Fasting: (Prompts /Cues

Q.1- What is fasting?

 Fasting is the English translation of the word ‘Saum’. Saum literally means ‘’to
abstain, to refrain, to avoid.’’ In religious terminology it means to abstain from
drinking, eating, smoking, taking medicine. Fasting also includes refraining from
lying, cheating, backbiting, arguing, using foul language etc. It is a month Muslims
focus on developing a relationship with their Creator, Allah.
 Fasting is the 3rd pillar of Islam and it was made compulsory in 2AH. According to
the Holy Quran, fasting has been the universal religious institution. It was made
obligatory on the followers of the other religions too. As the Quran says:
‘’Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you,
so that you may restrain from evil.’’

2-when do Muslims fasts?

 Obligatory fast
Muslims fast in Ramadhan the 9th month of Lunar calendar.
 Voluntary fasts
 6 days of Shawaal
 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Moharram.
 13th, 14th and 15th of every Lunar month.
 Every Monday and Thursday
 9th of Zilhajj preferably 1st -9th (not for hajis)

3-Why do Muslims fast? What are the benefits of fasting?

 Individual benefits
o Moral
 Teaches self-control, patience, tolerance will power. It makes
one realize that if ‘’halal’’ things can be avoided, than so can
‘’haram’’ things if one can abstain from unacceptable
behaviour for a month, then the same should be possible for
the rest of the year e.g. no abusing, lying etc. ‘’whoever does
not give up forged speech and evil action, Allah is not in need
of his leaving his food and drink.’’ (Bukhari)
o Spiritual
 To seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness. ‘’When the month of
Ramadhan starts the gates the gates of heaven are opened and
the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are
chained.’’(Trimadhi, Ibn Majah)
 To attain closeness of Allah
 To attain piety- Taqwa of Allah
 To attain Allah’s reward. ‘’Allah said, All the deeds of
Adam’s son are for them, except fasting which is for me and I

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 will give the reward for it. The reward of good deed is
multiplied ten times to seven hundred times.’’
o Punctuality and discipline:
o Physical:
 Stomach is rested
 Whole system is cleaned of undesirable material
 Body gets rid of fat, cholesterol and other toxic materials

o Economic:
 Circulation of wealth
 Leads of fair distribution of wealth (zakat)
 Communal or social benefits:
 Bridges gap between the rich and the poor thus
brotherhood developed (zakat is given, food sent to poor
people)
 Universal brotherhood (Muslims all over the world fast
in same way and same time)
 Encourage each other and give support (zakat)
 Discuss each other’s problems and find solution
 Learn Quranic teachings and recitation. (Taraweeh)
 Develop soft corner for the hungry and destitute (by
staying hungry)
 Spirit of equality developed (congregational prayers)
 More family gatherings arranged (iftaris)

4-How do Muslims Fast?

Fasting is carried out during the month of Ramadhan. Fasting starts from the sighting of
the moon of Ramadhan and ends at the sighting of the moon of Shawaal. All adult
Muslims should fast during daylight hours i.e from dawn till dusk, according to
prescribed method given to them by Islam.
They have their breakfast (sehri) before dawn which is called as blessing by the Holy
Prophet (SAW). After that they state formal intention to fast i.e ‘’I intend to keep
tomorrow’s fast of Ramadhan.’’ During fast Muslim abstain from smoking, eating,
drinking and gratifying sexual desires. They should be particularly pious and avoid from
indulging in evil and indecent acts for example quarrelling or abusing. They should avoid
hearing, seeing or doing anything that is obscene. They should remember Allah by
visiting mosques for offering five daily prayers and should also recite the Holy Quran
regularly. It is important that they should live their lives in normal routine, making or
asking for no concessions to lack of food e.g. neither a fasting Muslim should spend the
whole day in his bed nor an employee should ask his employer to reduce his workload or
working hours. At the time of Maghrib prayer i.e sunset Muslims do iftaris and break
their fast preferably with a date or water which is the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
and say these words, ‘’O Allah I have observed the fast for you and I have believed in
you and I put my trust in you and broken it with the provision you have bestowed me
with.’’ Then they offer their Maghrib prayers. Then in the evening after Isha prayers

