August 11 in the majority Arab countries The month of Ramadan has begun.

Ramadan (رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most sacred and cherished of all months. Ramadan is tied to lunar calendar and the new moon, therefore the month of Ramadan according to our calendar always falls at different times.

It was in the holy month of Ramadan, on the night of Qadr (Night of Destiny), that the whole - as we see it today - was transferred from the Lawhi-Mahfuz (Kept Tablets) to our worldly sky, and from there was gradually, in accordance with the needs of the time , reported to the Prophet Muhammad for 23 years. Since the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan, it was decided that this Holy month was intended to purify the soul and enrich the mind.

Ramadan is a month of fasting, mercy and forgiveness. During Ramadan, one must observe a strict fast from dawn to dusk, that is, from approximately 5 am to 7 pm. The fast lasts 30 days, but you only need to fast during daylight hours. During the day you can’t smoke, eat or drink at all. With the onset of sunset and before dawn, all prohibitions are lifted - you can eat everything, there are no restrictions on food, as in Christian fasting. By the way, even during Ramadan you can’t make love during the day, you have to wait until sunset. During Ramadan, one is supposed to ask everyone for forgiveness, do good deeds and help the poor. Many rich Muslims prepare packages of food and give them to poor people - some semblance of humanitarian aid.

In general, Ramadan is considered a holiday, and housewives try to prepare the best food for their family during Ramadan, but before sunset there should not be a crumb of bread or a drop of water in the mouth.

The concept of such fasting is as follows: fasting is important because the fasting person becomes more God-fearing, does what the Almighty commands, and, humbly observing the rules all day long, and then having the opportunity to quench his hunger and thirst, realizes the mercy of the Almighty towards him.

In addition, it is believed that fasting is useful in spiritual and social terms, as well as from a medical point of view, because it develops willpower, teaches one to overcome difficulties, and more easily give up vicious habits and weaknesses. During the period of fasting, a person learns to control himself. Meanwhile, this year the month of Ramadan fell in hot August, so it’s not easy to go without water all day.

A fast broken or interrupted during Ramadan will need to be “worked out” later. And, since you cannot drink any liquid during fasting, Muslims clearly described all possible cases of getting any liquid or food into the mouth and established whether this entry breaks the fast or is permissible. Here are some of the most interesting.

Actions that do not break the fast:

- swallowing saliva, regardless of its quantity;
- if the mouth has been thoroughly rinsed, then there is no harm in the reddish tint of saliva that appears after eating areca palm leaves;
- unintentional entry of water into the throat if a person performs ablution and does not remember about fasting;
- unintentional vomiting, regardless of the amount of vomit;
- ingestion of saliva mixed with blood from a wound in the oral cavity, if the amount of blood is less than saliva;
- tasting something with the tongue and then spitting it out (Such an action, if done unnecessarily, is makrooh - undesirable, although not prohibited. But it is not makrooh when a woman has a rude husband who can start a quarrel over a lack salt in food.);
- chewing food and feeding it to the child when necessary (unnecessarily - makruh);
- It is makruh to brush your teeth with toothpaste or tooth powder - if the paste or powder, regardless of the amount, gets into the throat, the fast will be broken.

Actions that break the fast and require compensation after Ramadan by one-day fasting:

- swallowing food particles stuck between the teeth, the size of chickpeas or larger;
- if food particles stuck between the teeth are removed from the mouth and then eaten, the fast becomes invalid, regardless of the size of the particles;
- if a person overslept after Suhoor with an areca palm leaf in his mouth;
- deliberate vomiting full of mouth;
- swallowing back a small amount of vomit that came out unintentionally;
- eating inedible or not used as medicine, that is, nuts, pieces of iron, etc.;
- putting oil in the ears;
- enema for constipation;
- ingestion of blood from oral wounds mixed with saliva, if there is more blood than saliva.

By the way, the punishment for violating fasting (not for those small points above, but for serious ones - drinking, eating or sex) is quite serious. It is called kaffarah and means compensation for breaking the fast of Ramadan by fasting for 60 days in a row. If the kaffarah is interrupted even for a day, it will be necessary to start the kaffarah from the very beginning.

But there are certain exceptions when a person can avoid fasting - in case of illness, illness, travel, but in this case, it is also necessary to compensate for the fast later.

