In order to compare the eating habits of Muslims today, during the month of Ramadan, with that of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) an informal survey was conducted. Over 270 participants from around the world were asked about their consumption habits during this sacred month. Sixty percent of participants were from the US, 20% from the Middle East, 10% from South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) and 10% were from other countries.

Breaking the Fast

Regarding the iftar meal, it is encouraged to break your fast as soon as it is permissible to do so. The Prophet (pbuh) would hasten to break his fast. Sahl ibn Sa`d reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast." (Bukhari and Muslim).

It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) would also break his fasts with dates as do 86.5% of the survey participants; this is a Sunnah that is well followed by Muslims today. Anas Ibn Maalik said: "The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before he prayed. If he did not find fresh dates then with dried dates. If there were no dried dates then with a few sits of water." (Abu Dawood)

The month of Ramadan provides us with a blessed chance to reap blessings and rewards. That is not all. It is also an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen and purify our character. The general spirit of Ramadan encourages us to live more wholesomely and better ourselves.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) tells us: "When the month of Ramadan arrives, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of hell are locked, and the devils are chained." [Sahîh Muslim (1079) and Sunan al-Tirmidhî (682)]

The reduced temptation to do wrong afforded to us by fasting and by the general atmosphere of Ramadan gives us a chance to show Allah our best potential. We should do what we can to maximize this potential.

Renew Your Relationship With the Qur'ân

A missionary campaign entitled “The Protective Shield” recently organized by the missionary summer camp in Taif (Saudi Arabia) has sparked controversy among women participants and visitors, Al-Watan newspaper reported last Saturday August 23.

Corpses were displayed inside a dark tent and visitors were allowed to enter only after sunset — so that it was pitch-black inside. The religious objective of the episode was “to bring to life dead hearts” as the supervisor of the campaign, Balgees Al-Ghamri, explained.

This type of dawa (missionary work of Islam) will certainly terrorize and antagonize people through a focus on death, punishments and hellfire in the afterlife. It has become so common these days that many Muslim converts living in Islamic lands say they are happy they did not learn about Islam here.

“Sheikhs (preachers) and society in general make people feel that you should be stiff. I’m very happy I learned about Islam abroad. I know other expatriates who feel the same way. They tell me if they had learned about Islam after coming here, they would have never converted,” said Aisha Mohammad, a 34-year-old American teacher.