitr on a new abaya for them, as on anything else. But in that case it is important to define it as charity instead of giving it as gift. 


We can't say giving a gift would be immitating the kuffar, for two reasons: gifting is sunnah (just that it is not bound on occassion), and also, coz for example the habit of gifting on christmas day is not their religious custom, rather a custom which had its origin in different cultures.
Gift giving was common in the roman celebration of Saturnalia, for example  an ancient festival which took place in late December and may have influenced Christmas customs. Christmas gift giving was even banned by the catholic church in the Middle Ages due to its suspected pagan origins. So far we can't bound the custom of giving gift on any religious practice of the kuffar, its rather an act of kindness. 
There are many hadiths which states that our Prophet used to accept and give gifts. Here a few of this hadiths: 


Narrated Abu Huraira (RadhiAllahu 'anhu):

Whenever a meal was brought to Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam), he would ask whether it was a gift or Sadaqa (something given in charity). If he was told that it was Sadaqa, he would tell his companions to eat it, but if it was a gift, he would hurry to share it with them.

[Sahih Bukhari - Book 47, Hadith 750] 

Hadith no: 767
Narrated / Authority Of: Azra bin Thabit Al-Ansari
When I went to Thumama bin Abdullah, he gave me some perfume and said that Anas would not reject the gifts of perfume. Anas said: The Prophet (SAW) used not to reject the gifts of perfume.

Hadith no: 769
Narrated / Authority Of: Aisha
Allah's Messenger used to accept gifts and used to give something in return.

Hadith no: 773
Narrated / Authority Of: Ibn Abbas
The Prophet (SAW) said, "One who takes back his gift (which he has already given) is like a dog that swallows its vomit."

Hadith no: 779
Narrated / Authority Of: Aisha
I said, "O Allah's Apostle (SAW)! I have two neighbours; which of them should I give a gift to?" The Prophet (SAW) said, "(Give) to the one whose door is nearer to you."

And there are many many more regarding gifting, which states, that giving gifts was a great practice from our Prophet and the sahabas, as an act of kindness. But none of the hadeeths i found bound those gifts on any special occassion.

Farther i didnt find any fatwa, hadeeth or verse from the Quoran which would indicate that our Prophet used to make special gifts for his family members on this special day. But i found many hadeeths describing the sunnah practice of the eidul fitr. InshaAllah i will share them with you before end of ramadan, so that we all can enjoy its benefits together. 

Marginal notes on a hadeeth........

A man came to the Holy Prophet(sws) and related this incident of his pre-lslamic days of ignorance:

"I had a daughter who was much attached to me. When I called her, she would come running to me. One day I called her and took her out with me. On the way we came across a well. Holding her by the hand I pushed her into the well. Her last words that I heard were: Oh father, oh father!!"

Hearing this the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) wept and tears started falling from his eyes. One of those present on the occasion said: O man, you have grieved the Holy Prophet.

The Holy Prophet(pbuh) said: Do not stop him, let him question about what he feels so strongly now. Then the Holy Prophet asked him to narrate his story once again. When he narrated it again the Holy Prophet wept so bitterly that his beard became wet with tears. Then he said to the man: "Allah has forgiven that you did in the days of ignorance: now turn to Him in repentance.'

[According to a Hadith related in the first chapter of Sunan Darimi]

Source: Tafheem Al Qur'an 


Whenever im reading this hadeeth i feel overwhelmed from my emotions. Firstly, as i am from nature very soft hearted, surely, i'm also droping a tear about the destiny of that daughter who was feeling so attached to her father, than about the cruelty of the father........ This are the emotions of many human beings so far, regardless if they are muslims or not, i think. But than, and thats the greater emotion which overcomes the heart of the believer. This one is thankfulness about the greatness from Allah. Nobody but Allah alone can turn the hearts, even the heart of such a cruel individum who was able to throw his own loving daughter without any reason in a well....... and even such a man could experience the mercy from Allah, SoubhanAllah. 

"And whoever does evil, or wrongs his own soul, but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, will find Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate."

(Qur’an 4:110)

Algeria :Two Children Die of Thirst After Fasting!

Ramadan is a Holy month and God has ordered us to fast for the numerous benefits fasting has but has also given us the mind to think and decide when it's dangerous to fast; like when being ill or being old or if fasting will do more harm to our bodies than good. Its also discouraged for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and women during their period.
 
Parents should start teaching their kids to fast gradually until they are old enough and strong enough to fast a full day.
Children in the growing age should not be forced to fast, especially when it's hot and the day is too long for them to stay without food or water.

In Algeria, two kids died of thirst because their parents would't allow them to drink water and encouraged them to wait until sunset.
Both children went to their mothers and asked them for water, but the mothers told them to wait and have patience, only to find their kids dead minutes before the Iftar!

The first, an 8-year-old girl, died of thirst after fasting a whole day during a heat wave that hit Algeria this week.
The second, a 10-year-old boy, also died of thirst just the same.

