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*🌻The Frequently Recited Dua of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)🌻*

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Shahr bin Hawshab said:

“I said to Umm Salamah (wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): ‘ *O Mother of the Believers! What was the supplication that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said most frequently when he was with you?”*

She said: ‘The supplication he said most frequently was: *“O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion* (Yā Muqallibal-qulūb, Sabbit qalbī `alā deenik).’”

She said: ‘So I said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you supplicate so frequently: ‘O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.’ He said: ‘ *O Umm Salamah! Verily, there is no human being except that his heart is between Two Fingers of the Fingers of Allah, so whomsoever He wills He makes steadfast, and whomever He wills He causes to deviate.’”*

– Authentic Hadith in Sunan At-Tirmithi. Hadith #3522
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The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said “ *Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.”*
(Sahih Muslim 1893)

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And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salaah (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Quran in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer Nawâfil) for you (O Muhammad). It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqâm Mahmûd (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection)” [al-Isra 17:79]:

What is Qiyam al-layl or Night prayer popularly known as Tahajjud.

Qiyam al-layl means spending the night, even if it is only for a short time, in prayer, reading Quran, remembering Allah (dhikr), and other acts of worship. It is not stipulated that it should take most of the night.

What is tahajjud?
With regard to tahajjud , it is (voluntary) prayers at night. Some scholars stipulate that it is prayers at night that are offered after having slept.

However the view of most of the jurists is that it refers to any prayers offered at night.

How to offer prayers at night
What is prescribed with regard to prayers at night is that the prayers should be offered two rak‘ahs by two, then the worshipper should end his prayers with one rak‘ah, so as to make the prayers odd-numbered.

Ibn ‘Umar narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about the prayers offered at night. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The night prayers are two by two, then if one of you fears that dawn may come, he should pray one rak‘ah, which will make what he has prayed odd-numbered.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari (946) and Muslim (749)

How to pray tahajjud and witr
From that it is clear that the Sunnah with regard to tahajjud and Witr includes several things:

The worshipper should offer his prayers two (rak‘ahs) by two, so he should separate each two rak‘ahs of his prayer with the taslim.
He should start with tahajjud first, and pray as much as Allah wills that he should pray.
Witr should be the last of his prayers at night. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Make the last of your prayers at night Witr (lit. odd-numbered).” (Narrated by al-Bukhari (953) and Muslim (751).
The worshipper should not delay any of his tahajjud or Witr until the break of dawn; rather he should try to make sure that he has done all of that before the adhan of Fajr.
An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“The words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him),” then if one of you fears that dawn may come, he should pray one rak‘ah, which will make what he has prayed odd-numbered” – and according to another hadith, he said, “Pray Witr before dawn” – indicates that the Sunnah is to make Witr the last of the prayers offered at night, and that the time for it ends with the break of dawn. This is the well-known view in our madhhab, and it is the view of the majority of scholars. It was also said that the time lasts after dawn has broken, until the obligatory prayer is offered.” (Sharh Sahih Muslim, 6/30-32)

Best time for offering prayers at night
The Muslim may offer whatever prayers he wishes at night, from after ‘Isha prayer until dawn, depending on whatever he is able to to, whether at the beginning of the night, or in the middle of the night, or at the end thereof, with any number of rak‘ahs.

The best time for offering the prayers at night is the end of the night, for it is the time when Allah descends to the first heaven, and the time when the gates of heaven are opened.

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever fears that he will not get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the beginning. Whoever is sure that he will get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the end , for prayer at the end of the night is witnessed, and that is better.” (Narrated by Muslim (755).

If he prays at the beginning of the night, then prays Witr, then he decides to pray at the end of the night whatever he wishes, two rak‘ahs by two, he should not repeat Witr, for there should not be two Witrs in one night.

And Allah knows best.

Ameen ya Allah

TIPS FOR RAISING MUSLIM CHILDREN

1. Praise your child, even if they get 4/10 in an exam, praise your child in front of others.

2. Every time you speak with your children, speak with respect, say “JazakAllah khairan”, etc. Use ‘please' a lot and never swear.

3. He or she is just a child, don’t take away their playing time by treating them like adults. If you do this, they will rebel in life.

4. Assist your children in making decisions. Guide them by talking to them. If they want to go go for something, then help them plan.

5. Ask your child for his or her opinion. For example, if you are going to buy a car, ask them what colour they’d like the car to be. This develops the habit of consultancy in them.

6. Dedicate a corner of the house to your child and write the name of your child there – make it their little space. This will make them more confident of themselves.