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Muslim men go to the mosque to offer the Traweeh prayers, which can also be offered
alone. During Traweeh Muslims listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran when in
congregation and they themselves recite it when they offer their prayers alone.
During the last odd nights of the month Muslims search for laila-tul-Qadar which is the
most blessed night. In this night the Holy Quran was revealed and Prophet (SAW) was
given his Prophethood. Because of this reason, this night has been regarded as better than
thousand months by Quran. On this night of power Muslims should go to the mosque and
pray at night. Muslims even withdraw to mosques (Aitikaf) for the last ten days of
Ramadhan and avoid any contact with world thus showing their dedication and love for
Allah so that they can gain his pleasure and blessings.
Fasting is obligatory for every adult, san, healthy Muslim. Missing out fast without any
genuine reason is a great sin and according to the Holy Prophet (SAW) one cannot
decompensate even if he fasts throughout the rest of his life. However, very old and
terminally sick people are permanently exempted from fasting. They can give fidiya i.e
feed a needy person twice a day or give gain or cash equal to saqa-tul-fitr. Travellers,
women during menstruation and post natal bleeding are exempted from fasting. They
have to complete the number of missed fasts after the month of Ramadhan before the
next Ramadhan comes.
5- What nullifies a fast?
 Eating, drinking, smoking.
 Indulging any of the physical and moral restrictions intentionally
 Mouthful vomiting intentionally
 Injecting medicine directly into nose, ear, stomach, brain or wound.
 Swallow blood from gums of teeth
 Entering water while gargling
 Leave a pebble more than a gram in your mouth
 Allows intravenous nutritional injections
 If the fast is broken before sunset by mistake

6-What are harmless actions during fast?

 Use of scent
 Antimony
 Oil
 Miswak/toothbrush
 Vomiting unintentionally
 Bathing

7-What are the undesirable acts during fast?

 Tasting of anything with tongue
 Swallow spit again and again
 Backbiting, lying, cheating, abusing, gossiping
 Chewing anything continuously

8-What are the days on which fasting is prohibited?

 fast on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha

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 during Ayyam-e-Tashriqi i.e 11th, 12th and 13th of Zilhajj
 fast continuously without a break

9-Who should fast?

 Fasting is compulsory on every adult, sane, healthy male and female Muslims

10-Who can end his fast?

 A person may end his fast by eating or drinking if there is any danger to his life.

11-Who is exempted from fast?

The followings groups of people should not fast
 Women who are menstruating
 Women who are experiencing post natal bleeding
 All ill person who’s condition may get worse if he fasts.

The following groups of people may choose not to fast if they wish:
 A pregnant women
 A women who breast feed his child
 On Jihad
It is obligatory for all these people to keep the count of the missed fasts and make up
the missed days after Ramadhan before the next Ramadhan comes.
 An old or weak person or permanently sick person (should give fidiya i.e such a
person must feed a needy person twice a day the quality of food which he eats
himself for each missed fast, or give grain or cash equal to Sadqa-tul-fitr.)

12-What if someone leaves a fast intentionally?

If someone does not fast without a reason, he will sinful. The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘’A
person who abandons one fast of Ramadhan without a genuine reason or illness cannot
recompense it even he fasts throughout the rest of his life’’ (Tirmadhi, Ahmad)

13-Can anything to done to make up for lost or nullified fasts?

Qaza fast for each lost fast after Ramadhan.
14-What is the expiration (kuffarah) for breaking a fast intentionally?
In addition to qaza fast, the person shall have to pay kuffarah for the every fast thus
broken.
 He shall have to fast sixty day continuously even if one single fast is missed, he shall
have to start again to complete the number of sixty fasts at one stretch. If it is a
female than the period of her menstruation shall not be treated as a break.
 Feed sixty poor people twice a day.
 Give grain or cash equal to Sadqa-tul-fitr to sixty person.

15-What are Traweeh prayers?

