THE MUSLIM HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN (FASTING) STARTS SOON.

Next week, by the Special grace of the Almighty God. The month of Ramadan will be starting, it should start either on Monday or Tuesday, the specific day is not sure yet, because it depends on the sighting of the Moon of the month of Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan is a holy month whereby Muslims are expected to fast and abstain from eating, drinking, having sexual intercourse etc from dawn till sunset through out the days in the month.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam.

The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.

“O Allah! Safeguard us for the Month of Ramadan (by making us see the Month of Ramadan healthy and fit), and safeguard the Month of Ramadan for us (by making the conditions in it such that we can take maximum benefit from it) and accept it from Us.”
[Tabaraani]

When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of paradise are opened, the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.

Fasting is NOT just abstaining from eating and drinking, it is also refraining from vain speech and foul language. If one is verbally abused, he should say 'I am fasting.

Every Muslim must make intention before fajr to fast(for an obligatory fast). Intention is not uttered. It is determination in the mind and should not be done with audible wordings.

Taking the pre-dawn meal (Sahuur) is a BLESSING. Every Muslim is expected to take the meal EVEN if with a mouthful of water.
It is the practise of the prophet to DELAY the Sahuur and HASTEN to break the fast as soon as the sun sets.

If one hears the call to prayer WHILE still eating the Sahuur, he should not stop eating, rather he should finish his food. Whosoever does not give up speaking falsely and acting on lies and evil actions, Allah the Almighty does not care for his abstaining from eating and drinking.

Whoever provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, he will earn the same reward as the person without the persons reward being reduced. If somebody eats or drinks FORGETFULLY while fasting, he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk been given to him by Allaah.

Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity .

This article is meant to rewind us of this incoming holy month. We should not forget the Almighty Gods teaching and warning.