The parents, although wanting good for their children, did them harm and caused their deaths.
Forcing their children to fast has proven that they do not understand the commandments of Islam relating to Ramadan and the purpose of fasting.
Children (who did not reach puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them to fast few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In fact this was the practise of the first women of Islam who were living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that: "The Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar, saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement, as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until it was time to eat." [al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

We say that children should fast the "fasting of the birdie" which is having a glass of milk in the morning, something small for lunch and drinking a couple of glasses of water during the day until the sunset.
They should also learn the most important part of fasting, which is seeking more religious knowledge, reading the Quoran and the Hadeeth, helping others, not saying bad words, not shouting, not lying and not talking about others behind their backs. It is part of parental responsibility to monitor the condition of their children during such special circumstances as fasting. 

There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easilly as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:

• Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days upto every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achivement.
  
• Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the gretness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.
  
• If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.
  
• Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast
  
• Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.
  
• Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.
  
• Teach them to recite Qur'an regularily and inform them that the Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.
  
• Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unaccaptable words and remind them that they are fasting ot they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.
  
• Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.
  
• Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.
  
• Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer. Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.
  

and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and Muslim]

I really don't know what to write about the sadness i feel inside when im thinking about the death of those two children. May Allah grant them paradise and forgive their parents.

(Quraan: 2:156): "Inna lil-laahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon"
[Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.]

EATING THE SUHOOR ( THE PRE-DAWN MEAL):

Suhoor is distinctive of the Ummah of Muhammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam;

`Amr Ibn al-`Aas reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book [Jews and Christians] is the taking of Suhoor". [Muslim]

There are blessings in Suhoor ...

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "Indeed Allah placed blessing in the Suhoor and in the weighing [of grain]". [Shirazi and al-Khateeb/ al-Jami`us-Sagheer; Hasan]

Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat Suhoor, for there are blessings in it." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Salman also reported that the Prophet said: "Blessing is in three : The Jama`a [the congregation of the Muslims], The Thareed [a broth of (crumbled) bread and meat] and the Suhoor". [Tabarani and Abu Nu`aim; Hasan]

A companion said: "I entered upon the Prophet (S) and he was taking the Suhoor and he said: "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it". [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i; Sahih].

Abud-Dardaa' reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Come to the blessed morning meal (meaning the Suhoor)". [Ahmad, an-Nasa`i and Abu Dawood].

"Perhaps the greatest blessing of Suhoor is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala (SWT) [Most High and Free of all imperfection], covers the people eating Suhoor with His forgiveness and send His Mercy upon them. The angles ask for forgiveness for them and supplicate to Allah to pardon them, so that they may be granted freedom from the Fire by the Most Merciful in the month of the Qur'an

Abu Said al-Khudri said: The Prophet (S) said: "The Suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a gulp of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take Suhoor". [Ahmad and Ibn Abi Shaibah]

These reports from the Prophet (S) leave no room for the believer to miss Suhoor. Therefore let us take it upon us to never miss it.

WHAT WOULD FULFILL EATING SUHOOR?

Eating Suhoor would be fulfilled by eating a small or large quantity of food, or even just by drinking a sip of water as mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Said al-Khudri. However, the best of Suhoor is eating dates since the Prophet (S) said: "How excellent are dates as the believer's Suhoor". [Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban and al-Baihaqee; Sahih]

(b) The time for Suhoor: The time for Suhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn a possible).

The Prophet (S) said: "Hasten the breaking of the fast and delay the Suhoor". [Sahih al-Jami`]

Zaid ibn Thabit reported: "We ate Suhoor with the Messenger of Allah and then we got up for the prayer. He was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He responded: '[The time it would take to recite] fifty ayat."' [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

'Amr ibn Maimun adds: "The companions of Muhammad (S), would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Suhoor." [al-Baihaqi, Abdur-Razzaq and al-Haithami; Sahih]

The Prophet (S) said: "We, the Prophets, have been ordered to hasten breaking the fast, delay the Suhoor, and to put our right hand on the left one in prayer". [Sahih al-Jami`]

Lipstick and fasting........

Todays topic: muslimahs nightmare. I was approached a few times regarding my make up. Being a typical middle eastern arab girl, khol for my eyes is kinda part from my daily styling. Besides, it is sunnah. Usually i don't care much about other people's opinion, as long i know im on the safe side (means im not doing any haram / not stepping over islamic limmits), but as ramadan started yesterday, the doubt in me was coming up: is it right to wear lipstick / lipgloss or basicly any kind of make up / beautifying product during ramadan? This is what i found as answer on islam-qa.com: 

What is the ruling on wearing lipstick during the day in Ramadaan? Does it break the fast? Please note that some lipsticks have a slight taste and some have no taste; some types of lipstick may be dry and some may be moist.

----------------------------

Praise be to Allaah.

All kinds of preparations that are put on the outside of the body, whether they are absorbed through the skin or not, and whether they are for treatment, moisturizing, beautification or any other purpose, do not break the fast unless they are swallowed by the fasting person.