7. Teach your child to follow you in salah. Lead them rather than merely instructing, it’s a more powerful way. Your child will remember what he/she sees you doing forever. Start instructing them to read salah at the age of 7.

8. Encourage your child to ask questions and try to answer each question. Otherwise, they will get the answer from the wrong source. Praise their questions at times.

9. Always fulfill your promises to your children. Do not make big promises which you cannot fulfill; this makes them develop a habit of making false promises. If you fail to fulfill any promise, explain.

10. Make dua for your children. Even if they have gone astray, pray for them.

11. Tell them you might fail once, but never lose hope. Teach them how they should react to a failure.

12. Apologize to your child if you have made a mistake, this teaches your child to repent to Allah. Don’t raise ifs and buts when you are wrong.

13. Praise their good deeds, give them gift and explain to them that this gift is for the good deeds that you did.

14. Make sure you train your children to read a portion of Quran daily, according to their capacity.

15. Tell your child repeatedly that you love them, tell them how gorgeous they are and how important they are to you, hug them, its a sunnah to kiss your children ❤️

Ramadan: The Month of Virtues and Blessings

It is noteworthy that the month of Ramadan is a blessed month and an opportunity for every Muslim to draw near to Allah, increase his morality and spirituality and to gain abundant reward. In this regard, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council ofNorth America, states: Almighty Allah says, (Your Lord does create and choose as He pleases …) (Al-Qasas 28: 68)

Allah is the Creator of everything visible and invisible. Everything in the heaven and earth belongs to Him and serves Him. Allah is also the Creator of time and space. As Allah chose some persons to be His Prophets and Messengers, and as He chose some places to become the sacred spots on this earth, similarly He also chose some time to become the sacred time. The sacred personalities teach us about Allah, His will, His rules and commands. The sacred places and times remind us about Allah’s special favours and blessings. In Islam we worship only Allah. We neither worship any person other than Allah, not any space or time. But certain spaces and times inspire us and motivate us to do good things. One of those important and sacred moments for us is Ramadan. It is a special month and a special time. Allah says in the Qur’an:

(The month of Ramadan is that in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, with clear signs for guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one 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. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed quite near: I listen and answer the call of every caller when he calls Me. Let them listen to My call, and believe in Me; so that they may be guided aright.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 185-186)

The blessed month of Ramadan is a great time and a beautiful time as well. We thank Allah that He is giving us another occasion to witness this blessed time in our life. May He help us to benefit from this season of virtues and blessings and may He grant us His love, mercy and forgiveness now and forever, Ameen.

Ramadan is a great month. This is the month of the Qur’an, and in this month is the Night of Qadr, which is better than one thousand months. Allah chose this month and a particular night in this month to grace humanity with His Final Testament, His Last Message, the Qur’an. The moment of this revelation became a sacred moment, and that time and month became an eternal time for us. Allah chose this time, and He has filled it with His countless blessings. In this month we have a greater urge and desire to do good deeds. This month becomes the month of virtues and blessings for us. This is the month about which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“When the first night of Ramadan comes, the devils and rebellious jinns are put in chains and the doors of hell are closed, none of them remains open. The doors of heaven are open and none of them remains closed. And a caller calls, ‘O seeker of goodness, come forward, and O seeker of evil, desist. And Allah has many (in this month) who will be freed from Hell.’ This announcement is made every night.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 618)

Ramadan is meant for our moral and spiritual training and for the purification of our bodies, minds and souls. This is an annual training program for all believers. It is a special time to get closer to Allah and to seek His blessings and bounties. It is a time to learn taqwa (God-fearing), piety, self-discipline and patience. It is a time to give more charity and become more generous. It is a time to seek Allah’s forgiveness and to forgive each other. It is a time to be thankful to Allah for His gifts and bounties and especially His gift of iman.

I urge you, my brothers and sisters, do not miss any day of fasting and do not miss any moment of the blessed month of Ramadan. This is a very precious time and Allah will give us many benefits if we use it in the proper way.

Let us keep the following things in our mind when we observe this month:

1. Intention: Remind yourself again and again that you are fasting in obedience to Allah. Be sincere in your intention. You want Allah to accept your fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whosoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeking Allah’s reward, all his past sins are forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 37)

2. Sunnah: Observe the Sunnah in fasting. Take the suhur meal a little before dawn and end your fast at sunset. As much as you can, try to fast as much like the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted. There was no prayer better than his prayer and no fast better than his fast. Try to follow his way of fasting. That is the most acceptable way of fasting to Allah.

