The people who make the most of Ramadan are those who are best prepared for it. Some of the means of preparing for Ramadan include becoming accustomed to fasting in Sha'baan, engaging in reading the Quran and the remembrance of Allah The Almighty.
Another way of preparing for Ramadan is to read about the juristic issues, spiritual lessons and practical tips that enable one to derive the maximum benefit from this month, and to be aware of the mistakes that nullify the fast.
Here are some common mistakes related to Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftaar (the meal with which the fast is broken) that most people overlook or are unaware of, that affect the outcome of their fasting during Ramadan:
· Eating or drinking even after the call for Fajr (Dawn) prayer
Some people are under the misconception that it is permissible to continue to eat until the Mu'ath-thin (person calling the Athaan; caller to prayer) says the words: "Hayya 'ala al-falaah."
This is not based on any sound evidence and is simply a matter of cultural practice or personal preference, which cannot be the basis of a religious act in Islam. The Prophet, , said: "Anything added to our religion, which is not in it, is rejected." Another narration says: "Whoever does a deed, not in our religion, is rejected."
Besides, according to the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) the fast begins when we can detect the white line from the black line at dawn. At this point, one must stop eating and drinking. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {"Eat and drink until you can distinguish between the black line and white line at dawn."} [Quran; 2:187] The Prophet, , said: "Bilaal calls for Salah at night (i.e. so people would conclude their night prayer). Eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktoom calls." Ibn Umm Maktoom, may Allah be pleased with him, was a blind man who did not call for prayer until he was told it was time. From the previous verse and narration, it is clear that abstinence should begin at dawn and that the Athaan is a sign of it. Therefore, when the Athaan starts, it is time for abstinence and not when the caller says: "Hayya 'ala al-falaah."
· Eating Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) too early
According to the Sunnah, a Muslim should delay the Suhoor in order to follow the injunctions of the Prophet, . Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "We had Suhoor with the Prophet and then prayed."
· Delaying the call for Maghrib (sunset) prayer and delaying breaking the fast
Some people only call for the sunset prayer when it becomes completely dark, claiming that it is better to be cautious. This is against the Sunnah. The Sunnah is to call for prayer when the sun sets completely without regard to anything else. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {"Then complete the fast till the night [i.e. sunset]."} [Quran; 2:187]
Allah The Almighty marked the end of the period of fasting when the night begins, that is when the sun completely sets. The Prophet, , said: "If night comes from this side, day goes form that side and the sun has gone, then break your fast."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Imaam Ahmad Ibn Nasr Al-Marozy said after mentioning the above verse, "The scholars have agreed that if the sun has set, that means night has begun and it is time to break the fast."
By extension, some people fall into the trap of delaying breaking their fast. In turn, this can delay Maghrib prayer or cause one to miss the congregational prayer altogether. Besides, delaying Iftaar contradicts the Sunnah and emulates the Christians and the Jews based on the following narrations:
· The Prophet, , said: "People will continue to be upon virtue as long as they hasten the Iftaar." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
· The Prophet, , said: “My nation will be upon my Sunnah as long as they don’t wait for the stars to break their fast." [Ibn Hibban]
· The Prophet, , said: "Our religion will stay visible as long as people hasten breaking their fast because the Jews and Christians delay."