The days are not as short as during the winter months. But they are still manageable, fasting-wise.
Take advantage of this. 
Make up your missed days from last year’s Ramadhaan. Don’t put it off until the last minute and stress yourself out.
Make a plan and stick to it. There are about 4 months until Ramadhan starts again.
Question: A man has to observe Sawm (Fast) for two consecutive months as a Kaffarah (expiation), but he wants to fast the six days of Shawwal. Is it permissible for him to do so?
Answer: You have to hasten to fulfill the Kaffarah; it is not permissible to fast the six days of Shawwal before the Kaffarah, for fasting these six days is a Nafl (supererogatory act of worship) while the Kaffarah is a Fard (obligatory act of worship) which should be carried out immediately. It should be given priority over the Sawm of the six days of Shawwal or any other supererogatory Sawm.
Source: AlIfta.com
Question: If a person had one fast from Ramadhaan to make up, is it permissible for him to fast on a Friday?
Response: It is permissible for a Muslim to fast on a Friday if he is making up a fast from Ramadhaan, even if it is just one day.
And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts, comprising -
Head: Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh ‘Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 662, Fatwa No.668;
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No.8966
Published: 9 December 1999
Ramadhan is Over–What’s Next
Remember. Take notes!
And using what you learn to create graphic organizers, crossword puzzles, word finds, memory games, etc, can help you remember, retain, and inshAllah apply the info better.
Q: Is it permissible for a person to choose any six days to observe Sawm (Fasting) in Shawwal, or is there a fixed time for them? If we observe Sawm on them, will it become a Fard (obligation) on us?
A: It was authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
Anyone who fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal it is as if they fasted the whole year. 
(Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book])These days are not fixed in the month. A Mu’min (believer) can choose to observe them at any time throughout the month, whether in the beginning, middle, or end of the month, and whether on separate or consecutive days. There is flexibility in this matter, praise be to Allah. If a person observes them in the beginning of the month, it will be even better, as this is a form of hastening to do good deeds. It is not thus, considered a Fard; a person can leave them in any year.
However, it is better and more perfect to continue observing Sawm on these days every year, acting on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly, even if it is small. May Allah grant us success!
Source: AlIfta.com
Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan hafidhahullaah
From Ahaadeeth us-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Ada
Sufyaan ibn ‘Abdillaah radhiAllaahu ‘anhu said: “O Messenger of Allaah, tell me something about Islaam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you.” He said: “Say: ‘I believe in Allaah’ and then be steadfast (upon that).” [Saheeh Muslim (38)]
The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having eemaan in Allaah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right or to the left.
If the Muslim lives through Ramadhaan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allaah at all times. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He is ever watchful and witnessing over his servants at all times.
Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadhaan and the rectification of one’s statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadhaan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.
Furthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Allaah says:
“And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you.” [al-Hijr: 99]
If the fasting of Ramadhaan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fasting is still prescribed throughout the entire year. If standing in prayer at night during Ramadhan comes to an end, then indeed, the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if the Zakaat-ul-Fitr comes to an end, then there is still the Zakaah that is obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Qur’aan and pondering over its meaning as well as every other righteous deed that is sought, for they can be done at all times. From the many bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon his servants is that He has placed for them many different types of righteous acts and provided many means for doing good deeds. Therefore, the ardor and zeal of the Muslim must be constant and he must continue to remain in the service of his Lord.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing different types of righteous deeds during Ramadhaan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers in the masjid, they recite the Qur’aan a lot and they give in charity from their wealth. But when Ramadhaan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship Rather, sometimes they even abandon the obligations, both generally, such as praying in congregation, and specifically, such as praying the fajr prayer.
And they commit forbidden acts such as sleeping over the time of prayers, indulging in places of foolishness and entertainment, and mingling in parks, especially on the day of ‘Eed. Obtaining help from these evils is only through the grace of Allaah. Thus, they demolish what they have constructed and destroy what they have established. This is an indication of deprivation and a sign of perdition. We ask Allaah for His safeguarding and protection.
Indeed, this type of people take the example of turning in repentance and ceasing from committing evil deeds as something specific and restricted to the month of Ramadhaan. And they stop doing these (good) acts when the month stops. Thus, it is as if they have abandoned sinning for the sake of Ramadhaan, and not out of fear of Allaah. How terrible is the state of these people, who do not know Allaah, except in Ramadhaan!
