Pillars of Islam

SHAHADAH
IMPORTANCE OF SHAHADAH
 Islam has five basic duties which Muslims must perform. They are known as the five pillars of Islam.
 These pillars are mentioned in the following Hadith of Holy Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬. It states: “Islam is based on five things:
declaring that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, the establishment of Salah, the
payment of Zakat, the Hajj and Saum in the month of Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
 As per the abovementioned saying of Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬Shahadah or declaration of faith is the first basic duty on every
Muslim.
 This declaration is called KalimahTayyibah. It summarizes the whole Islamic belief.
 Shahdah must be recited in order to become a Muslim; such is its importance that on birth, the Arabic sentence La
ilahailla Allah Muhammad Ur Rasulullah, which is why the shahadah is whispered into the ears of a newborn child.
 The first part (La ilahailla Allah) is about Tawhid/unity of Allah while the second part (Muhammad Ur RasulAllah)
concerns the apostleship of Hazrat Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬.

FIRST PART - ONENESS OF ALLAH

 The four Arabic words of the first part are La which means no; ilaha meaning god; illa meaning but; and Allah.
 This statement is a declaration of one’s belief by bearing witness that Allah is the only God.
 By making this declaration, one believes and affirms that none deserves worship except Allah.
 One must stay steadfast upon this phrase and apply it in his/her practical life in letter and spirit and never associate any
partners with Allah.
 In this declaration, one professes belief in unity of Allah in His existence and all of His attributes.
 Unity in Existence; He exists as personality not philosophy; He is one in existence and He is the only existing God. The
Quran states: “Say He is Allah the one and Only.” (112:1)
 Unity in Perfection; He is perfect in life being immortal and also He is perfect in activities as He doesn’t grow tired nor
does He sleep as stated in (2:255): “No Slumber can seize Him nor sleep.’
 Unity in Singularity; He is absolutely single and He has no associate; partners, parents or children. He doesn’t need
partners or associates due to His perfection. His singularity is highlighted in Surah Anam, it states: “How can He has a son
when He has no consort” (6:101).
 Unity in Comparison; He can’t be compared as He is the one of His kind and beyond our perception. The Quran states:-
“There is none like unto Him.” (112:4) AlIkhlas
 Unity in Lordship; He is the Designer, Creator, Controller and Sustainer. His Lordship is highlighted in the following
verses: “I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn” (113:1) Al-Falaq and “I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind.”
(114:1) AI-Nas
 Unity in worshipping; As He is our Designer, Creator and Sustainer, He alone deserves to be praised and worshipped as
stated: “You do we worship and Your aid we seek.” (1:5) Al-Fatiha.
 He is free of any hint of plurality. The concept of tawhid has been summed up in“Surah Ikhlas” of the Holy Quran,
which says: “Say He is Allah, The One and Only Allah, the eternal, the absolute.” [112: 1 – 2]
 Allah is All knowing, All wise. He is always and will be. He has no beginning and no end. He is the first and the last. The
Quran says: “He is the first, He is the last; He is the manifest; He is the hidden.”[57: 3]
 Had there been more than one creator and controller, there would have been chaos and confusion as the Quran says: “If
there were in the Heavens and the Earth other gods beside Allah, there would have been confusion in
both”. [21: 22]
 Unity in Attributes; His attributes are exclusive to Him and cannot be possessed by anyone else. The one who associates
partners with Allah in His existence or attributes is not a true Muslim and is termed as Mushrik. Mushrik is the one who
practices Shirk i.e. to associate partners with Allah in His existence or in any of His attributes.
 The Quran while is mentioning about the unity of Allah warns that any kind or degree of associating partners with Allah
is the most condemned and the unpardonable Sin.
 In Surah Nisa such warning is mentioned in the following words: ‘Allah forgives, not that partners should be set up

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with Him, but He forgives anything else to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous
indeed.” (4:48) Al-Nisa.
 Thus, believing in unity of Allah completely without any mixing of disbelief or associating partners is what Muslims are
required to perform as their first basic duty in Islam.

