On whiteboard What do you remember?

1. On whiteboardWhat do you remember? • What is Zakah? • Who is supposed to pay Zakah? (Nisab) • How zakah is calculated? • What type of people can receive Zakah? • Why a Muslim must pay Zakah?

2. Why /when would you give up something that may be essential for your life?

3. Sawm (fasting) in the month of Ramadan

4. Sawm Understand the significance of fasting as the basis of Islamic practice and identity.

5. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast from dawn till dusk.

6. What does Sawm mean? What does actually Sawm mean? Fasting Refrain Abstain

7. What does Sawm mean? "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become God-fearing." (s2:v183) See not what displeases Allah Speak no evil Hear no evil Do no evil Look to Allah with fear and hope

8. What does it celebrate? The time when the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad. This time begins on the night the first verses were revealed, a night known as 'The Night of Power which falls within the last 10 days of the month. ‘Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (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 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…….’ (s2 v185)

9. Activities of Ramadhan • Suhoor - Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day • Aftaar - breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily prayer) • Ziarat- Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with neighbours, friends, and the poor • Tarawih - Congregational Prayers at early night • Tilawat – Recitation of the Qur’ãn during free time • Iti’kaaf - Retreat staying in Mosque last 10 days of Ramadhan

10. When must a Muslim fast? Islam, V W Watton In the month of Ramadhan, from dawn till dusk When the crescent of the month is seen, 1st of Ramadhan Muslims follow Lunar calendar so it moves 10 days back each year. Timings are vary from season to season. They must not fast on eid al fitr or eid al adha

11. Who has to fast and who hasn’t? • A Muslim • Adult • Healthy • Excused: - Very old people / weak - Sick - Pregnant / breast feeding women or on menstruation, - on a long journey [The travellers need to fast after returning home and the ill when they are in good health] Islam, V W Watton

12. What do Muslims do when they fast? No • food, • drink, • smoking, • the inhalation of anything that gives energy to body, • sexual intercourse. • Extra night prayers (Tarawih), Qur’an is recited.

13. On the whiteboard Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan? • Obligatory duty; Commanded in the Qur’an [2:183] • To obey the fourth pillar, shows the world you are a Muslim • Be thankful for The greatest gift of Allah (The Qur’an) • Fasting brings closer to Allah • To feel and sympathise with the difficulty of the starving • Promotes self control, Patience & Discipline [How…….?] • Some see as Annual spiritual training programme • A secret between Allah and a Muslim (spiritual aspect) [The fasting helps teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor.]

14. How does it end? • At the end of the month a big celebration takes place known as 'Eid-ul-Fitr‘. • Muslims; dress in their finest clothes, pray in the morning, give gifts to children and spend time with their friends and family. Most importantly Ramadan reveals and strengthen the unity of Muslim community and draw them closer to God.

15. How the practice of Sawm is significant to Muslim life? • Submission, obedience, sacrifice and dedication to God to earn righteousness • Character building; away from evil • Firm belief; in private or public • Self control and self discipline • Detoxification of the body

16. What are the risks/complications? • Health; dehydration • Situation of work • Summer long hot days / Winter cold days • Some Muslims may impose on them

17. Quotes • “Fasting is the Shield” (against Satan /evil actions). (Hadith) • The Prophet Muhammad said that God said, “Fasting for ME And I will give its reward by Myself”. (Hadith) • ‘It also requires abstention from all sexual activity and all illicit acts as designated by Shari’ah.’ Moreover, the fast requires keeping one’s mind and tongue away from evil thoughts and words and being especially considerate to the destitute. (S H Nasr) • ‘The practice is outwardly reflected in an abstention from food or drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset.’ (Mona Siddiqui)

18. Practice exam Question “Sawm (Fasting) is the easiest pillar of Islam”. Assess the claim. [12 marks] AO2

19. Do you know? • What is Ramadan? • What do Muslims do during Ramadan? • Which people do not have to fast? • Do all Muslims have to fast during Ramadan? • When can Muslims eat and drink during Ramadan? • Why do the dates of Ramadan change each year?

20. What problems Muslims might face during Ramadan?

21. Sawm Understand the significance of fasting as the basis of Islamic practice and identity.