Traweeh prayers are offered in month of Ramadhan. Men should perform it in the
congregation while women can say it at home. The Prophet (SAW) Traweeh in a

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 congregation with the Muslims, but discontinued since he feared that it would be made
obligatory. It was during Umar (RA) caliphate that it was prayed behind one Imam. The
numbers of rakaats are twenty but eight can also be prayed.
Arrangements are normally made in every mosque to recite the whole of Quran during
the traweehs of the month. One juz (part) is recited in twenty rakaats of traweeh each
night. The entire Quran is competed by the 27th of Ramadhan.
16-What is Itikaf?
Another Ibadah of Ramadhan is Itikaf. It is the practice of spending the last ten days and
nights in the mosque for the remembrance of Allah and giving up of all worldly
occupation. A person does not go out of the mosque only under some special
circumstances e.g., to escort the wife back home.
The Prophet (saw) invariably use to sit for Itikaf in his mosque. The minimum duration of
Itikaf is one day and night. Itikaf is Sunnah Moakaddah Al-kafiyah, if no one in the
locality sits for Itikaf all shall blame worthy, but even if one performs this religious
obligation than the duty shall be deemed to have been performed by all. Itikaf begins
after Maghrib and ends after Maghrib prayers.

17-Why and how do Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after the month of Ramadhan?
Eid-ul-Fitr the celebration after Ramadhan, is an expression of gratitude to Allah for the
blessings of the Quran, our Prophet (SAW), the religion Islam and thanksgiving that
Allah gave us the opportunity to keep the fast and earn blessings of this month. It is
preferred to take bath, perfume oneself and put one’s best cloths. The festivity
commences with Muslim giving charity to poor, next all the Muslims in neighbourhood
celebrate Eid collectively by coming together at mosque or to large field to offer the Eid
prayer. After the prayer they greet and congratulate one another for having observed the
month of Ramadhan. Eid is three day public holiday during which Muslims socialize,
entertain guests, elders give eidi or gifts to young ones, exchange sweets and thank Allah
for the blessings he has bestowed on them, recreation, amusement and singing if these
stay within the moral bounds, are permissible.

18- What is Sadqa-tul-fitr?

This obligatory charity is an act of worship on the completion of the month of Ramadhan.
It is obligatory on all Muslims on whom Zakat is compulsory.

Sample Answer: Q5 a): Describe how Muslims observe the fast of Ramadan and how this month
should be spent. [10]

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MARKSCHEME:

• Intro [ref]
• Compulsion [who can fast]
• Sighting of moon and Taraweeh Prayer
• Sehri
• Niyat [ref]
• Timings
• Restrictions
• Recommended Actions
• Iftar
• Taraweeh
• Aitkaf
• Night of Power [Laila-tul-Qadr]
• Exemptions

FOCUS: Detailing of features of Ramadan fast

in a complete month.

Intro:

Saum is the fourth pillar of Islam. It became obligatory in the second year of Hijrah Allah says:
"Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may
restrain against sins." Saum generally means, "to" abstain from something." In terminology of
Shariah, Saum means abstaining from eating, drinking and satisfying sexual desires from dawn to
dusk.

Compulsion:

Fasting is obligatory on every adult, sane and healthy Muslim, over the age of puberty, which is not
travelling. If someone does not fast without any genuine reason, he will be sinful, the Prophet said,
"A person who abandons one fast of Ramadan without a genuine reason or illness cannot
recompense it, even if he fasts throughout the rest of his life."

Sighting of moon and Taraweeh/Sehri and Niyat:

Fasting starts with sighting of the moon of Ramadan and it ends with sighting of the moon of
Shawaal. Allah's Apostle mentioned Ramadan and said: "Do not fast unless you see the crescent (of
Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent (of Shawaal)." When Muslims see
the moon of Ramadan, they start preparations for fasting and at the time of Isha, they pray
Taraweeh prayers. Muslims get up early in morning before dawn and take their meal, which is called
Suhoor. The Prophet said, "Take Suhoor as there is a blessing in it." (Agreed) The time of fast ends
with the break of dawn. "And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct
from its black thread, then complete your fast till night appears." (Al-Baqarah 2:187) They make
intention (Niyah) of fasting Intention can be made during any part of the night. It needs not be
spoken aloud as it is in reality an act of heart. He recites the following supplication: "I intend to keep
tomorrow's fast of Ramadan."

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Timings, Restrictions and Recommended actions:

The fast lasts from dawn to dusk. During this period, Muslims neither eat, drink, or smoke, nor
indulge in any sexual activities. They should avoid hearing, seeing or doing anything that is evil. The
Prophet said: "Fasting is not [abstaining) from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech
and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say, "I am fasting, I am
fasting." (Ibn Hakim) During the fast, Muslims not only take extra care to observe Allah's
commandments such as offering five daily prayers, reciting the Qur'an and abstaining from shameful
deeds, they also get involved in lots of charity work They demonstrate utmost patience and
generosity by curbing their selfish desires, overcoming all sorts of negative thoughts for others and
sympathising with the needy and poor. Thus, the entire Muslim community shares the joy of fasting
and the blessings of Ramadan.