SECOND PART - PROPHETHOOD OF MUHAMMAD (‫)ﷺ‬

 The second part of Shahadah has three words: cvvvvvvvvvtr54ewq 1`; Rasul meaning messenger; and Allah.
 It is interlinked with the first part of Shahadah since it was through the Holy Messenger Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬that unity of
Allah reached mankind in its perfect form.
 In this part one declares and bears witness that Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬is the Messenger of Allah.
 Firstly, in this we need to believe in Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬as the apostle of Allah and accept his message. This means we must
understand that like all other chosen people Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬was also specially selected by Allah as His apostle.
 Secondly, he also received the Divine message through the arch Angel Gabriel. This Divine Message is the Holy Quran
which is the final and complete book. Unlike all the other books and messages brought by the messengers preceding
Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬, his book is neither confined to any community/nation nor can it be altered or corrupted. Rather, it is a
universal book and for the whole mankind, it is in the same state as it was revealed and would remain like that. The Quran
states: “We have, indeed, sent down this message and We will guard it (front corruption).”
 Thirdly, in this we need to believe that he is the servant of Allah. This means that Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬performed the duty
given to him of preaching the word of Allah and telling his people about the Unity of Allah.
 Fourthly, in the second part of Shahadah we also believe in the need to be obedient towards him. The Quran also states:
“And obey Allah and obey the Messenger”. (64:12) Al-Taghabun. This means that whatever he said is from Allah has to
be accepted. The matters he (‫ )ﷺ‬liked and promoted can be followed by believers and the matters he disliked and forbade
can never be practiced by believers.
 When we obey the Messenger of Allah, we are, in fact, obeying Allah Almighty as the Holy Quran states: “He who
obeys the Messenger, Obeys Allah....” (4:80) Al-Nisa.
 Lastly, in this we also believe that he is the last messenger of Allah. This means that after Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬no messenger
of Allah will ever come. He is the Imam (head) of all Prophets and is the last in the chain of 124,000 apostles of Allah. The
Quran states: “Muhammad... is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of Prophets...” (33:40) Al-Ahzab
 Another aspect of him being the seal is that the message he brought was complete and after the completion of message
there is no need of any apostle of Allah to come to mankind since the duty of preaching the message of Allah has been
fulfilled. “Today I have perfected for you your religion, accomplished My favors upon you and chosen Islam as your
religion.”

PRAYERS
IMPORTANCE:
The importance of prayers in Islam is great as it is the foremost duty of the Muslim and one of the five pillars on which the
structure of Islam stands. It is a distinguish feature between a Muslim and a non-Muslim. The Holy Prophet said, “What
stands between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of Salat.” The Quran mentioned prayer many times in different
words but the word Salat occurs 67 times. It says: “and establish prayer and pay zakat and bow down with who bow
down.” [2:43] The Holy Quran strictly condemns those who are not regular in prayers. It says, “So woe to the worshippers
who are neglectful their prayers.” [107:4-5] About hypocrites the Holy Quran says: “And when they stand up for prayers,
they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little.” [4:142]

The Holy Prophet also laid a lot of stress on prayers. The Said: “The one who establishes the prayer establishes the
religion and the one who destroys his prayers destroys his religion.” He also said: “Prayer has been made the coolness of
my eyes.”

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BENEFITS:
Physical:

 A person who offers prayers regularly becomes organized and learns the importance of time. He becomes
punctual and manages time in all other activities of life.
 Prayer teaches a person self-control and discipline.
 A person becomes pure and clean by daily wudu, five times a day. It keeps him healthy.
 The actions involved in prayer such as ruku and sajdah are good physical exercise.
Spiritual:

 A person becomes close to Allah as prayer is a kind of meeting with Allah. The Holy Prophet has said that
while praying, you should think that Allah is in front of you. A person is really close to Allah, when in the
position of sajdah. He establishes a relation with his Lord.
 He is showered with rewards and his sins are washed away.
 A person gets satisfaction and peace of mind out of praying, as he has fulfilled an obligation. The Holy Quran
says, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [13:38]
 By praying five times a day a person becomes aware of Allah presence and refrains from doing wrong.
Communal:

 When people are praying together, it is sign of unity.

 People learn that they are all equal in the sight of Allah. They stand together without discrimination.
 It promotes brotherhood as they come closer to each other and interact with each other daily.
 Congregational prayers on Friday and I’d increase more links amongst Muslims.
 After the prayer they can have meetings to discuss the problems of the community.
 They learn a lot about their religion from the scholars in the mosque.