3. Wara` (Avoiding everything haram or makruh): Keep your body and mind very clean. Fasting is not just avoiding food and drink. Fasting is to learn how to avoid bad words and bad deeds. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whosoever does not leave bad words and bad actions, Allah does not care if he leaves his food and drink.” (Al-Tirmidhi 641)

4. Qur’an: Fasting and revelation are inter-connected. Prophet Musa fasted when he received the Torah. Prophet `Isa fasted when he received the Gospel. Prophet Muhammad fasted when he received the first message of the Qur’an. Let us do the same thing. You must fast and spend more time with the Qur’an. Read the Qur’an every day. Try to finish at least one time the whole Qur’an during this month by your own personal reading.

5. Prayer or Salah, Du`a’ and Dhikr: Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do not ignore the Tarawih or Ramadan night prayers. Make more extra and voluntary prayers. Do as much worship as you can. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du`a’ (supplication) for yourself and for others. Repent and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others as much as you can. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last ten nights of this month.

6. Zakah, Sadaqah and Generosity: Ramadan generates the spirit of giving and sacrifice. When we deprive ourselves of food and drink we understand and realize well what it means to be hungry and thirsty. We realize the pain of those who cannot find the basic necessities of life. Be very charitable and generous. Give more to help the poor and needy. Contribute generously to useful social and community projects.

7. Family: Goodness must begin at home. Be very good to your family, immediate family and the extended family. Spend more time and quality time with your family members. Try to have suhur (pre-dawn meal) together. Break your fast together and pray together as much as you can. Do this more at this time. Ramadan should bring you closer to each other. Allah’s special mercy comes on the families that are united, harmonious and peaceful.

8. Good Conduct: Fasting should transform you and should make you a different person. Try to be extra kind and courteous during this month. Forget your quarrels and disputes. Reconcile and forgive. Do not get involved in backbiting, lying, cheating and anything that is wrong. Be very good to Muslims and to all human beings. Be good to your friends and neighbours. Let your non-Muslim neighbours and co-workers know that this is your blessed and sacred time.

9. Tafakkur (reflection): Think, reflect and plan to improve the moral and spiritual condition of your own self and your family. Think about any wrong things and sins you might be doing and decide to correct yourself. Think about any deficiencies you have in your Islamic observances. Plan to change yourself. Think what you can do for the Ummah and for humanity to make this world a better place for everyone. Think about the life after death and the Day of Judgment.

10. Be cheerful and happy: Ramadan is not a time of mourning or sadness. It is a time of thankfulness to Allah. In a Hadith it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When you fast, anoint yourself. Let not the signs of fast be seen on you.” (Al-Bukahri, Al-Adab al-Mufrad) Do not feel tired and miserable. Feel alert and relax. Take things easy. This time is for your own good. Give the greetings of Ramadan to each other and enjoy this beautiful time.

It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave a sermon about Ramadan to a gathering that met towards the end of Sha`ban. He said:

“O People, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month, there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness. In this month the believer’s provision is increased. Whosoever will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward while the fasting person will not lose any of his reward.” (As-Suyuti, Ad-Durr al-Manthur)

ALLAH KNOWS BEST

A prayer to those who fasted previous Ramadans but has since passed away. May Allah accept their fasts, forgive their sins and grant them the highest rank in jannah. May Allah shower HIS infinite mercies, ease their journey in the grave, surround them with light upon light. Ameen Ya Allah

Does Islam Have Anything to Offer Humanity?

First of all, we’d like to make it clear that when judging any religion to lay hand on its authenticity and veracity of its message, one should look beyond its followers or those who claim affiliation to this divine religion. This draws us to the facts clarified by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Gazzali, late Muslim thinker and renowned Da`iyah; he says “You can find some people who describe themselves as belonging to religion, and they display all the physical manifestation of religion. However, they are sick at hearts and defective in thoughts. You can be sure that these people are as far away from religion as the sickness of their hearts and the defectiveness of their minds.
Suffering from dilapidation, a house can no longer be described as luxurious or fine, even if it has been newly painted.
Likewise, a person can not be described as being religious if the nature of his or her heart and mind has been corrupted by whims.
true religiousness is built on the soundness and purity of heart, devoid of any corruption. Allah Almighty says: (So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah’s creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not) (Ar-Room 30: 30).
the teachings of Islam aim to protect this part of human nature from the strange illness that try to attack it”.
In the light of the above statements, there is no way for the Westerners – or non-Muslims in general – to understand the true message of Islam unless they try to objectively delve deep into the pure sources of this religion, away from stereotyped ideas they have learnt through biased media. In this way, they will certainly see that Islam is rich in resources and bounties that it offers humanity.
Part of these fine resources are clarified by Dr.MuzammilSiddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America, states:

We human beings have mind, soul and body. We live as individuals and in families and communities. We are confronted with life and death. We need a religion that satisfies all our needs and answers all our questions and quarries.
as Muslims, Islam satisfies our minds and souls and takes care of our physical needs. Islam brings balance between our individual needs and our social and collective concerns. Islam provides success, felicity and happiness in this life and salvation in the eternal life.
Islam is the religion that is based on the true natural disposition or Fitrah of human beings. Isla
m presents in the most authentic form the same religion that Allah gave to all His Prophets and Messengers.
Islam offers to humanity:
1-A clear, simple, sound and profound belief system presented in an authentic Book and by the life and example of a noble, perfect and historical Person.
2-A balanced action plan, with well-documented and clear principles that are suitable for all times and places.
3-A universal outlook with a worldwide community of faith and brotherhood.
4-A clear and practical vision for success and happiness in this life and a true promise for success and salvation in the Hereafter.
Let us take each of these points:
1-Clear, Simple, Sound and Profound Belief System:
In his Introduction to George Sale’s English translation of the Qur’an published in 1734 Sir Edward Denison Ross writes:
“The central doctrine presented by Muhammad to his contemporaries in Arabia, who worshipped the stars; to the Persians who worshipped Ormuz and Ahriman; the Indians who worshipped idols; and the Turks who had no particular worship, was the unity of God, and the simplicity of his creed was probably a more potent factor in the spread of Islam than the sword of the Ghazis. It is an amazing circumstance that the Turks, though irresistible in the onslaught of their arms, were all conquered in their turn by the faith of Islam and founded Mohammedan dynasties.
the Mongols of the 13th century did their best to wipe o
ut all traces of Islam when they sacked Baghdad, but though the Caliphate was relegated to obscurity in Egypt, the newly founded empires quickly became Mohammedan states.” (p. Vii)
a- Oneness of Allah: This is the most logical, rational and spiritual belief. It is simple, yet ultimate truth and desire of all human beings. Islam teaches that Allah is One, the Lord, Master, Creator with Most Beautiful Names and Attributes.
b- The Message of Islam is presented in a Book, the Qur’an. This book is most authentic and beautiful. Nothing in this Book is proved false. Its message is clear and always fresh and contemporary.
c- With the message and the Book there is a human personality who is not mythological but historical. He was the ideal human being who lived the message and presented it to the people in the most beautiful and loving way.
2-Balanced Action Plan:
this action plan takes care of the individual, family and society. Its guidance is comprehensive, practical and balanced. It guides:
a- In the matters of worship – to establish deep and loving relationship with Allah.
b- In ethics and morality – it teaches discipline, moderation, virtue and goodness.
c- Laws and rules – it gives rules that are practical, dynamic and progressive. The rules are not rigid. They are practical and their purpose is not burden but felicity.
3-Universal Outlook:
Islam is not racist or ethnocentric. It teaches that all human beings are equal. It removes the barriers of nationalism, color, caste or language. It is against all discriminations and prejudices. It teaches justice for all people. It teaches peace and tolerance, freedom of opinion and expression. Islam establishes a worldwide community of faith and brotherhood.
4-Success Here and Hereafter:
Islam wants its followers to be happy and successful in this world. Islam is not pessimistic, morbid or ascetic. Allah Almighty says: (Say: Who hath forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allah, which He hath produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, (which He hath provided) for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who understand. Say: The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allah, for which He hath given no authority; and saying things about Allah of which ye have no knowledge) (Al-A’raf 7: 33-34)
and Allah says about the Salvation in the Hereafter:
(Say: O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful) (Al-Zumar 39 : 53).
he Almighty also says: (So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah’s creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not) (Ar-Room 30: 30

Allah Knows Best

Sleeping after Fajr and `Asr Prayers

There is nothing wrong in sleeping after Fajr. However, it was the practice of the Prophet and his Companions not to sleep after Fajr, as it is a time of blessing. Although it is permissible to spend the night in one’s affairs and to sleep after Fajr, we advise everyone to try to sleep early and tend to those affairs after Fajr, as it is a time of blessings and can better help you concentrate in your study. The blessing does not merely mean blessing in money and sustenance but it can be in knowledge as well as health, etc. Doing so, you will also be able to pray Fajr on time and never miss it due to late sleeping.

As for sleeping after `Asr, there is no evidence in the Qur’an or authentic hadith to prohibit it; and hence the general rule of permissibility of sleeping at these times is applicable.