As you already know, you can eat right after sunset. This evening reception food is called iftar (breaking the fast). According to tradition, iftar should take place immediately after sunset, and it is not advisable to postpone it. First you need to read a prayer, drink water and eat a date. At Iftar for dinner at home. If iftar finds you on the street, you need to have a snack on the way.

During Ramadan, everyone stays up late, so Iftar is followed by other meals, and so on until almost four in the morning.

We were created for worship, and fasting is one of worship, and secondly, Allah himself rewards fasting.

In the Qur'an, you have probably seen many verses that say that Allah knows what is in our thoughts, what our intention is. But the angels cannot know this, they are recorders, they record our deeds, and the Almighty will make the calculation. That is why there is an opinion that angels cannot know the reward for fasting, since they do not know whether this person fasted or not, with prayer everything is clear, when a person prays it is visible, but fasting, how to define it? It is worth paying attention to the saying of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in which he said: “Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied, and the smallest reward for a good deed will be rewarded tenfold, but it can increase up to seven hundred times.”

Allah Almighty said: “With the exception of fasting, for, truly, fasting is done for My sake, and I will reward it, since a person refuses to satisfy his desires and food for My sake!”, this inspires hope for a truly great reward.

Along with the above, fasting is a cleansing from committed sins. Thus, the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays at night during Ramadan with faith and hope for a reward from Allah will have his previous sins forgiven,” and, importantly, it is good for health. Speaking about this, the Messenger of Allah said: “Fast, you will be healthy!”

Ramadan is a kind of catalyst; good deeds performed this month have a much greater degree of reward than those performed on other ordinary days. That's why most of Muslims try to pray more during the month of Ramadan, give alms, pay zakat, and the wealthy go on umrah (minor pilgrimage). Good deeds done during Ramadan are more rewarding.

Fasting time

Fasting is observed from dawn to sunset throughout. You can eat before morning adhan. But given that the correct time with dawn is relatively set according to what is written in the calendars, eating should be stopped 30 minutes before sunrise, in order to protect yourself from spoiling the day.

The basis of fasting is to fulfill three main points:

Do not eat

Not to drink

Do not have sexual intercourse

Moreover, all three basics must be performed from dawn to sunset.

These points relate in part to the external manifestation of fasting, however, one must not miss the part that is not visible to others, but is also important for fulfillment in order for the fast to be correct.

It must be taken into account that during fasting one should not swear, be hostile, talk idle talk and waste time on things that are useless from the point of view of Sharia.

Knowing the basics of the Eid, you can answer most questions that arise on the topic of fasting in the month of Ramadan. However, some questions require some explanation about what we'll talk in this article.

What spoils the post?

Violations of fasting are divided into two groups:

1. That which breaks the fast and requires its completion (kaza is the completion of the fast one day in one day) and atonement (kafarah is the obligatory observance of continuous fasting for 60 days for one day of broken fast. Who is not able to atone for the fast by due to illness, weakness, is obliged to feed 60 poor people in one day of broken fasting).

1) Eating intentionally without any valid reason;

2) Intentionally committed sexual intercourse.

2. What breaks the fast and requires only replenishment:

1) Taking food or medicine due to illness;

2) Eating by mistake, that is, if you ate or drank after dawn, assuming that dawn had not yet come, or ate during the day, thinking that the sun had already set, but it turned out that it had not set yet. An example can also be given where a person mistakenly swallowed water while performing wudu;

3) Intentional vomiting;

4) Intentional use of an object that is not regular food, such as dough, tree resin, or chewing gum;

5) The appearance of menstruation;

6) Ejaculation during love games.

What does not ruin fasting in the month of Ramadan?

1. Swimming. The Prophet, peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him, advised “to wet yourself during fasting due to heat or thirst” (Reported by Ahmad, Malik and Abu Dawud). If water is involuntarily swallowed, this does not break the fast.

2. Use of antimony. Anas reported that the Prophet used to use antimony during fasting.

3. Kiss your wife or husband while maintaining control over yourself. Aisha reported that the Prophet used to kiss and touch her during fasting.

5. Swallowing something that cannot be avoided (for example, your own saliva or street dust, etc.)

6. Tasting food when purchasing (or cooking) with the tip of the tongue.

7. Smell flowers or use perfume, etc.

9. You can continue your fast even while in junub (Junub is a state of defilement, after sexual intercourse and before bathing). Also, after the end of menstruation or the postpartum period, a woman can begin to fast if the bleeding stops at night (any time before sunset). In all the above cases, bathing can be postponed until the next morning and the fast will remain valid.