The mere fact that it has a taste does not affect the fast so long as one does not swallow anything.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/260):

What is the ruling on women using kohl and some cosmetics during the day in Ramadaan? Do these things break the fast or not?

He replied:

Kohl does not break the fast of men or women according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, but it is better to use it at night if one is fasting.

The same applies to soaps, creams etc that are used to beautify the face and are applied to the surface of the skin, including henna, makeup and the like. There is nothing wrong with using them for one who is fasting, but makeup should not be used if it will cause harm to the face. And Allaah is the source of strength. End quote. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the ruling on a fasting person using ointment to treat dryness of the lips.

He replied:

There is nothing wrong with a person using ointment to moisturise the lips or nose, or moistening them with water, or with a cloth and the like, but he should avoid anything that could reach the throat. But if anything reaches the throat without him intending it to, there is no sin on him, just as if he rinses his mouth and some water reaches his throat by accident, his fast is not invalidated by that. End quote.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (19/224).

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) said in Fataawa ‘Ulama’ Balad al-Haraam (201):

There is nothing wrong with applying creams to the body when fasting if there is a need for that, because the cream only reaches the surface of the skin and does not enter the body. Even if it is absorbed by the pores it is not regarded as breaking the fast. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

My addition to this fatwa: use halal make up, without alkohol and pork, non-comedogenic (products which are NOT causing acne). A great make up line for sisters who want to keep it 100 % halal with their beautifying products: the brand Samina Pure. 

http://saminapuremakeup.com/  . In this sense: "beautifull" Ramadan kareem for all sisters :)

Rulings on Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183): 

'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.'

The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet(S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said:

'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well. Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet of Allah is reported to have said:

'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'
(Al-Bukhari)

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?

Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The following exemptions apply:

1. the insane;
2. children who are not adolescent yet;
3. the elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; Such persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for which he or she has missed fasting.
4. pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;
5. the ill and the travellers can also defer their fasting.
   Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara:

   'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties.'

6. Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement. Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a day.

DURATION OF SAWM:

Fasting starts everyday in Ramadan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.
 

VALIDITY OF FASTING:

The validity of fasting depends on the following:

1. Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
2. The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says:
   

   'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)

   It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:

   Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.)

The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a penalty).
 

The following are the things that require Qada only:

1. Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.
2. Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.
3. The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset.
4. Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.
5. Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.
6. Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset.

Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:
Sexual intercourse during fasting(dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor people-one average meal each.

Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time. A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin. Thus during the time of the Prophet(S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.

 

What does not break the fast:

1. If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him drink.  (A Hadith from Muslim).
2. Unintentional vomiting.
3. Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.
4. Brushing the teeth.
5. Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.

Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:

Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of the year.

Reference: "Every Day Fiqh" by Maulana Yusuf Islahi, translated by Abdul Aziz Kamal.

Ramadan Kareem...........

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

According to the Islamic texts, Ramadan began with Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam who was born in 570 CE in the Arabian city of Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was reared by his uncle Abu Talib. The boy grew up to be a merchant, as well as a shepherd. He was first married by age 25.

Gradually Muhammad began to be dissatisfied with his life in Mecca. Having an idealistic and religious temperament from his very early days, he retreated to the caves in the surrounding mountains of Mecca for meditation and reflection.

According to Islam, one night during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 A.D. when Muhammad was 40 years of age and was passing the month in meditation in Mount Hira, he had a vision of an angel appearing before him. This angel introduced himself as Jibril and revealed that Muhammad was the messenger of Allah and was born to be a prophet to his people. The angel asked Muhammad to recite what he said:

"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.
Creates man from a clot.
Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful
Who teaches by the pen,
He teaches man what he does not know."

With a confounded mind, Muhammad descended from Mount Hira and told everything to his wife Khadijah. He feared that he had had an encounter with an evil spirit. But Khadijah allayed his fears reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a demon. She took him to her old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal and told the latter everything about Muhammad's meeting with the angel. Waraqa ibn Nawfal was a much learned man and was well-versed in various sacred texts concerning different religion. The lettered man convinced Muhammad that he was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the same divine messenger Gabriel who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.

In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the most sacred book in Islam.

It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. "Laylat al-Qadr" - a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy knowledge was gifted to Muhammad and mankind. The followers of Islam consider "Laylat al-Qadr" as the "Night of the Power", the holiest night of the year.

As a mark of respect to Allah and to show gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his followers (and therefore the followers of Islam) to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long non-indulgence with festive celebrations.

The Quran instructs us:

"Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation." [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185]

Thus was born the sacred occassion called Ramadan, a month-long period of austerity that sees devout Muslims across the world keep themselves away during the entire daytime, offering prayers and abstaining from almost every kind of enjoyment including drinking and abstaining from sex. For Muslims all over, it is a very special time - of introspection, meditation, self control, charitable activities, spirituality and of course, devotion to God.