Importance of cleanliness:

Islam attaches a lot of importance with purification. Allah says, “And Allah love those who keep themselves clean and
pure.” [9:108] The Holy Prophet also said, “Purification is half of faith.” And he also said, “Cleanliness is the key of
prayer.”

There are two types of cleanliness, physical and mental. Physical cleanliness is attained by believers through ablution and
bath. In prayers, a person meets his Lord, so he should take care of his body and clothes. Allah does not accept the prayer if
any kind of impurity is present in the body or on the place where he offers prayers. Because of cleanliness, a person’s
personality becomes better, and according to a Haidth, even the angels are displeased by those things which are disliked by
human beings. That’s why Islam discourages smoking or eating such food which produces smell in mouth and joining
congregational prayers without removing the smell. We are not allowed to enter congregational prayers in this state. The
Holy Prophet used to do miswak and has promised rewards on it. He also prescribed to take a bath before attending the
congregational on Eid and on Friday.

Mental cleanliness means to keep the mind pure from shameful thought. The Holy Quran says, “Verily the prayer prevents
a person from shameful and unlawful deeds.” [29:45] We should also purify our mind from negative thoughts like
jealousy, hatred, pride etc.

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Method of Ablution:

The Holy Quran says: “O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces and hands to the elbows; rub
your head; and wash your feet to the ankles.”(5:6) Following are the steps of ablution:

 Sit in a pure place, do the intention and say Tasmiyah.

 Wash the hands to the writs thrice, first right then left.
 Rinse the mouth thrice.
 Put water into the nostrils thrice.
 Wash the face from the top of the forehead to the chin and as far as each ear thrice.
 Wash the arms with the elbows thrice.
 The head must be wiped once with water. One-Fourth is obligatory.
 The ears should be wiped with water remaining on the finger after wiping the head and rub the neck.
 Wash the feet with the ankles thrice.
Circumstances when dry ablution is allowed:

 When a person is travelling and water is not available.

 When water is available but there is no means to get it.
 When water is available but cannot be obtained because of enemies or some other threat.
 When a person is sick or has an injury.
 The Holy Quran says, “but if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from relieving himself, or you touched
women, and you do not find water, then go to the clean soil and rub your face and hands (therewith) Lo, Allah is
Ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.” (4:43)
Method of dry ablution:

 First do the intention of seeking purification through sand. It is obligatory here not in wudu.
 Then rub your hands on sand and remove the extra amount of sand by bowing on hands and then rub your face only
once.
 Do the same again and rub both hands to the elbows only once.
Conditions of prayers:

 Purity of body.
 Purity of cloths.
 Purity of place.
 Timing.
 Satar. (covering the body parts, men must cover at least from navel till knees and women must cover the whole of their
body except face, hands and feet)
 Facing the Qibla. (Ka’aba)

Azan:

Azan was introduced in the first year of Hijra after the mosque was constructed. The Holy Prophet discussed the matter
with his companions. Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Zayd and Hadrat Umar had the dream about the way of Ahdan. The first prayer
caller was Bilal.

It is preferable to deliver Azan in a loud voice, in the state of purity, standing and facing Ka’ba. Azan is delivered to
inform the people about the starting of the time of prayers. If it is delivered before the timing, so it must be repeated. The
musazzin should put his fingers in his eat at the time of the deliverance of Azan. He should turn to the right and left when he
says, “Come towards the prayer, and come towards the prosperity.” The words of the Azan should be delivered slowly.

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Iqamat:

The words of Iqamat are the same as Azan, except the addition of Qad Qamat Al-Salat (the prayer has been established).
Iqamat should be delivered right before the congregation. Its words are delivered a little faster. Its purpose is to inform the
people present in the mosque, about the starting of prayer.

Timings:

Fajr:

The Fajr time is from the daybreak till the sunrise.

Zuhr:

Starts after the midday and it can be offered until the shadow of everything becomes double of its shadow at noon.

Asr:

Right after Zuhar time, the time of Asr prayer starts without any delay and it can be offered until the sun sets but it is
makrooh-e-tahrimi (strictly undesirable) to offer this prayer after sun has lost its shine.

Maghrib:

The maghrib time starts after the sunset and it can be offered until the twilight is present.

