Source of the presentation “RAMADHAAN As observed by the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam” A Summarized version of the book Sifah Saum an-Nabee By, Shaikh Saleem al-Hilaalee & Shaikh ‘Alee Hasan al-Halabee Presentation made by www.sarandibmuslims.com For question or comment pls. contact info@sarandibmuslims.com

1. Sighting the MoonSighting the Moon
The beginning and ending of Ramadhaan depends on sighting the crescent
(new moon) or by completing 30 days of that month.
“Fast when it is seen, and cease fasting when it is seen and perform the
rites of Hajj based upon that and if it is hidden by clouds then complete
thirty (days), and if two witnesses testify, then fast and cease fasting.”
Nasaaee # 2118
Even the witness of a single person who has seen the moon is acceptable.
Ibn ‘Umar radhiallaahu ‘anhu said,
“The people looked out for the new moon, so I informed the Prophet
sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam that I had seen it, so he fasted and
ordered the people to fast ”. Abu Daawood # 2342

2. Sighting the Moon Cont.Sighting the Moon Cont.
The person who gives the witness should be a Muslim who is pious, just and
has a good vision.
Note: One of the benefits that can be
derived from the above-mentioned Ahaadeeth is that in the Shariah, a month
does not have 31 days.

3. THE INTENTIONTHE INTENTION
For the obligatory fast, it is obligatory upon every Muslim to intend to fast in the
night itself before the Fajr prayer. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,
“He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr, there is no fast for him.” Abu
Daawood # 2454
The necessity of having the intention before the Fajr itself is particular to obligatory
fasts (and not supererogatory fasts). This is since the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam used to come to Aa’ishah radhiallaahu ‘anhaa at times other than
Ramadhaan and say,
“Do you have any food? If not, then I am fasting.” Muslim # 1154
From this we know that it is not obligatory to intend in the night for supererogatory
fasts.
Note: The place for the intention is the heart, and to pronounce this upon the tongue or reading the Du’aa
‘Allaahumma asoomu ghadan-laka faghfirlee maa qaddamtu wa maa akhhartu’ is not established from the
Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and therefore is an innovation and a misguidance.

4. THE TIME FOR BEGINNING ANDTHE TIME FOR BEGINNING AND ENDING THE FASTENDING THE FAST
The Most Wise Legislator has made the timing of the fast from true dawn to
sunset. At other times, it is permissible to eat, drink and have sexual relations
with one’s spouse. Allaah the Most High said,
“It is lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night
of the fasts.” Al-Qur’aan 2:187 And He also said, “…And eat and drink until the
white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread
(darkness of night ) , then complete your fast till the nightfall.” Al-Qur’aan 2:187
The fixed timing of the fast, till the day of resurrection, is from true dawn until sunset.
Since every Muslim is not able to discern these timings, the Adhaan is used as a
indication to inform the people about the beginning and the end of the timings of the
fast. It should be noted however that the Adhaan, in and of itself, does not represent the
prescribed time limits. Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr rahimahullaah complaining about his time
i.e. the 8th century A.H said,

5. THE TIME FOR BEGINNING ANDTHE TIME FOR BEGINNING AND ENDING THE FAST - Cont.,ENDING THE FAST - Cont.,
“One of the new things that the people nowadays have invented is that they
give the Adhaan about 20 minutes before the actual time of the true dawn
begins giving it the name of precaution which in fact is an open misguidance
and a clear innovation. And it is this same precautionary attitude that has
caused them to wait and give the Adhaan a few minutes after the sunset. In
this way they delay breaking the fast an take Suhoor early which is in clear
contradiction to the Sunnah and it is for this reason that there is little good
and much evil found in the people.” This was the condition of the people
centuries ago. As for our times, then Allaah’s refuge is sought.
Note: The rulings of fasting are
connected to the seeing with the naked eye. One should not burden himself with seeking out the
moon by means of newly invented astronomical devices or by timetables provided by the people of
astronomy. This has caused the people to go farther away from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad
sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
It is found that the administrators of many Masjids depend on calendars based on astronomical
calculations which are decades old and due to which they end up making the Suhoor early and
delay the breaking of the fast which is in contradiction to the Prophet’s Sunnah. The correct way
always is to deduce these timings based upon the beginning of Fajr and sunset

6. SUHOOR – THE PRE-DAWN MEALSUHOOR – THE PRE-DAWN MEAL It’s WisdomIt’s Wisdom
“The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the
Book is the taking of the Suhoor.” Muslim # 1099
It’s Excellence
It is blessed. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,
“Blessing is in three: the Jamaa’ah, Thareed (a broth of crumbled bread
and meat) and the Suhoor.” Tabraanee # 9147
A companion of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,
“I entered upon the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and he was
taking the Suhoor and he said: ‘It is a blessing which Allaah has given to
you, so do not leave it.” Nasaaee # 2164

7. SUHOOR – THE PRE-DAWN MEALSUHOOR – THE PRE-DAWN MEAL
It’s Wisdom – Cont.,It’s Wisdom – Cont.,
And it is clear that the Suhoor is a blessing since it is an act
that is in compliance with the Sunnah. Perhaps the greatest
blessing for those who take the Suhoor is that Allaah, the
Most High, covers them with His forgiveness and sends His
mercy upon them. Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radhiallaahu
‘anhu said that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam
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
Allaah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for
those who take the Suhoor.” Ahmed # 3/12

8. Delaying theDelaying the SuhoorSuhoor
Inshah’Allah to be continued
May Allah make us one of those who understood the Deen of Allah and
Followed as per the guidance of prophet Muhammad, peace and the
blessings be upon him His family members and the righty guided companions