Heavenly Jewels

This is the origin of fasting on Ashura practiced by Rassoollalah � himselfand from his time until today, by Muslims as well. Saying that it was the day in which the mother of Yazeed fasted and should not be observed, is the deception of Shias who say this only to deter Muslims fromobtainingthemerit ofAshura. FASTING ON THE 1 5TH OF SHABAAN After Ramadaan, the best month to fast is Shabaan as Sayyida Aisha � states, " I have not seen the Holy Prophet � keep fast in another month more than in Shabaan." Regarding the 1 5th of Shabaan especially, Rassoollalah � has said, "When the 1 5th night of Shabaan comes then make qiyaam (perform Nafl Salaah) in it and fast during the day. On this night, Allah ' s special mercy descends to the first heaven after the sun sets and proclaims, "Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness? Is there someone in affliction for Me to grant serenity? Does anybody wish for something?" All this is said until the time ofFajr arrives." THE SIX FASTS OF SHAWAAL Regarding the six fasts ofShawaal, the Holy Prophet � has said, "The person who keeps the Rauza of Ramadaan and six days of Shawaal thereafter, is like one who kept fast continuously throughout the year." This is because when one good deed is performed then 1 0 good deeds are attained. Therefore the 30 days ofRamadaan, equals to 1 0 months and fast ofthese 6 days will add up to 2 months, effectively producing an entire year. AnotherHadeeth states, "The person who keeps the Rauza ofRamadaan and six days of Shawaal afterwards becomes free from sin like he was born from the womb of his mother." There are two benefits ofkeeping these fasts, 1 . Through a little laborThawaab offasting the entire year is attained. 2. If there is any kind ofdefect in the fast ofRamadaan then Insha' allah through theseRauza, the damage will be corrected. 1 63