Iftar and Taraweeh:

Breaking of fast is called "Iftar." It is recommended to break the fast immediately after sunset.
Allah's Apostle said, "The Almighty Allah said, "The dearest of my servants, in my sight are
quickest in breaking of the fast." It is Sunnah to beak fast with dates, the Prophet said, "If one of
you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates. If dates are not available, then with water."
(Ahmed). He recites the following supplication at the time of breaking fast: "O Allah! I have
observed the Fast for your sake and I believe in you, and I put my trust in you and broken it with
the provision you have bestowed me with." After the Iftar and Maghrib prayer, the Muslims offer
the specific Taraweeh Prayers during the month of Ramadan, which are Sunnah for both men and
women, and they are to be performed after the obligatory Isha and before the Witr Rak'aat. They
should be prayed in sets of two Rak'aat each. It is preferable to read one Juzz each night so that by
the end of Ramadan, the entire Qur'an is revised. Holy Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the
nights of Ramadan (Taraweeh) with a firm belief and hoping for reward, all of his previous sins
would be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Aitikaf and Night of Power:

During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims intensify their worship and devotion many believers
opt for Aitikaf. in order to meditate and worship Allah with full concentration. Aitikaf is performed in
Ramadan in the last 10 days (from the evening of 21st to 30th). Male members meditate in the
Masjid where they remain busy in praying to Allah, day and night, and do not get involved in worldly
affairs. Women prefer to sit in Aitikaf in their homes. It is Farz-e-Kifaya, I.e., if no one sits for it, all
will be sinful, however, if one sits for it then it would be considered as performed by all. The month
of Ramadan has the unique night of Laila-tul-Qadr (the Night of Power) in which the Qur'an was
revealed. According to the Qur'an, praying in the night of Qadri similar to worship for one thousand
months. Allah says: "The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e.,
worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e., 83 years
and 4 months)." Surah Al-Qadr, Verse: 3. The believers have been instructed to search for this great
night in the last odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th) of Ramadan. The supplication of
Lailatul-Qadr is: "O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and One Who loves forgiving, therefore,
forgive me." (Tirmizi) Exemptions:
However, children under the age of puberty, and insane persons are exempted from observing the
fast and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them Apart from these, some other
people are also exempted from the Ramadan fasting due to certain conditions, but they have to pay
Fidyah, a ransom, and later make up for the missed days of fasting. Elderly men and women who are
too old and feeble, and those who have to perform difficult jobs under harsh conditions are
permitted to postpone their fasts because such a practice would place too much hardship on them.

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They are obliged to feed one poor person (Miskeen) twice a day for every fast that they miss. People
who are severely ill or are travellers, are also allowed to break their fasts during Ramadan. However,
later they must make up for the days they missed. Allah says in the Qur'an. "But if any of you is ill or
on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days." (Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse:
184) If a person, who is a resident and healthy, is overcome by hunger and/or thirst, and fears that
he may die because of it is also allowed to break the Ramadan fast. However, as his condition
improves, he must make up for the day of fasting that he missed. As for menstruating women and
women with post childbirth bleeding, scholars agree that it is obligatory for them to postpone the
fast and make up for the missed days later. However, they are not obliged to pay Fidyah (the
ransom). Likewise pregnant women and feeding mothers, if they fear for themselves or for the
baby, can postpone the fast and pay the Fidyah ransom (meaning: feed one poor person twice a
day) but later, they have to make up for the missed days.

