Indian Recipe book

RAMADAN KAREEM

Assalam alaikum
A beautiful month is here I am just making a reminder to u all as it is said " human need a constant reminder"

The word Ramadan comes from the noun Ramad, which refers to "the heat of the stones arising from the intense heat of the sun." The ninth month was named Ramadan because when the Arabs changed the names of the months from the ancient language, they named them according to the seasons in which they happen to fall.

This month, which used to be called Natiq, fell during the summer, the time of extreme heat. [1]

The Merits of Ramadan

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have said that "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened." [2] The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for one to do the deeds that could bring him/her closer to Paradise.

Fasting in Ramadan is also an opportunity to atone for one's sins. Abu Hurayrah quoted the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, "Who ever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [3]

Fasting also provides protection from evil for those who sincerely fast. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was reported to have said, "Fasting is a shield." [4]

Allah has a special reward which He personally gives one who fasts faithfully. Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) quoted Allah as saying, "Every act of Adam's descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it." [5]

Perhaps the greatest and most unique merit of Ramadan lies in the fact that the Quran, which is the last and only unchanged book of Divine Guidance remaining in the world, was revealed during this month. Allah states:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as a (pure source of) guidance for mankind. In it are clear teachings showing the Right Way and the Criterion (for judging truth and falsehood)."   [Noble Quran 2:185]

This act of revelation represents the greatest blessing from Almighty Allah to mankind, who had become steeped in darkness and ignorance since the time of the prior revelation. Without this supreme act of mercy, the weakening glimmer of guidance would have gone out completely and oppression would have reigned in all corners of the globe.

Sighting of The Moon

It is fard kifayah (a collective duty) on the Muslims to make an effort to sight the moon of Ramadan on the 29th of Sha'ban. It is wrong to depend solely on the calendar and other astronomical calculations to begin the fast, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself instructed, "Begin the fast on the sighting of the moon and break the fast likewise, but if the sky is cloudy (on the 29th of Sha'ban), then estimate it (by completing) 30 days of Sha'ban. [6]

Definition of Sawm or Siyam (fasting)

The literal meaning of sawm is to restrain oneself from something. For example, Allah tells us in al-Quran that Maryam said,

"Surely I have vowed to ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful, Allah) to fast (sawm)."  [Noble Quran 19:26]

The fast here means to be silent, that is, to abstain from speaking. Islamically, Sawm means to abstain from food, drink and sexual relation between dawn and sunset.

Classification of Sawm

Sawm is wajib (compulsory) on Muslims, according to the Quran and Sunnah [tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him)], during the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, called Ramadan, every year. Allah said in the Quran,

"The month of Ramadan: in it was sent down the Quran, guidance to mankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and the standard for distinguishing between right and wrong. Whosoever of you witnesses the month should fast it."
[Noble Quran 2:185]

Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Islam is built on five (pillars): ..fasting in Ramadan." [1]
.
.
.
.
Please do remember me and my family members and our friends ummah in your precious dua .

Allah Hafiz:)