National President of the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria, Abdulwaheed Abdulrauf, talks to ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE on the significance of pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and the essence of Ramadan

What are the basic guidelines to follow and avoid during Ramadan?

I am Abdulwaheed Abdulrauf, the worldwide/national president of the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria, which has branches worldwide. Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar that Muslims eagerly anticipate. During this time, negative behaviour decreases, as God closes the gates of hell and multiplies the rewards for good deeds. The influence of the devil weakens, leading to fewer temptations and increased opportunities for virtuous actions. Unlike other months, Ramadan requires restraint in eating, drinking, speaking, and behaviour. It is a time when all of the mentioned activities are scheduled. During this time, you might find yourself more active and productive than before. It is essential to prioritise reading and learning from the Qur’an, as well as making time to listen to the words of God, whether online or physically.

All the hours of fasting should be dedicated to actions that are pleasing to God. Even while at work, providing service promptly can be considered a rewarding deed. Ramadan is a month for strengthening our faith, a month for praising Allah. If we can maintain our behaviour during Ramadan throughout the year, everything will be improved. This month requires dedication, time, talent, and energy from us. Be sure to share your blessings with others, as sharing and helping those in need will bring you beautiful rewards from God.

During Ramadan, it is beautiful to see non-Muslims joining us for iftar, as it is a month for doing good deeds. It is important for Muslims to avoid unnecessary arguments, not be angry, refrain from boasting about fasting, respect others’ rights, avoid taking what is not theirs, focus on rewarding deeds, be mindful of speech, lower gaze towards those who are not their spouses, and refrain from consuming alcohol or anything that may cause discomfort. When the call to prayer is made, it is important to stop whatever you are doing and pray.

Some people rush while reading the Qur’an. Is there any reward for them?

Rushing through Quranic reading may lead to mistakes, so it is important to take time and read properly to avoid errors. NASFAT cautions against such practices. We provide opportunities for many individuals to expand their knowledge due to the nature of our outreach efforts. Within our community, we emphasise proper Quranic recitation by offering physical and online educational resources. It is important to be cautious when pronouncing Quranic words as each word spoken correctly earns rewards, while mispronunciation can alter the meaning and lead to negative consequences. However, the variation in Quranic recitation across regions is influenced by dialects, making it essential to learn the standard Arabic pronunciation.

It Is crucial to support and encourage individuals who may struggle with Quranic recitation rather than mock or discourage them. Instead, let’s focus on ways to improve their understanding, which is what NASFAT is currently working on. It is essential to have a solid grounding in Islam before considering oneself a true Muslim. Many individuals mistakenly believe that being born into Islam automatically grants them all the necessary knowledge, but in reality, learning is crucial. At NASFAT, we do not judge or criticise people; instead, we guide them through the proper learning process so that they can develop a thorough understanding of their religion over time.

Is It important to wake up for the suhoor (pre-dawn meal)?

It is crucial to wake up for suhoor, even if it is just to sip water before going back to sleep. Skipping suhoor will result in an incomplete fast, especially if it is done intentionally. Additionally, suhoor should be eaten close to the time of fajr (dawn) and not during the early hours of the morning between 2am and 3am. Suhoor holds great significance during Ramadan fasting, and it is not an ordinary meal. It is essential for Muslims to partake in suhoor, even if it means consuming a glass of water. The importance of suhoor can be understood from the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as mentioned in certain hadiths. According to these teachings, if one is still eating suhoor when the call for the Fajr prayer is made, they are allowed to complete their meal as long as the delay was not intentional.

What time does suhoor start?

The exact start time of the suhoor will vary depending on your geographical location. It is generally recommended to have suhoor close to the time of Fajr, but it is also beneficial for Muslims to wake up earlier, perhaps around 2am or 3am, to engage in voluntary prayers that can earn them additional rewards. It is worth noting that at this hour, it may not yet be time for suhoor, so utilising this time for prayer is a more rewarding alternative to sleeping, which does not earn any rewards. Moreover, suhoor is a crucial part of the Ramadan fasting routine, and it is recommended to observe it in accordance with the guidelines set by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and local Islamic practices.

In the United Kingdom, some individuals partake in the pre-dawn meal around 4am; however, this timing is not universal. For instance, in Nigeria, the schedule shifts. Personally, my day begins with prayers to the Almighty around 4am, and it is only after these prayers that I commence my suhoor. It’s a common misconception that suhoor involves consuming heavy meals. Contrary to this belief, suhoor is typically a modest and quickly consumed meal. Thus, it is advisable to consume suhoor closer to the time one prepares for the Fajr prayer. The appropriate timing for suhoor is largely influenced by local climatic conditions, geographical location, and the specific environment one resides.

Even within a city like Lagos, suhoor timing can vary, leading to differences in prayer times across the city. Consequently, it’s wise to consult with the Imam or religious leader within your community or mosque to ascertain the precise start and end times for suhoor. They hold the authority and knowledge to guide Muslims accurately regarding suhoor timing. Islam is a faith that strives to bring ease and comfort to the lives of people everywhere, accommodating the diverse circumstances and needs of its followers across the globe.

Nonetheless, in today’s digital age, there are numerous Islamic mobile applications that one can conveniently install on their devices. These applications are designed to provide accurate prayer times regardless of your geographical location and you can easily determine the suhoor time on the applications. The simplicity and ease of learning and practicing Islam have been significantly enhanced through such technological advancements.

You previously emphasised the critical importance of waking up for suhoor. Is there a specific consequence for individuals who deliberately choose not to partake in suhoor?

In instances where the omission is due to valid reasons such as illness, it is understandable, and such individuals are not only exempted from fasting during their period of illness but are also expected to make up for the missed fasts at a later time. However, in situations where the omission of suhoor is intentional, the determination of any repercussions is beyond human judgment and remains in the divine knowledge of Allah.