Isha:

Right after the maghrib, time of Isha prayer starts and it can be offered till they day break. But it is makrooh (undesirable)
to delay the Isha prayer till midnight.

No prayer can be offered during sunrise, midday and sunset. No nafal prayers can be offered in the time of Fajr and after
offering the Asr prayer till sunset.

Method of Salat:

Before starting any prayer, it is necessary to make intention. Without intention no worship is accepted. It is not necessary
to say the words of intention but it is preferable to do it by heart. Although it is allowed to say the words of intention such
as; “I intend to perform two rakats of fajr, facing Qibla, for the pleasure of Allah.” By making intention we make it clear in
our mind that we are going to meet Allah, leaving behind all our worldly affairs. It helps a man to concentrate in the
temperance of Allah during prayer, that’s why we should make the intention.

Takir-e-Tahrima:

After the intention we say ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ raising our hands to the ears, and the females will raise their hands to the
shoulders only. It is called tahrima because, after saying this Takbir all activities like talking, walking, eating etc, are
haraam.

Qiyam:

In Qiyam we stand erect folding our hands. The eyes should be kept at the spot where the forehead will touch the ground
while doing the sajdah. While standing in the position of Qiyam the Thana, Tawwuz, Tasmiya, Fatiha, and any surah is to
be recited.

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Ruku:

Rukur is t obow down, holding the knees with the open fingers of the two hands by men, keeping the back straight and in
line with the head. The arms should be kept away from the body and in this position “Glory to my Lord, the Great”, is said
three times, Women will bow just to touch their knees.

Qaumah:

Standing straight for a short while after ruku is called Qauma Here we say Tasmee’ and Tahmeed.

Sajdah:

While going to perform sajdah, the knees then both hands then the nose and lastly the forehead are placed on the ground.
The face should be between both palms and the two thumbs should be in line with the two ears. The fingers of the hands
should be kept close to one another, the finger tips should face the Qibla. The elbows should be kept away from the ribs and
the stomach away from the legs. Women will keep their body parts together. While doing sajda, “Glory to my Lord, the
most high” is to be recited thrice.

Jasla:

Jalsa is to sit straight by folding the left foot and sitting on it and keeping the right food erect, with the toes of the right
foot facing the Qibla. The hands should be kept on the thights close to the knees.

Qai’dah:

After the performance of two Rakaats we sit as we sit in Jalsa. It is known as QaidahUoola in the prayer of more than
two rakaats. Here we recite Tahiyyah and Tashahud. After the completion of four rakaats again we sit, it is known as
Qaidah Akhirah and we recite Tahiyyah, Tashaud, Darud and Dua.

Salam:

Aafter this prayer the Salat is to be ended with Salam. For this the face is first turned to the right looking over the right
shoulder, “peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah” is to be said. Then turning the face to the left and looking over he left
shoulder the same words are to be repeated.

Obligatory Prayers (Fard):

There are five obligatory prayers Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Magrib and Isha. These prayers are the pillars of Islam and we have to
give first priority to these prayers. These prayers are to be offered on their prescribed timings. Men should offer them in
congregation in the mosque. These are the only prayers that can be offered later if the time has passed, because, there is no
Qada of Sunnats and Nafals. All punishments which are mentioned for the person who leaves his prayer are about
obligatory prayers. These prayers are to be offered almost in all circumstances.

Shortened prayers (Qasr):

During travelling Muslims shorten their prayers. This means to offer two rakats of fard instead of four rakats in Zuhr, Asr
and Isha during travelling. Sunnats and Nafls become unnecessary. According to the Islamic law, the traveler is one who is
more than 48 miles from the town and if he has no intention of staying there for 15 or more than 15 days.

Allah says in the Holy Quran, “And when you travel through the earth there is no blame on you if you shorten your
prayer” [4:101]. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, it is preferable to shorten the prayer, because the Holy Prophet has said,

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“It is the gift of Allah, so accept his gift,” but if someone says the complete prayer, that is also correct. The fard of Fajr and
Maghrib remain the same, because there is no half of 2 or 3 rakaats.

