Question:-
Many women prepare savouries before the start of Ramadaan. Some say that the intention is to have things easy to make, so that the women can spend more time in ibadah, instead of preparing food. I would like to enquire the position of this in relation to Islam, and how did the women in the time of Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Sahaaba prepare for Ramadhaan. Also in light of the starvation currently in Gaza, and although many of us are helpless in getting aid across, will Allah swt still hold us accountable for how we are gathering all this food/savouries for fasting, whilst our brothers and sisters are starving?
Answer:-
Fundamentally, it is permissible to prepare and partake of savouries during the blessed month of Ramadaan. However, the objective of Ramadaan is not to party, feast and only be concerned of food, rather this is a month of reforming and establishing a close connection and bond with Allah Ta’ala. It is generally seen that people end up eating more in the month of Ramadaan than out of Ramadaan hence the objective of Ramadaan is lost.
It is mentioned regarding our pious predecessors that when the month of Ramadaan would arrive, then they would engage in the Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala all the time to the extent that some would even suffice on a piece of Roti or some black tea for Sehri and Iftaar. This was all that they would eat in the blessed month of Ramadaan. These incidents may be studied in the Kitaab, “The Ramadaan of our pious predecessors.” Obviously, we are not at their level to make these types of sacrifices but at least we can admire them and aspire to imitate them to some extent. This is when we will attain the true blessings of Ramadaan.
Yes, at the same time we should think of the people suffering in the world who don’t even have a decent meal at the time of Iftaar or a decent dwelling to reside in. The minimum we can do is cut down on our luxuries and thereby share in their pain and suffering.
In conclusion, we should cut down on our luxuries and try to spend the month of Ramadaan in a simple manner whereby we too can attain close proximity to Allah Ta’ala. May Allah Ta’ala alleviate the suffering of the Ummah and bless us all with a spiritually uplifting Ramadaan. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazalani
Date: 13 Shabaan 1445 / 24 February 2024
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