In the scenario where an individual partakes in suhoor in Nigeria and then travels to a location with a different time zone, is there an obligation to adhere to Nigerian time for breaking the fast?

The answer is no. Take the example of travelling from Nigeria to America, your fasting hours will naturally be adjusted according to the change in location. Islam allows for the breaking of the fast under the local time of the new location, irrespective of whether it results in a shorter or longer fasting period compared to the Nigerian time. This demonstrates the flexibility within Islam and emphasises the importance of proper orientation and understanding among Muslims. Organisations like NASFAT advocate a comprehensive understanding of Islam beyond just learning to read the Qur’an. This is to ensure that Muslims are well-equipped to discern and refute incorrect judgments or ideas that may arise.

Regarding dietary regulations during Ramadan, are there specific foods that Muslims are encouraged to consume?

Indeed, there are dietary restrictions that Muslims adhere to, not only during the month of Ramadan but also throughout the year; as a devout follower of Islam, it is imperative that you ensure all food consumed, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, adheres to the halal dietary laws. This means that Muslims must be vigilant about the origins and processing of their food, ensuring it complies with Islamic principles. Specifically, the consumption of pork or any derivatives thereof is strictly forbidden. Additionally, Muslims are required to abstain from eating animals that have not been slaughtered in the name of Allah, through the utterance of ‘bismillah’(in the name of God) before their killing. Furthermore, the consumption of substances that may impair one’s senses or cause discomfort, such as alcohol or hemp, is also prohibited.

You mentioned animals that are killed without saying ‘bismillah,’ what about frozen items?

For frozen items, such as chicken and others, the situation calls for a cautious approach. For those residing in areas where the Islamic method of slaughtering is not guaranteed, it is recommended to purchase live poultry, which can then be slaughtered personally or by a trusted individual, ensuring the recitation of ‘bismillah’ during the act. This practice, while potentially more challenging and costly, especially in foreign lands where halal options might be limited, ensures adherence to dietary laws. The purchase of frozen chicken, or any meat for that matter, is generally discouraged unless the packaging explicitly states that it is halal, indicating that the slaughtering process was conducted under Islamic law.

Is it permissible for a woman, who shares children with a man and cohabitates with him as if they were a couple without being formally married, to prepare suhoor for him?

Nope. Such a woman is not allowed to perform the act of cooking for the man in question unless they are lawfully married according to proper procedures. It is only within the confines of a legitimate marital relationship that a woman gains the right to cook for a man.

For individuals who are married, is it permissible for them to engage in sexual relations during the hours designated for fasting?

No, engaging In sexual relations is not permitted during the hours of fasting. It is only permissible for married couples to have sexual relations after they have broken their fast in the evening or before the time of suhoor. Following this, it is necessary for them to perform Ghusl Janabat.

What is the significance of Ghusl Janabat?

Ghusl Janabat refers to the full-body ritual purification that Muslims undertake after engaging in sexual intercourse. This act is performed in order to attain a state of spiritual purity, enabling them to partake in worship and prayers.

Is it appropriate to brush one’s teeth while observing a fast?

Yes, brushing one’s teeth during fasting is considered permissible. While opinions vary on the timing, some suggest brushing before suhoor or before the dawn prayer (fajr), and others believe it can be done at any time during the day; but references from hadiths indicate that maintaining oral hygiene is encouraged, especially after suhoor. The Prophet had been noted to advocate for hygiene, highlighting its importance. Therefore, it is advisable to brush the teeth both before and after suhoor to remove any food particles that may remain, thus promoting cleanliness.

Are menstruating women allowed to prepare suhoor for their husbands?

Indeed, menstruating women are fully capable and permitted to cook suhoor for their husbands. If they do not fulfil this role, then who will? It’s important to note that while they are exempt from fasting and advised not to physically handle the Quran due to their impure state, they can still engage with the Quran digitally, such as through apps on their phones. Furthermore, women who miss fasts due to menstruation are expected to make up for the missed days after Ramadan ends. Notably, if they complete these fasts during Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, they will be rewarded doubly for their efforts.

Is It permissible for men to enter into marriage during Ramadan?

Certainly, it is permissible for men to marry during Ramadan, and indeed, I have had the pleasure of attending numerous weddings during this holy month across various countries. It is also possible to conduct the Nikkah (Islamic marriage contract) after iftar (the meal to break the fast), depending on one’s geographical location. While this practice might not be widespread in Nigeria, I have witnessed several such ceremonies, including in Arab countries. Importantly, the formalisation of the marriage itself does not necessitate any form of celebration or refreshment, as these are optional. If one chooses to share something, it can be distributed in takeaway containers.

What is your advice for Muslims during this period?

My guidance for Muslims in this significant period emphasises the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. If you are in a position to do so, I urge you to be a beacon of support and generosity. Ensure that no one in your vicinity suffers from hunger; prepare meals within your means and share them with others. Prioritise voluntary contributions (sadakaq) over obligatory charity (zakat), and let your acts of kindness not be limited to this holy month but continue them throughout the year to bring about positive change within your families and across the nation.

Furthermore, this Ramadan presents a transformative opportunity for many to embrace Islam; to those Muslims who will discover the faith for the first time, I encourage you to maintain this newly adopted way of life beyond Ramadan to contribute to a more harmonious and improved society and nation.

Additionally, it is crucial during this period not to neglect the power of prayer, especially for the betterment of our nation, which currently faces numerous challenges. Rather than harbouring negativity or cursing our leaders, which ultimately reflects on us, we should earnestly include them in our prayers. We do this not for their sake alone, but for the overarching welfare and progression of our country. (Saturday PUNCH)

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