Delayed Prayers (Qada):

A Muslim should offer his players in the prescribed timings, but if someone has failed to do so, he is given the
opportunity to say his prayers after the prescribed time. We do not offer anything in delayed prayers except fard rakats and
witr and there is no qada for sunnat or nafal. It is necessary to mention in the intention that it is a qada prayer. If someone
has missed more than one prayer, he will offer them in order. As he Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) missed his Zuhr,
Asri and Magrib prayers in the Battle of Trench so he preferred them in order in the Isha time. If someone has missed his
prayer during travelling then he will offer the qada as a shortened prayer even at his home and vice versa. The Holy Prophet
said, “There is no expiation (for prayer) except the prayer itself.”

Friday prayers:

Friday is the most important day for Muslims from the religious point of view. Special rewards are mentioned for various
forms of worship on this day. It is also known as Syed-ul-Ayyam. On this day we offer a special prayer known as Friday
payer. This prayer is obligatory on every Muslim except women, children, travelers, sick people and slaves. It can be
offered only in congregation and there in no Qada for it.

It is offered at the time of Zuhr. Two Azans are delivered, for this prayer. Allah says in the Holy Quran, “O ye who
believe! When the call is proclaimed to pray on Friday (the day of assembly) hasten earnestly to the remembrance of
Allah, and leave off business (and traffic) that is best for you if ye but knew! And when the prayer is finished, then may
go disperse through the land and seek the Bounty of Allah and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint)
that ye may prosper.” (62:9-10)

So Muslims stop their activities and start the preparation of prayer. It includes taking bath, wearing neat clothes, cutting of
nails and wearing perfumes. The most important feature of the Friday prayer is khutba which is delivered before the prayer,
and it consists of two parts. In the first part, Imam praises Allah his prophet and then advices Muslims in the light of the
Holy Quran. In the second he discusses the companions of the Holy Prophet and prays for them. During khutba, talking,
walking and even praying is not allowed. To listen to khutba of the Imam is Wajib. Afther khutba, Imam leads Muslims in
two rakaat prayer. He recites the Holy Quran loudly and Muqtadis listen to it. Altogether Muslims offer four sunnat before
the khutba, two rakaats fard in congregation, then four sunnat, two sunnat and two nafal.

It is the largest gathering of Muslims in the week. It enlarges the circle of their social relations. The speech of Imam helps
them to learn a lot about their religion. They can also have meetings to discuss their communal problems and find out
solutions. Important announcements are also made here.

I’d Prayer:

There are two I’d days in Islamic calendar. First is celebrated on the 1 st of Shawwal after Ramadan and the other falls on
10th of Dhul Hajj. On these days Muslims offer a special prayer known as I’d prayer. As it is the largest gathering of the
year so it should be offered in an open field.

Muslims should do preparations which include taking bath, wearing the new clothes and wearing perfume. They offer two
rakaats with six additional Takbeeraats. Three of them are added in the first rakaats after Thana before Ruku and other
three are added in the second rakaat before Ruku. Imam recites the Holy Quran loudly and Muqatadis listen to his
recitation.

After prayer Imam delivers Khutba. He stands facing the people and delivers Khutba in two parts. He sits for a while
between the two parts. Listening to the Khutba is wajib. It must be delivered in the Arabic language. In the Khutba of I’d-

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ul-Fitr Imam diverts the attention of public towards Sadaqat-ul-Fitr and the lesson of Ramadan. In the Khutba of I’d-ul-
Adha Imam discusses the lesson and method of sacrifice.

Mosque:

Mosque is an integral part of Muslims community. The Holy Prophet gave preference to the construction of mosque after
his migration to Madina. Mosque is the house of Allah. The Holy Quran says, “And the mosques are for Allah, so invoke
not anyone along with Allah.” [72:18]

The main objective of mosque is to worship Allah there. They Holy Quran says, “In houses (mosques), Allah has
ordered to be raised and remembered in them His name. therein glorify Him in the morning and in the afternoons or the
evenings.” [24:36]

Educational institute. His mosque was the first Islamic university and his students were known as Ashab-e-Suffah. In
contemporary world there are Madaris in the mosques where Muslim children learn the Holy Quran.

The mosque was used by the Prophet for meetings like the meetings before battles and other social issues. He even
welcomed the delegations there. He also used it as court where he gave judgment in the disputes of the people. Muslims also
held their ceremonies in the mosque, like Nikkah ceremony etc. So mosque plays a significant role in bringing the Muslims
closer to each other. It creates brotherhood and quality among Muslims.