10. The one who forgets that he is fasting and starts eating or drinking. Most scholars said that in this case the fast does not deteriorate and is valid. The argument is the words of Allah Almighty: “O our Lord, do not punish us if we have forgotten or made a mistake.”

11. Involuntary vomiting. The Prophet said: “If anyone vomits involuntarily, his fast is not broken and he should not make up for (that day). But if anyone deliberately causes himself to vomit, then he must make up (for this day).” (Reported by Ahmed, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah). In any case, a Muslim must fast for the rest of the day after vomiting.

When can you make up for missed fasting days in Ramadan?

Special provisions in Islam that relate to special days There is no post for reimbursement. But it should be taken into account that the best solution is to make up for missed days as quickly as possible in the most best time for those who missed days. For example, if a person missed the month of Ramadan due to illness, then it is best for him, due to the nature of the illness, to make up days in the winter, when it will not be particularly difficult for a person to fast. If a person cannot fast in winter, then he needs to feed the poor for each day he misses.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an: “And if anyone is sick or on a journey, then let him fast for the same number of days at other times.” Qur’an, Surah “Bakara”, 185 verse. Disabled, old and sick people whose condition is not expected to recover and improve, such as: patients with asthma, diabetes mellitus, it is allowed to replace fasting by feeding the poor (in accordance with feeding one poor person for one day of missed fasting). The concept of “to feed” in Muslim law means either in the morning or in the evening.

Marriage in the month of Ramadan

You can get married in the month of Ramadan, however, during daylight hours you cannot have a feast and the newlyweds cannot have sexual intercourse. There are also no prohibitions on performing nikah between two gayats.

Ramadan and pregnancy

A woman can keep her spirits up during pregnancy. But if the fast becomes the cause of malaise, impotence or insufficient nutrition for the child, and also the nursing woman has a fear of loss of milk or strength, then in this case they are allowed not to fast on the basis of the rule of Islamic law: “On the inadmissibility of causing harm and grave consequences.” But they must make up for the fast after the birth of the child, as well as feeding him - day after day of the missed fast. It should also be noted that it is not necessary to observe consistency in completing the fast. This is evidenced by the words of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him: “You can not take into account the sequence in completing the fast, since Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an: “And if anyone is sick or on a journey, then let him fast the same number of days at another time” ( that is, Allah did not indicate that it is necessary to observe the sequence of missed days for the specified reasons. You can first fast one day, and a week later - another missed day of the month of Ramadan). Qur'an, Surah "Bakara", 185 verses. The same applies to a woman who has not fasted for several years due to successive births and breastfeedings. Ibrahim An-Nahgi said: “Even if the second Ramadan comes, then it is necessary to keep both fasts (obligatory and compulsory), and fasting cannot be replaced by feeding the poor. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “It happened that I could only complete my fast in the month of Shagban.” Section “Completing the fast”, “Sahih Bukhari”, hadith No. 1849, Sahih Ibn Hibban, hadith No. 3516.

The position of pregnant and lactating women is equal to the position of a traveler and a sick person (temporary permission to interrupt fasting due to difficulty), therefore they should definitely make up for fasting whenever possible and cannot replace fasting by feeding the poor, like a traveler.

Intimate relationships in the month of Ramadan

If you have read about the basics of fasting, then the ban, as you understand, on sexual intercourse applies to daylight hours of the month of Ramadan. At night, spouses are allowed to have intimacy without restrictions, but within the limits permitted by Sharia.

Get pregnant in Ramadan

There are no prohibitions on pregnancy (due this month) in Islam. On the contrary, some couples who were unable to get pregnant in normal months became pregnant in this month. This can be associated with diligent worship in the month of Ramadan and with asking forgiveness for sins.

Wet dream in Ramadan

Ejaculation that occurs in a dream does not spoil the fast, even if it happened during the daytime.

Periods in Ramadan

A woman cannot fast during her period - it is prohibited. Although there are methods to delay the onset of menstruation by taking pills. This option is possible, although it is worth leaving everything as it is, because in this case, even without fasting, the woman fulfills the command of the Almighty, for which she will receive a reward.

Smoking in Ramadan

Smoking breaks the fast, and this action is not appropriate for a Muslim. If earlier it was possible to say that smoking cannot be regarded as haram, now, when cigarette packs say that smoking kills or causes cancer, we can say with confidence that smoking is haram. Because it causes damage to health, even death.