Benefits of Fasting
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS:
 Soul purification and relation with Allah: Ramadan is a great gift from Allah. It brings Person
to realize the spiritual connection with his creator. Our diet doesn’t only stop. We also purify
our souls. By fasting, we can repair our souls. Remove all evil deeds. It makes a stronger
relationship with Allah. Allah rewards a thousand times greater than the other days. In this
way believe in Allah raises. One can get an excellent opportunity to get rid of sin and clean
himself thoroughly.
 Trust in Allah and strong connection: During fasting, our relation with Allah becomes
stronger. Nothing restricts us to hear the voice of Allah. He opens our hearts. We refrain
from basics needs. So that full attention toward the creator. Here Allah makes us strong to
stand firm. Our spirit becomes stronger also.
 Satisfaction and motivation: When Allah blesses more in this month, people become more
satisfied and motivated to do more. Fast regenerate energy to achieve new desires. It also
increases praise and sensitivity. Fasting person faith in Allah increases and things become
more accessible for him. So fast provoke the real attachment to the religion. These are
significant benefits of Fasting.
 Increase devotion toward Allah: During fasting, anyone is free to work more. Faster can
implement more and show devotion to Allah. Here he goes closer to nature and more
reverence. So in the month of Ramadan fasting person remains in the special blessing of
Allah. Moreover, there is a night in Ramadan called the night of Qadr which is an excellent
gift of Allah also.
 Seeking forgiveness: Muslims during Ramadan has a golden opportunity to seek forgiveness
and salvation of hell as it’s an excellent time to explore the mercy of Allah. Muslims try their
best to pray more during the nights of Ramadan.
 Reading and listening to the Quran: Reading and listening to Quran recitation during fasting
is itself a great deed. In Taraweh Muslim Listen, complete Quran. Which also affects the
soul. Hence, whole the time remains at the mercy of Allah.

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  Itikaf Is Experienced: In the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims used to stay in the mosque
for the whole time for praying, reciting, and religious activity the entire time. Here they get
better concentration for spiritual activities.
 Developed Namaz Habit: In Ramadan, all Muslims try their best to offer all five Prayers
regularly and punctually, which also helps them to develop this habit. Furthermore, Tahajjud
prayer is commonly observed in Ramadan.

HEALTH BENEFITS:
 Cause Weight Loss: Most of the diseases occur due to weight gain. The holy month of
Ramadan has a very positive effect on body weight. So it is a natural way to balance diet.
Extra flesh of the body decreases results in weight loss. Doctors also suggest intermittent
fasting for weight loss. Hence it is necessary for a healthy life.
 Control Blood pressure: Fasting is the perfect way to control the pressure of the blood in
the vein. Blood pressure is a fatal disease. So BP remains in control because of starvation.
Medical science also suggests it as the best treatment of BP.
 Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation physical condition in which body part becomes
swollen. The body becomes hot and reddened. Hence usually painful. Inflammation is
deformation caused by the malfunction of body parts. So it is suffering from the immune
process. Acute inflammation is not a severe inflammation. While chronic inflammation has
serious consequences, also cause of different heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc.
Researcher proves that fasting is the best solution to all these problems. Furthermore
reduces inflammation and returns the body to a healthy state.
 Lower cholesterol level: Fasting helps in decreasing low-density lipoprotein. An increase in
cholesterol levels is a cause of vein blockage, which leads to a heart attack. Therefore it is a
better way to lower bad cholesterol.
 Boost brain functions: The human brain has many vital functions like learning, memory,
cognitive functions, and alertness. Fasting boosts this function. Thus the brain starts working
properly by regular fasting. As brain cells repair during it.
 Better Outcomes for Stroke Survivors: Fasting is perfect for minimizing the risk of stroke.
The researcher also admits that stroke survivor is possible by starvation. Because of diet
calories decrease. The physician usually suggests such patients eat fewer calories. So it is a
better way to do so.
 Fasting Resist Cancer: It decreases the development of lymphoma. Also, slow down the
spreading of cancer cells and limiting tumor survival. Shown restrict and slow down the
progression of cancer and also demolish cancer cells. It empowers the immune system and
the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
 Increase in Cell Turnover: The Fasting assists all systems to work correctly. A detoxification
function also enhances, which is specialized for the cleansing of damaged cells. It is also
called the autograph process. So break-in eating gives time to digestion, which offers a
chance to heal well.

 Reduced Insulin Resistance: Fasting is very much useful to raise a certain level of protein,
which helps improve insulin resistance. Different searches also prove that it is fasting staves
off the harmful effects of diets.

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  Lower Risk of Heart Issues: Fasting helps decrease low-density lipoprotein. Sugar
metabolizing may also change to improve. Fasting prevents the factor which causes heart
diseases.

 Cause better night sleep: All the body systems work well in fasting, so the brain remains to
relax and which causes good sleep as well. Regular fasting also can improve sleep.

