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FASTING
What is Fasting? Fasting, or Sawm, is the act of denying yourself food, drink and (for those of us who are married) sexual intercourse. Each day of fasting lasts from fajr (dawn) to maghrib (sunset). Although this may seem like an ordeal, it has many benefits : Because fasting is an act of worship, your body is constantly reminding you of your duty to Allah, thus making you more inclined to perform good deeds as opposed to evil. Because you go without food for long periods, your body is effectively cleansing itself on a daily basis. Your daily hunger gives you a certain amount of empathy for those who are less fortunate than yourself. Fasting strengthens your discipline, willpower, moderation and patience.
	When can you Fast?
As you probably know, it is obligatory to fast during Ramadan. However, it is also good practice to fast on two particular days in the Hijri (Islamic) calender :
Yawm Al-Arafat, which falls on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. This is the ninth day of Hajj when the millions of pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat (near Mecca) and pray for forgiveness. This is next due to occur around the 19th January 2005. Yawm Al-Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, and commemorates the day Moses (AS) and the Jews crossed the Red Sea. It is next due to occur at around the 19th February 2005. It is customary to fast the two days either side of this as well.
Fasting on these two occasions carry great rewards for those who can manage it. It is also good practice to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, the 13th, 14th and 15th day of each lunar month, the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah, the 15th day of the month of Shaaban, any six days of the month of Shawwal, fasting every other day like prophet Da'ud (peace be upon him). Fasting any day of the year without a specific day is also encouraged, especially during the Hurum (holy) months which are Rajab, Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, & Muharram. If you are unsure as to when these dates occur, you can use the Hijri Date Converter. To use this, you simply enter the hijri date and press the appropriate button to give its Gregorian equivalent, or vice versa. By far the most convenient method is to download Hijri Cal from DivineIslam.com. This is a small desktop program that displays the Hijri and Gregorian dates side-by-side in the form of a calendar, and which also allows the user to view any date directly. It is also very accurate, as it uses moon-phase data rather than an algorithm to calculate dates.
	When can't you Fast?
It is haram (forbidden) to fast :
On Fridays (except during Ramadan), Eid Ul-Fitr (at the end of Ramadan), and Eid Ul-Adha (at the end of Hajj). However, if Yawm Al-Arafat or Yawm Al-Ashura happen to fall on a Friday, then it is permissible to fast. If you are ill or badly wounded. If you are having a period, close to giving birth, or have recently given birth.
	Ramadan
It is obligatory for all Muslims to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, except for :
Those whose health would be severely affected, such as the sick, young children or the elderly. Those who are traveling (you can still fast during travel if you choose to). Women going through their monthly periods, pregnancy, or who have recently given birth.
Those who are genuinely unable to fast for any part of Ramadan should either fast at a later date for each day missed (as explained in the ayat quoted below), or feed a poor person twice for each day, or pay them an amount equal to that. Those who break the fast deliberately for no good reason should do the above, but multiplied by sixty (i.e. fast for sixty days, or feed sixty people, or pay an equal amount to that). This is known as qaffara (atonement).
	What breaks your Fast?
Obviously, eating, drinking and sexual intercourse all break one's fast. However, there are a few grey areas that need clarification :
Wudu (ablution before prayer) - as you may know, washing the mouth out with water is an essential part of wudu, but special care must be taken not to swallow any of this water if you are fasting. Whilst accidently swallowing the water may not be enough to break your fast, it is still best to be careful. I would use less water than usual, maybe even just wetting the fingers and using them to wipe out the inside of the mouth. Cleaning teeth with toothpaste whilst fasting - opinion seems to be divided on this. Some say it is permissible as you are not intending to eat or drink, whilst others say it isn't as the flavour of the toothpaste could still be swallowed along with saliva. The best ways to avoid this dilemma is to either make sure you clean you teeth before the fast begins at fajr, using a toothbrush without any paste, or (best of all) using a siwak. This is a type of tree root with natural antiseptic qualities that has been traditionally used for cleaning teeth since before Muhammad was born (peace and blessings be upon him). Vomiting - unintentional vomiting will not break your fast. If you are feeling ill though, you really shouldn't be fasting at all. Intentional vomiting WILL break your fast, and you should pay qafarra for this. Ejaculation - unintentional ejaculation as a result of a wet dream will not break your fast, but you should take ghusl (bath) as soon as you realise this has happened. Intentional ejaculation through intercourse is deliberate breaking of the fast, and qaffara should be observed. Vaginal discharge - this does not affect the fast at all.
	Hints for Fasting & Ramadan
It is sunnah (custom of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to eat a light breakfast (sahur) before the fast begins. Not only will this give you some energy to get you through the day, it will also get you into the habit of waking up earlier to pray fajr (if you're not doing so already!). If you are not working, do something to keep your mind occupied, perhaps doing some light housework or visiting friends. Reading the Qur'an during this time is very highly recommended! Whatever you do, don't spend all day resting or doing something inactive like watching television as you will find that your hunger will seem greater, making it harder to keep your fast. The traditional (sunnah) method of breaking the fast at the end of the day is to eat three dates along with some water, pray Maghrib, then take your main meal. If you are fasting during Ramadan, it is best go to the mosque for this as this meal is a daily community event. I often find it more than likely to meet other new muslims and make friends at this time than at any other. Tarawih prayers are held at the mosque every night immediately after isha during Ramadan. Try to attend as often as possible, it's very rewarding.
(source : www.bahagia.btinternet.co.uk)