Fasting
The month of Ramadhaan, which Muslims fast every year, is
the best of all months in the sight of Allaah, the Almighty. The Quran was also
revealed to our Prophet Mohammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, in laylet
al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is one of the nights of that great month.
Fasting in Ramadhaan
Fasting in Ramadhaan is obligatory on Muslims; it is one of
the five pillars of Islam. Allaah imposed this duty upon Muslims in 2. A.H (624
A.D.).
Allaah says (what means):
"{O believers! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint} [Quran
2:183].
In obedience to Allaah's command, Muslims abstain from
eating and drinking, from dawn to sunset, during Ramadhaan.
Allaah says (what means):
{And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to
you. Then complete your fast till the night comes.} [Quran 2:187].
Allaah says (what means):
{Ramadhaan is the month in which was sent down the Quran, as
a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right
and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month
should spend it in fasting.}
[Quran 2:185].
Ramadhaan starts when the new moon (crescent) is seen after
the sunset of the 29th of Sha'baan. If the new moon does not appear, we
complete the month of Sha'baan thirty days. Likewise, Ramadhaan ends with the
birth of the new moon of Shawwaal.
The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Begin your fast with it's (the moon) sighting, and break it (the fast)
with its sighting. If you do not see it due to clouds, continue your fast for
thirty days." [Muslim]
Who is required to fast?
Fasting is obligatory upon the fulfillment of the following:
Fasting is not obligatory on a disbeliever.
The insane is exempted.
Children are exempted, but they should be trained.
Travelers are exempted.
The sick who cannot endure fasting is exempted.
It is desirable that, as long as they are able, children
fast all Ramadhaan or a part of it, so that they get used to fasting.
Those Who are Exempted From Fasting
1 The sick
2 The
traveler
3 The
elderly who physically unable fasting
4 The
pregnant woman or a breast feeding mother who feels that she may cause harm to
herself or her baby if she fasts
5 The
woman during her menstrual period or post-natal bleeding
The Ruling of Breaking the Fast
If a Muslim breaks his/her fast – due to an excuse such as
sickness, traveling, pregnancy or breast feeding – he/she must make up for
every day he/she misses as soon the situation changes. This is called Qadhaa'
(compensation).
But if someone cannot make up the days he/she misses – such
as an elderly or the patient suffering from an incurable chronical disease that
prevents him for fasting he/she must provide an indigent with a meal similar to
that which one usually eats himself meal for every day they break the fast.
Acts Nullifying Fast
- Eating or drinking intentionally during daytime.
- Deliberate vomiting.
Acts Permitted During Fasting
- Having a shower.
- Rinsing the nose and mouth with water without exaggeration
so it does not reach the stomach.
- Applying eye-drops.
Sunnah Acts and Etiquettes of Fasting
- Having the pre-dawn meal (sahar): It strengthens the
Muslim, provides him with energy and eases the burden of fast. The Prophet,
sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Take a preـdawn meal because there is a blessing in
it." [Al-Bukhaari].
It is desirable to have the pre-dawn meal as late before
dawn as possible.
- Supplication when breaking the fast: When breaking the
fast, one should say the same words that the Prophet himself (sallallaahu
alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O Allaah, for You I fasted and with Your
sustenance I have broken the fast" [Abu Daawood].
- Frequent recitation of the Quran: During Ramadhaan, one
should increase the performance of acts like the recitation of the Quran,
mentioning Allaah, supplicating Him, giving charity ...etc.
- Maintaining relationships with relatives: During
Ramadhaan, one should visit his relatives and be kind to them. - Giving charity
to the poor
- Shunning backbiting, tale baring, lies and obscene
language
- Hastening to break the fast: It is recommended to hasten
to break your fast as soon as the sun sets. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa
sallam, said: "My nation will continue to be upon virtue as long as they
hasten in breaking the fast."
[AlـBukhaari]
- Avoiding whatever causes Allaah's Wrath: One should
neither speak words nor commit acts that do not conform with the etiquette of
fasting. A Muslim should neither abuse nor insult others, nor should he involve
into arguments with them.
The Virtues of Fasting
The following are some of the many virtues of fasting:
-The Gates of Paradise are opened during Ramadhaan, while
the Gates of Hell are closed.
-Whoever observes fast during the month of Ramadhaan out of
sincere faith, hoping to attain Allaah's rewards, then all his past sins will
be forgiven.
-The invocation of the fasting Muslim is accepted. The
Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "There are three people whose
supplications are answered: the fasting person until he breaks his fast…"
[At-Tirmithi]
The Benefits of Fasting
1 It teaches patience
2 It strengthens the body and cures some diseases
3 It comforts the stomach.
4 It teaches us how to be merciful and compassionate with
the poor.
5 It teaches us to organize our eating and drinking habits
6 It increases our good deeds.
Taraaweeh (Optional Night) Prayer
This is a prayer performed every night of Ramadhaan after
'Ishaa' (the night prayer). The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, urged
the Muslims to perform it, saying:
" He who observes prayer at night during Ramadhaan, out
of faith and hoping for reward from Allaah; his previous sins would be
forgiven." [Al-Bukhaari]
Zakaatul-Fitr (Charity on breaking the fast)
It is obligatory on every Muslim, young or old, male or
female who can afford it for himself and his/her dependants.
It is to be given before the `Eed prayer, otherwise it is
considered an ordinary charity rather than Zakaatul-Fitr.
The Recipients of Zakaatul-Fitr
This is to be given to the poor and the needy to make them
happy on the `Eed, and to spread love and compassion among Muslims.
Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
It is one of the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights
of Ramadhaan. It is the best night of the entire year. During the last ten
nights of Ramadhaan, the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, exerted his
best efforts in worship and mention of Allaah.
It is desirable to spend this night in prayer, mention of
Allaah, worship, asking for forgiveness and invocation. The Prophet,
sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, exhorted the Muslims to observe acts of worship
during it as he said: "He who observed prayer on Laylat Al-Qadr out of
faith and seeks reward from Allaah, all his previous sins would be
forgiven." [Muslim]
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us
all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout
the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to
Him and to each other.AMEEN
ASSALAMU ALAIKUM