SOCIAL BENEFITS:
 Harmony and Unity of Society: Fasting provokes harmony also unity among Muslims. It
enables Muslims to meet up, which results in friendships. Muslims feel empathy during
Ramadan for other Muslims. Which also strengthens Muslim brotherhood.
 Aware of problems of poor: During fasting, rich people come to know that how poor people
struggle for food. And also how difficulties they face. Before, they never remain hungry like
poor people. So in Ramadan, they realize the hunger of the poor. Sympathy for weak raises
in their heart. For this reason, they provide mediocre good food.
 Disciplined Muslim lives: Fasting brings a proper routine of Sahar and After. It disciplined
lives, which results in easiness. Time manages also well, which helps Muslims to do more
work.
 Love and Care For other: Fasting brings a Muslim closer to each other. Therefore social
awareness, As well as understanding increases. It raises the respect in the heart of Muslims
for other Muslims. Also, they take care of others.
 Strengthened patience: When people remain hungry for some time, their habit of tolerance
increases, they start listening to other opinions. Hence become unselfish in different
matters. Fasting brings self and temper control. For this reason, they verbally and physically
don’t hurt others. They deprive themselves of facilitating others.
 Humbleness comes in nature: Fasting makes a person humble, And he starts meeting other
people without any hesitation because of these good relations promote among humanity.
 Forgiveness for others: Fasting softened the heart of Muslims. Faster start forgiving even
their enemies. As a result, in good social relationships in society.
 Family system: Ramadan encourages the family system as families stay together, which
does not happen on other days. So the excellent gathering is usually the solution to any
problem.
 Taraweeh in Mosque: In the Muslim community, they offer Namaz e Taraweeh in a mosque
in the congregation. Here Muslims pray together as well as Listen Holy Book Quran. They
also meet each other, and social interaction developed.

MORAL BENEFITS:
 Islamic Teaching Implement: Fasting brings good awareness of Islamic teaching, which
softened the hearts. So people became humble and down to earth, which drove them to do
a more excellent job in society.

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  Routine and Discipline: During Ramadan, a particular routine develops. It leads to well-
disciplined lives. Muslims rate their preferences by managing their lives. So they groom up
positive think of mind in society.
 Habit Development: Fasting develops sensible habits of spending. So, such a person avoids
wasting money or food. He also became careful of needy and poor. Also, adopt good
practices.
 Dutiful Towards Society: Fasting a person becomes more dutiful. He becomes careful about
the right of poor, needy, and orphans. So he gives charity. He also cares about fulfilling their
needs.
 Equality Observe: Fasting brings incredible equality and uniformity in society, as the
difference between black and white, master and servant, rich and poor finish. Therefore all
act according to the teaching of the Quran and Allah.
 Develops Dignity: Fasting develops dignity among the people who suffer hardships like
hunger and thirst. Therefore well trained to overcome such challenges. Also, remain calm
and firm.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
 Rich People charity and Generosity: During Ramadan, it is a common observing that
wealthy people try their best to spend more money on the poor. They give food, clothes and
other needs for the poor for the sake of the pleasure of Allah. So wealthy people’s charities
enable poor to be economically stable.
 Food Available for all: It’s widespread in Muslim society that Sahar and iftar are available in
many places free of cost. So poor people can eat good food for the whole month. Due to
this, they do not spend any money. Therefore they can save money.
 Special Discount Offers: Ramadan comes with several discounts for the people. Usually,
different products offer a good discount. Therefore people can save much amount in
shopping by using these offers.
 Packages in Ramadan: Ramadan is a sacred month of blessing. Allah blesses people
differently. In Ramadan Government also give relief to a different product. The government
also introduces different packages in malls and stores, which are very much helpful for poor
and needy people.
 Fitrana on Eid ul Fitr: Ramadan finishes with one of the most celebrated festivals called Eid
Al Fitr. Muslims come together to offer two Rakat namaz of Eid ul Fitr. To thank Allah to
complete the fasting month, Muslims pay Fitrana or zakat al Fitr which is a must pay. Fitrana
or Zakat al Fitr is a compulsory charity for poor people. So every Muslim has to pay for it.
Muslim of any age male or female has to pay this amount before starting Eid namaz. Fitrana
enables the impoverished community of Muslims to get enough amount. Hence fulfill their
economic needs for some time. Among many other benefits of Fasting, it is also vital for the
poor.

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