THE CRESCENT MOON OF 2013

The arrival of the month of Sha'ban in the Islamic calendar offers a tired old subject of confusing when to end the month of Ramadan. In the Philippines, the beginning and end of Ramadan has traditionally been based on Hilal Sightings by the Supreme Council of Darul Ifta of the Philippines, headed by the Grand Mufti. This is the detection of the crescent new moon by the human eye without the benefit of optical aids. For some brothers and sisters in Islam, the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia marks the end of Ramadan. For others, it is the moon sighting in their own country. For others, sighting of the new moon anywhere in the world triggers the end of Ramadan at their location.

In the Philippines, the issue of moon sighting has become moon arguing especially in the social networking sites, In this case, both sides are divided over the question that what is really the ‘new’ moon. Interestingly, both sides base their arguments on the Hadith: "Do not fast unless you sight the crescent, and do not break your fast till you sight the (following) crescent.” (Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3:130). Other brothers use the sighting in Saudi Arabia to end Ramadan also in the Philippines and argue that a sighting in Saudi is binding on Muslims in other areas as well because we only have same moon after all. However, the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.), argues against a sighting being binding on distant places. Thus states that Kurayb, who traveled to Syria encountered the start of Ramadan there on a Friday, upon return to Medina, informed Ibn Abbas that he had seen the crescent-moon on the night of Friday, and that the people in Syria, including Muawiyah the governor, had fasted on Friday. Ibn Abbas replied that they (in Medina) had seen the crescent-moon on Saturday, and that they would not stop fasting until they either saw it again, or had completed thirty days. Kurayb asked, "Will you not suffice with the sighting of Muawiyah?” Ibn Abbas replied, "No, that is how the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) commanded us.” Also, we need to consider that just as Muslims around the world will NOT pray simultaneously, rather each area will pray based on the MOVEMENT of the sun in their area. Thus, how could they start and END fasting simultaneously. The presence of numerous hadith on this issue only indicates that even the companions and their later contemporaries differed about the start and end of Ramadan, such difference did not cause disunity and confusion among them, and so there is no reason why it should for us Filipino Muslims.

Sharing our passion during ramadan

Charity is one of the five main obligations for all Muslims, and Ramadan is a time when giving is considered particularly important. 

The struggles of daily fasting remind us and other Muslims of the need to show compassion for those who endure hunger — a practice exemplified by the free meals offered at the masjids.

In addition to humiliation, self-control, perseverance and will power, fasting teaches us empathy and compassion for the poor as we endure hunger, encouraging the spirit of charity, And it is a very humbling experience.

With the help and support of my Sister in Islam Bai Emilie Sanque Ismail and her family, we distributed an Iftar package for around 200 fasters who are taking Taraweeh prayers everyday which include halal biscuits, coffee, cream, sugar, water, noodles, canned goods, etc.

This will allow a faster to share the package with other fasters around him, and share the reward in this act of generosity. These packages was distributed through the 8 masjid that we identified in the rural areas. 

It is believed that serving iftar during Ramadan is a form of charity, which is also part of the Five Pillars of Islam. 

Ramadan meals are blessed ones. Sharing our food with others, especially the poor ones, is the first precious lesson we experience in Ramadan. Whether we invite people to our place, or send them food; whether it is a luxurious meal or just a simple one, we will get the same reward In sha Allah! 

MY WAY OF FASTING

It's always hard when Ramadan begins, even if you were born and raised as a Muslim. Hunger for me is bearable; it is the thirst that is the hardest. The key is to remember why you are fasting and I constantly reminded that people in poverty live like that every day. For me the first 10 days are the hardest. There are moments in the day when you feel a little nauseous but that passes very quickly. Usually that happens to me in the last 2-3 hours before Iftar & Fajr prayer. The rest of the time for me is fine; when I pick up the momentum it’s not difficult anymore. I prepare in the days ahead of Ramadan by eating less and less. As I am preparing my stomach and body for a period of fasting. I focus on taking in foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and plenty of water. For example: an egg on whole-grain toast, a few crackers with peanut butter, some orange slices, and two glasses of water. During the hottest part of the day, I stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade) and limit my physical activity. And I rest if possible. The Quran says fast but don't forget your everyday jobs during fasting so do not run away from work but try resting too and avoid unnecessary work. I really avoid gorging myself when breaking the fast at sunset. I follow the Sunnah: break my fast with sweets (I just wish I had a fruit dates) and milk, water, or fruit juice. After the Maghreb prayer, I continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers. After a long period of fasting, you need to bring your fluids and blood sugar level up without overdoing it. During the early evening (after Maghreb), I have a healthy and balanced dinner. I do not overeat, and I make it sure to drink a few more glasses of fluids. During the evening hours, I resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee, and soda. When visiting friends or family, I ask for glasses of water. I serve myself, my family, and guests a "dessert" of fresh fruit and nuts. There are lovely choices available in the market, and they are much healthier than chocolates and candy. I sip on water throughout the evening. Aim for 8 glasses by bedtime. To help me keep track, I fill and refill my GUC alkaline water bottle with a measured amount of water, and be sure to finish it. I do light exercise, such as walking and stretching for 15-20 minutes; this is best done in the evening hours. I avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn or indigestion. Many people avoid brushing their teeth during the day in Ramadan. This is a mistake, since there is no contradiction between observing the fast and brushing one's teeth. YES, I continue to brush my teeth several times a day. As long as I do not swallow anything, my fast is still correct. The evidence for that is that the prophet peace be upon him allowed someone who gets very thirsty to put water in his mouth and then throw it out without drinking any drop. The ruling regarding brushing the teeth in Ramadan remains general. This means that it is recommended to brush one's teeth after every wudu and for every prayer, regardless of whether one is fasting or not, and regardless of whether it is in the morning of Ramadan or the afternoon. The Zuhr and Asr prayers are included in this general ruling just as the Fajr, Maghreb, and Isha prayers are included. Washing my hands regularly and I avoid those who cough or sneeze. This is important to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria which may cause illness. I organize my schedule so that I get enough sleep. Lastly, speak out the kalma, La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah as much as you can besides Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah and Astaghfirullah respectively. Well, don't forget to pray for Rasul Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam as he is the one we should be thankful to for the favors he has done for us and Allah will fulfill your desires if you pray for the Rasul. Fasting is not about a diet burning calories, rather a burning of pride, ego and sins...