Enjoying RamadhanRules of fasting [Archives:2003/682/Community]

By Ahmed Hamoud Al-Quadi
For the Yemen Times
The word “Sawm,” which has been used in the Holy Quran and Hadith for fasting, means to abstain from food, drink and many other things. It is really an institution for the purification of the soul. In addition to that, Swam is the first and foremost motivation for moral and spiritual training on the one hand and on cheerful obedient on the other hand.
As a matter of fact, fasting has been imposed on us for our own benefit. Through it, the primary benefits are that we learn self-restraint, discipline of our appetite and flexibility of our habits. When Muslims exercise fasting, they are all at an equal footing with one another. Thus, it is a communal experience. Fasting generates patience and endurance in the Muslim society. It teaches man self-respect and urges all Muslims to be generous in what concerns money, as it is known as the season of charity, devotion and comfort. Ramadhan, the school of fasting

Ramadhan is the only month that Allah has named in the Holy Quran. It is the sole month, which effaces all previous sins. In addition, it is started with mercy, intervened with forgiveness and ended with freeing fasters from the hell-fire. It is a yearly station that provides those who fast with a living faith.

Those who fast are:
1- Muslim
2- Sane
3- Pubescent
4- Able
5- Present
People who are exempt are:
1- Sick people
2- Travelling people
3- Pregnant and nursing women
4- Women in menstruation
5- Too old and feeble people
6- Immature children
7- Insane people

Desirable acts for the fasting people include:
1- Taking the Sahoor
2- Hastening the breaking of the fast
3- Supplicating at the time of fast breaking
4- Keeping limbs
5- Reciting the Holy Quran
6- Pushing inviting people to break fasting
7- Giving charity

Actions that spoil fasting are:
1- Eating and drinking delibrately
2- Intentional vomit
3- Women in the course of menses or confinement
4- Intentional sexual intercourse
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