In the mosque we should go in the state of cleanliness and purity. Mosques should be kept clean. Unnecessary
beautification of mosque is not recommended but the most important thing is to go to the mosque regularly. Women can go
to the mosque if there are arrangements for them but there prayer at home is more reward able. We should not talk loudly or
about the worldly things.

FASTING
IMPORTANCE OF FASTING:

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It was made obligatory in 2AH. The Holy Quran says, “Fasting has been
prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn self-restraint.” [2:183]

It also says, “So everyone of you who is present during that month should append it in fasting.” [2:185] The Holy Prophet
also laid stress on it. He said, “Fasting is a shield and protection from the fire and from committing sins.” It means that
fasting helps a person to fight against the evil forces of lower self and Satan. He also said in a Hadith-e-Qudsi, “Fasting is
for Me and I shall compensate it.” He also said, “and establish prayer and pay zakat and bow down with who bow
down.” [2:43] The Holy Quran strictly condemns those “By Him in whose Hands is my soul is, the unpleasant smell
coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.”

Benefits:

Physica:

 It is good for physical health as we eat less in the days of fasting which is good for our digestive system.
 The whole system is cleaned of undesirable material, and the body gets rid of fat, cholesterol and other toxic matters.
 It also teaches us self control and patience. The person who observes fast can discipline his passionate desires and place
himself above physical temptation.

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Spiritual:
 Fasting makes a person more pious as we do not eat or drink even in loneliness remembering that Allah is with us. This
sense is known as Taqwa, which prevents us from committing sins.
 It brings us closer to Allah as we suffer hunger and thirst just to please Allah in the obedience of His commands.
 Fasting carries huge rewards and it burns away the sins and evil.
 It makes us punctual in our religious practices like prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran.
 It raises our spiritual level as we eat, drink and sleep very less ,avoid sins and do maximum worship.

Communal:
 Fasting makes the rich people realize the pain of hunger. It develops mercy in their hearts for the poor.
 The Muslims assemble in large numbers in the mosque which increases brotherhood.
 There is a visible change in the Muslim community. Muslims are moved towards goodness and avoid sins.
 The rich people spend generously on the poor to seek the blessing of Allah in the form of Zakat and charity. It enables
the poor to receive enough funds to meet their needs for at least a part of year.

Method:

Fasting is obligatory on every Muslim adult, sane, who is healthy enough to fast. Fasting starts when we see the moon of
Ramadan. Muslims wake up before dawn and have a meal knonw as Sahoor (pre-dawn meal). It is Sunnat and not
obligatory. The Holy Prophet said, “Take Sehr as there is a blessing in it.” They must stop eating before dawn. Then they
do niyat. They say, “I indented to keep today’s fast of the month of Ramadan,” Then Muslims offer their obligatory prayer
of Fajr.

“Sawm” literally means to abstain. In religious terms fasting refers to abstain from eating, drinking, sexual activities and
smoking etc. We should spend this time away from all types of sins. They must take care of their religious duties like prayer
and recitation of Quran. They should be embodiment of patience and tolerance during fast.

Before sunset we should preferably with dates. It is known as Iftar. The Holy Prophet said, “Allah said: They dearest of
My servants, in my sight are quickest breaking of the fast.”

Muslims also offer Taraweeh prayer in every night of Ramadan. There are twenty rakaats of Taraweeh. It is Sunnat
Muakkadah. They listen to the complete Quran in this prayer.

Muslims also search for the Night of Power in the last five odd nights of Ramadan. The Holy Quran says, “Night of
Power is better than thousand months.” Some Muslims also do I’tikaf for the search of this night.

Muslims also pay Sadaqat-ul-Fitr in this month. The amount of this Sadaqah is 1.63kg of wheat. It has to be paid from
each member of the family to the recipients of Zakat. If a person is unable to fast due to his old age or due to some
permanent disease, he will give. Fidya. The amount is 1.63 kg of wheat per fast. The holy Quran says, “For those cannot
do it is a ransom the feeding of one that id indigent.” [2:184] if a person breaks his fast intentionally without any valid
reason he will give Kaffarah. He has to keep sixty days fast continuously. If he cannot do this then he will feed sixty needy
people twice. Muslim stop the activities of Ramadan when they see the moon of Shawwal.

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