Pricks (injections) in Ramadan

In this case, injections are divided into vitamin injections and injections for other purposes, for example, painkillers. Injections with vitamins and glucose spoil the fast, but injections necessary to maintain normal life or painkillers are allowed and do not spoil the fast.

Death before compensation for missed post

If a person died before he had the opportunity to make up for the missed fast, then he is supposed to be given fidia (especially if it was bequeathed by the deceased), or food, or the amount of money that the kazy established for a certain region.

What is undesirable to do during fasting?

1. It is not advisable to stay in water or a bath for a long time, as there is a possibility of water entering the body;

2. Do not engage in amorous advances (hugs and kisses);

3. Do not gargle;

4. Do not perform bloodletting, as this can weaken a person so much that he will have to break his fast;

5. Don't taste food.

6. Do not swallow your saliva that has previously accumulated in your mouth.

What is advisable to do during fasting?

Performing Taraweeh prayers collectively. It is performed after the obligatory night (Isha) prayer.

Observing Suhoor (eating before dawn). Even if you don’t feel like eating, it’s best to drink at least a couple sips of water. The Messenger of Allah said: “Eat before dawn, for at that time there is grace” (Bukhari);

Break your fast as quickly as possible. The Messenger of Allah said: “People will be in good health as long as they hurry to break their fast” (Bukhari);

When breaking the fast, it is advisable to turn to Allah with a prayer. It is reported that Abdullah b. Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “The prayer of a fasting person when he breaks his fast is not rejected.”

Perform as many prayers as possible and turn to Allah as often as possible;

Dedicate more time to reading and studying the Holy Quran. The Messenger of Allah read the Quran most of all, especially in the month of Ramadan (Bukhari).

Thank Allah for the opportunity to fast during Ramadan.

Prepared by Abdussabur Khairutdinov

During Ramadan it is important to remember proper nutrition. After long hours fasting, a rich Iftar table full of mouth-watering dishes can dash our dreams of healthy eating during Ramadan. Fasting in Ramadan can improve our health, but only if it is done in the right manner, otherwise it can harm a person's health.

During Ramadan, it is especially important to remember about proper nutrition and prepare food only from fresh ingredients.

To maintain a healthy diet this Ramadan, follow these tips:

Dates are a source of carbohydrates that provide energy throughout the day while you are fasting. Date fiber regulates the functioning of the digestive tract. In addition, dates are rich in magnesium and potassium.

2. Drink plenty of water.

This year, Ramadan falls at the peak of summer, so it is especially important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated during the hot weather. After breaking your fast and before Suhoor, drink enough water so that you do not feel thirsty during the day. Try to drink 8 glasses of water at times when you are allowed to eat.

3. Avoid thirst-producing foods.

Try to avoid foods that make your body thirsty. Avoid salty foods, canned food, salted nuts, cucumbers, and fish. Also avoid foods that are heavily seasoned, they will also make you thirsty. Eat more fruits and vegetables, they refresh and replenish your body's water reserves.

4. Break your fast slowly.

After a long period of fasting, a large amount of food for the body is stressful. Try to adhere to moderation, start iftar with dates, water, then you can eat soup, salad. And after some time, proceed to the main dish. Overeating can cause digestive problems and stomach pain. Starting iftar with warm soup is the best food after fasting, it replenishes the supply of nutrients in the body and smoothly prepares the body for heavier food.

5. Make sure your food contains all food groups.

Iftar should include foods such as proteins, vegetables, grains, fruits and healthy oils.

6. Choose healthy foods.

In your diet, choose cereals, breast meat, lean meat, fish, olive oil and fruits. Avoid fried, salty and fatty foods. Meat, legumes, eggs and dairy products are rich in proteins. You should consume at least one of these foods per day.

7. Avoid sweets.

Eating sweets after iftar causes bloating and impairs digestion. In addition, it increases blood glucose levels, which leads to an even greater desire for sweets. Therefore, it is recommended to consume sweets 2-3 hours after iftar. But it is best to replace sweets with healthier ones - sweet dates, dried fruits, candied fruits.

8. No coffee.

Try to reduce your coffee consumption during Ramadan to avoid headaches and insomnia.

9. Three meals a day.

Three meals a day are also important during Ramadan, iftar, light snacks and suhoor. Divide your main meal into three parts. One third is complex carbohydrates, one third is lean meat or fish, the rest is vegetables. This will be a healthy balanced diet.