I begin with the name of Allah the most merciful and the most kind, peace and blessing be upon beloved Prophet (S.A.W)

GREAT AND BLESSED MONTH

Sayyidina Salman Radi Allahu Anhu (may Allah be pleased with Him) reported that on the last day of Shaban the (beloved) messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) addressed us and said: "O people there come upon you now a great and blessed month."

WHY IT IS THE MOST BLESSED AND GREAT MONTH

It is blessed by the following reasons:

It is the month in which Allah(S.T) the most High blessed the mankind with last scripture Al-Quran revealed on the last and the final Messenger of Allah(SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) as Allah(S.W.T) says: "The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance for mankind and the criterion between right and wrong." (Sura Al-Baqara 2-185).

It is the month in which there is a night greater in worth than one thousand months. Allah (S.W.T) says: "Surely we have sent it down ( the Holy Quran) in the night of Al-Qadr honour and decree. And what will make you know what is the night of decree?. The night of Qadar is better than a thousand months (concerning forgiveness and bounties of God). There in descend the Angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's permission with all decrees. Peace (peace and goodness from Allah is more in this night than thousand months) until the appearance of dawn." (Sura 97 verse 1-5).

All days of this month are passed in the state of (sawm) fasting for pleasure and nearness of Allah. Fasting in the whole month of Ramadhan is FARDH (obligatory) on Muslims. Allah (S.W.T) said: "So who ever of you finds it(Ramadhan) and he must fast that month." (2-185) Allah (S.W.T) is remembered by His servants more than any other month of the year.

SALATUL TARAWEEH - The forth reason due, which makes this month great and blessed that all Muslims in the whole world offer collectively 20 Rakaats of special night prayer which is known as Taraweeh prayer. The whole Quran is revised and recited by the Imams(Huffaz).

INCREASE OF ALLAH'S (S.T) FAVOURS

The reward from Allah (S.W.T) increased in manifold, one who offers one obligatory act receives the minimum reward of 70 obligatory practices in any other time of the year and any virtuous optional act in any other time of the year. (Hadith of Salman).

MONTH OF SABR (PATIENCE)

Ramadhan is the month of in which every Muslim practice patience by keeping fast because when he fasts, he keeps himself away from eating and drinking and endures the pains patiently. He does all this for the love of Allah(S.T) the most High. One who is patient for Allah(S.T) he is blessed with the help and support of Allah(S.T) as mentioned in the Holy Quran: "O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer Truly! Allah(S.T) is with (those who) are patient." (2 - 153 Al-Quran). "They are those on whom are the Salawat(blessings) from their Lord and (they are those) who receive His mercy and it is they who are the guided ones" (2 - 157 Al-Quran)

MONTH OF CARING AND DOING GOOD TO EACH OTHER

RasulAllah(SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) has said: "It is the month of Sympathy with one's fellowmen; It is the month in which the provisions of a true believer is increased. Whosoever feeds a fasting person in order to break fast (at the time of Iftar) for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and emancipation from the fire of hell and for him shall be the same reward as for him(whom he fed) without the person's reward being reduced in the least." Some of the Sahaba(companions) (radiAllahu Anhu) said: "O messenger of Allah(SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) not all of us do not posses enough means which we can provide to a fasting person for opening the fast. The Messenger of Allah(SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: Allah(S.T) grants this same reward to him who gives fasting person a single date or a drink of water or a sip of milk to break the fast." (Hadith Salam ibn Huzaima)

RECITATION OF AL-QURAN IN RAMADHAN

Prophet Ibrahim, Dawud, Moses, Eisa and the last Prophet Muhammad(SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) all of them received Scriptures in the Holy month of Ramadhan. In Hadith It is mentioned that our Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) used to recite Al-Quran to Angel Jibreel and Angel Jibreel used to recite the Quran to Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) in every year in the month of Ramadhan. It is of great reward to recite Al-Quran to each other. It is Sunnah to listen recitation of whole Quran during 20 Rakah of Taraweeh prayer.

Fasting is obligatory in the month of Ramadhan on those who meet these qualifications:

One who is physically and mentally fit.

One who has reached the age of puberty(Bulughah).

One who is present at his permanent settlement at his hometown(not to be travelling on a journey of about 50miles or over).

WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING

Children under the age of puberty. They should be encouraged to fast on weekends so that when they reach the age of puberty it becomes easy for them to fast in the whole month easily.

The insane people.

Who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation but they must at least one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or is value per person per day.

Those who suffer with illness they are allowed to postpone the fast during illness and make up after Ramadhan a day for a day.

Those who are travelling the distance of 50 miles or ore. It is better for them to fast during the journey if they can without causing hardships.

Women expecting babies and women who are nursing the children may breakfast and make up a day after the month of Ramadhan.

WHO MUST POSTPONE FASTING?

Women in the period of menstruation of confinement (max 40 days) are not allowed to fast in the month of Ramadhan even if they can or want to. They have to postpone till their recovery and make up a day for a day after Ramadhan. Instructions of the Holy Prophet for benefiting in the month of Ramadhan.

SAHOOR Having light meal before the dawn.

IFTAR To eat three dates and have drink after sunset by saying: "O Allah for your sake we have fasted and now we break the fast with the food you have given us."

To make the meals light as possible.

To perform Taraweeh prayer.

To increase recitation of the Holy Quran.

To increase caring for others and intensify humanitarian services.

To control our tongue.