Elaborating on this we’d like to cite for you the following Fatwa issued by Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, who states:

“As far as a person’s sleeping after praying Fajr is concerned, no text (of Qur’an or Sunnah) has been reported to indicate that this is prohibited, so the general principle applies (i.e., everything is permitted except that which has been expressly forbidden).

But the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions after praying Fajr was to remain sitting in the place where they had prayed until the sun rose, as is reported in Sahih Muslim (1/463) in the hadith of Sammak ibn Harb, who said: I asked Jabir ibn Samurah, “Did you used to sit with the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes, frequently. He would not get up from the place where he had prayed Subh (Morning Prayer) until the sun rose. When the sun rose, he would get up. They used to talk about things that had happened during the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period), and they would laugh and smile.”

Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked his Lord to bless his Ummah in the mornings, as is reported in the hadith of Sakhr al-Ghamidi, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘O Allah, bless my Ummah in the mornings.’ Whenever he sent out troops or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day.” Sakhr was a trader, and he used to send out his caravans at the beginning of the day, and he did well as a result and
made money. [Reported by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, with a chain of transmitters in which there is unknown narrator; corroborating evidence is to be found in a hadith narrated by `Ali, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Abbas, Ibn Mas`ud and others (may Allah be pleased with them all).]

For this reason, some of the salaf (early Muslims) disliked the idea of sleeping after Fajr. Ibn Abi Shaybah reported in his Musannaf (5/222, no. 25442) with an authentic chain of transmitters from `Urwah ibn al-Zubayr that he said: “Al-Zubayr used to forbid his children to sleep in the morning.” `Urwah said: “I do not hear of any man who sleeps in the morning but I lose interest in that person.”

In brief, people should make the most of this time which can bring many benefits in this world and in the Hereafter, but if a person sleeps at this time to gain strength to do his work, there is nothing wrong with this, especially if it is not easy for him to sleep at any other time of the day. Ibn Abi Shaybah reported in his Musannaf (5/223, no. 25454) from the hadith of Abu Yazid al-Madini who said: “`Umar came to Suhayb one morning and found him sleeping, so he sat down until he woke up. Suhayb said: ‘The Commander of the Faithful is sitting in his place and Suhayb is sleeping!’ `Umar said to him: ‘I did not like to disturb your sleep that could be beneficial for you.’”

As for sleeping after `Asr, this is also permitted; there is no authentic hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to indicate that sleeping at this time is prohibited.

As for the words, “Whoever sleeps after `Asr and loses his mind as a result has no one to blame but himself,” which are attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), this is a false hadith and there is no proof that these words were uttered by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Commenting on this false hadith, Sheikh al-Albani writes: “Marwan [ibn Muhammad al-Asadi] said: I said to Layth ibn Sa`d – when I saw him sleep after `Asr during the month of Ramadan – ‘O Abul-Harith! Why are you sleeping after `Asr when Ibn Lahi`ah has told us … (and he mentioned the false hadith)?’ Al-Layth said: ‘I do not give up something that is good for me because of the hadith of Ibn Lahi`ah from `Aqil!’ I am impressed by this answer of al-Layth, because it is indicative of understanding and knowledge, and no wonder, for he was one of the imams of the Muslims and well known jurists.

Allah Knows Best

USING MOUTHWASH WHILE FASTING

It is noteworthy that Islam is a religion which pays attention to the cleanliness, decency, and the good ap
pearance and smell of its adherents. Muslims are recommended to appear decent and clean. They also are to keep their mouth clean by using brush or siwak.

The Prophet commanded his companions to use siwak in cleaning their teeth and continued to use it while fasting. Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi report an authentic hadith narrated by `Aamir ibn Rabi`ah. He said: “I have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) using a tooth-stick (siwak) while he was fasting more often than I could count.”

Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar Univ. states: Allah never lays hardship on us or requires of us what we cannot manage, as stated in the Qur’an. He Almighty says, (… He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship…) (Al-Hajj 22: 78)

Islam urges its followers to be clean, decent, and pleasant in their appearance and smell. In this respect, you can have a mouthwash and gargle it but be careful not to allow the water go into your stomach as best as you can. During the Prophet’s lifetime, he and his Companions used to use siwak (tooth-stick) to keep their mouth fresh and clean.

Our Prophet forbade us to eat onion, garlic, or any thing of abhorrent smell and recommended us to bathe before going to attend the congregational prayer on Friday in order not to bother anyone.

By analogy, we should keep our mouth and body clean and free of any bad or horrible smell, especially when you are working with a non-Muslim who may accuse Islam or insult Muslims because of fasting. Allah says: (Keep your duty to Allah as far as you can.) (At-Taghabun 64: 16