Write notes on the folJowing terms: (a) Qad~' (b) Fidysh; (c) ksttiirsh (d) suhtir (e) Iftar

Answer Details

The following terms are connected mainly with the fast of Ramadan.

1. (a) Qada': This is the making up of missed acts of worship. A person who could not fast some days of Ramadan for a valid reason, such as illness, travel, menstruation or nursing, must fast an equal number of days later to make up (qada') for those missed.
2. (b) Fidyah: This is a compensation, usually the feeding of a poor person for each day missed, paid by one who is permanently unable to fast, such as the very old or the chronically sick who cannot make up the fast.
3. (c) Kaffarah: This is an expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a lawful excuse, for example by eating or having marital relations during the day in Ramadan. It is to free a slave, or if unable, to fast two consecutive months, or if still unable, to feed sixty poor persons.
4. (d) Suhur: This is the pre-dawn meal taken before the start of the fast (before Fajr). The Prophet (S.A.W.) encouraged it, saying there is blessing in Suhur, as it gives strength for the day's fasting.
5. (e) Iftar: This is the breaking of the fast at sunset (at Maghrib). It is recommended (sunnah) to hasten it and to break the fast with dates and water, saying the du'a of iftar.