Truly, the success that Allaah grants His servant lies in the fasting of Ramadhaan. His assisting him to do that is a great favor, thus the calls for the servant to be grateful to his Lord. This understanding can be found in the statement of Allaah after completing the favor of the month of fasting:
“(He wants that you) must complete the same number of days, and that you must magnify Allaah (by saying Allaahu Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him.” [2:185]
The one who is grateful for having fasted, will remain upon that condition and continue to perform righteous deeds. Verily, the true way of the Muslim is that of one who praises and thanks his Lord for giving him the ability to fast and make qiyaam. His condition after Ramadhaan is better than it was before Ramadhaan. He is more receptive to obey, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. This is because he has gained benefit form this prominent institute of learning. It is that of one who fears for having his fast not accepted, for indeed Allaah only accepts from those who fear Him. The righteous predecessors would struggle to complete and perfect their deeds, hoping afterwards, that it would be accepted and fearing that it would be rejected. From the reports of ‘Alee, “Be more concerned with having your deeds accepted than the deed itself. Did you not hear Allaah say: ‘Verily Allaah, only accepts those from those who fear Him. (i.e. possess taqwaa).’ [5:27] “[Lataa'if ul Ma'aarif, p. 246]
‘Aa’ishah said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah concerning the ayah: ‘And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.’ Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?” He said: “No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won’t be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them.” [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80]
So be warned and again be warned of turning backward after having attained guidance of going astray after persevering. And ask Allaah to provide you with duration in doing righteous deeds and continuity in performing good acts. And ask Allaah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadhaan from us.
Note: Even though this moon sighting report is being posted, the correct opinion is to follow the sighting of where you currently live. Sh. al-Malki says “If you don’t live in Saudi anymore, then you don’t follow the moon sighting of Saudi…” See link below.
Official Decision and Announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia regarding ‘Eed al-Fitr 1432 (2011)…
Official Decision and Announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia…
Just a short time ago, Fatwa-Online was informed of the official decision and announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia that since the moon of Shawwaal was sighted this evening, here in Saudi Arabia, we have completed twenty nine (29) days of Ramadhaan (1432 A.H.), in accordance with the hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):
((Fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you, then complete thirty days of Sha’baan. And break your fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you then fast thirty days)), [transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
Subsequently, we shall be celebrating ‘Eed al-Fitr on Tuesday 30th August 2011, inshaa.-Allaah.
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According to both Sh. Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) of Understand-Islam.net and Shaikh Mohammad Al-Malki people are to follow the moon sighting where they reside (your local community) and not from some other country.
Listen to Sh. al-Malki explain this: Jumua Khutbah (Jul 27, 2011) –WizIQ. You will need an account to listen to WizIQ. The first part of the khutbah is in Arabic. At about the mid-way point, the English translation begins.
Or, listen to Sh. al-Malki here
Source: al-ifta
Question: If it is cloudy or overcast, is it obligatory or prescribed to observe Sawm (Fasting) on the Day of Doubt (the 30th of Sha‘ban) as a precaution, in case the month has begun?
Answer: It is not permissible to perform Sawm on the Day of Doubt (so called because there is doubt concerning it – is it the last day of Sha’ban or the first day of Ramadan), even if the sky is cloudy, because the Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Start Sawm (Fast) when you see it (the new moon of Ramadan) and stop Sawm when you see it (the new moon of Shawwal); but if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete the number of days (of Sha‘ban to thirty days). He (peace be upon him) also said: Do not observe Sawm for a day or two days ahead of Ramadan except a person who is in the habit of observing a particular Sawm; they may fast on that day.
As for what is narrated about Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), that he used to observe Sawm on the 30th of Sha‘ban if it was cloudy, this was his Ijtihad (juristic effort to infer expert legal rulings), but the correct opinion is the opposite of this; it is obligatory not to observe Sawm on that day. Ibn ‘Umar practiced Ijtihad in this case, but his Ijtihad opposed the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), may Allah forgive him!
The correct opinion is that the Muslims must not observe Sawm on the 30th of Sha‘ban, if the new moon of Ramadan is not sighted. If it is cloudy, it is obligatory not to observe Sawm. It is not permissible to start observing Sawm until the sighting of the new moon is confirmed or Sha‘ban is completed with thirty days. This is what is obligatory on Muslims, and it is not permissible to oppose the Nas (Islamic text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah) for the personal opinion of an individual, whether he is Ibn ‘Umar or anyone else, because the Nas takes precedence over all opinions, as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad peace be upon him) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah – legal ways – orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.
Source: Fatwas of Ibn Baz
Question: When my father was alive, he entrusted me to give sadaqah (charity) according to my means on the 15th of Sha’baan every year, and likewise I have been doing this ever since. However, some people have admonished me for doing so saying it is not permissible. So is giving sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan permissible according to the willment of my father or not? Kindly advise us and may Allaah reward you with good.
Response: To specify the giving of sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan every year is an innovation, and despite your father having entrusted you with that, it is not permissible. It is befitting you give this sadaqah without specifying the night of the 15th of Sha’baan, rather do so every year and in whichever month, but without particularising any one month (on a consistent basis). However, it is permissible to do so in the month of Ramadhaan (for the evidence which indicates so).
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 611
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa
No. 9760
ref: http://www.fatwa- online.com/ fataawa/innovati ons/celebrations /cel005/0001102
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Related Post: Specifying 15th Sha’baan fasting the day and prayer at night
