Fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan holds a vital and highly rewardable role in faith; it is the fourth pillar of Islam, and is an obligatory act of worship that is uncompromisable.  Yet, it is from the mercy of Allah that those who are unable to fulfill this fast due to reasons that are out of their capabilities are accommodated to compensate for the fast with a specific form of donation known as the “Fidya”.  What does Fidya mean? Fidya is a type of food donation given to fulfill feeding one poor person for one meal for each day of fasting that is missed by the individual ..read more

With Ramadan approaching us in less than three months, Muslims around the world are preparing to fast. In obedience to the command of Allah they will abstain from food and drink, amongst other things, during the days of the holy month. Fasting is more than just a religious duty for a Muslim and it is mentioned in the Quran that: ..And that you fast is better for you, if only you knew. [Al-Baqarah, 2:14] Other than the religious obligations upon Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, fasting actually has countless health benefits that many of us overlook or are not aware of. Fasting has its ..read more

Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with yet another Ramadan this year. As we celebrate Eid in the new normal, let’s continue to keep up the highly rewarded deeds that we have practiced during Ramadan, such as reading the Quran, qiyamullail (waking up before dawn for prayers) and fasting.  Related: Tips on How to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr in the New Normal (again!) For Muslims, fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is sunnah. It is a recommended act that does not only bring a host of health benefits but also a magnitude of rewards for those who practise it. Here are the five things you nee ..read more

Intention to Fast An obligatory fast is not considered valid unless a person has made known their intention by reciting a dua to affirm the intention to fast during some part of the night.  The purpose of making our intentions clear—before any deed for that matter—is to remind our inner selves of our intention which is to seek the pleasure of God in all our actions. What is making an intention? A vow, indication or a thought that crosses your mind at any part during the night that you’re fasting the next day is a valid intention. There is no need for a specific intention or dua just befor ..read more