Fasting is an act of worship (ibadat). It is one of the Fundamental Principles (Pillars) of Islam.
WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST?
The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's inner self. It's seen as a way to physically and spiritually purify, refraining from habits such as smoking and caffeine. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Many spend more time at mosques during Ramadan and use their downtime to recite the Quran. London's new Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, wrote in the Guardian that he plans to use Ramadan to "build bridges" and break bread with Muslims and non-Muslims around the city at synagogues, churches and mosques, though he acknowledged that 19-hour-long fasts during the longer summer days in Europe and forgoing coffee will be challenging. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing Haj.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.
WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST?
The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's inner self. It's seen as a way to physically and spiritually purify, refraining from habits such as smoking and caffeine. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Many spend more time at mosques during Ramadan and use their downtime to recite the Quran. London's new Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, wrote in the Guardian that he plans to use Ramadan to "build bridges" and break bread with Muslims and non-Muslims around the city at synagogues, churches and mosques, though he acknowledged that 19-hour-long fasts during the longer summer days in Europe and forgoing coffee will be challenging. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing Haj.
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (Qur’an, 2:185).
O you, who believe. Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (Qur’an, 2:183-84)
Hadiths on Ramadan Fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it.” (Bukhari)
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).
When to start fasting
Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: “Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)
Anas related that the Prophet said: “Take the suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Breaking your fast
Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: “Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
During journey
Aisha related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: “Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Behavior while fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Hazrat Sahl bin Saad (May Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah 
[SAWW](PBUH) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.''
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 120]
Thanks to Allah the Almighty who blesses us opportunities every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month & every year to understand the purpose of our creation, that is to worship Him, live the way He want us to do so & to please Him. This year as well, we are going to be blessed with, Inshallah, with such noble days of the year which every Muslim around the corners of the globe is waiting for. Every obligatory Namaz will be rewarded 70 times more, every Nawafil will be rewarded as the Fard, every deed will be rewarded 70 times more. And this opportunity is to please Allah, The Almighty. Lets not forget our brothers and sisters in this Ramadan who need our help. Lets share our Zakat/Charity/Fitra/Fidya to the needy this Ramadan.
The Holy Quran states at 76:8-9: "(The righteous are those) who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of God, saying: 'We feed you for the sake of God alone; we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.'"
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The Prophet (SAWS) said, Ramadan is an honorable and blessed month and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The best charity is that given in Ramadan - [Al-Tirmidhi].
HOW DO MUSLIMS FAST?
Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan. A single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette is enough to invalidate the fast.
However, Muslim scholars say it's not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day. Ramadan is also an exercise in self-restraint. Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip and arguments. Sexual intercourse between spouses is also forbidden during the daytime fast.
Just before the fast, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day, the "suhoor." Egyptians eat mashed fava beans called "ful," spiced with cumin and olive oil, while in Lebanon and Syria, popular suhoor food is flatbread with thyme, cheese or yogurt. In Afghanistan, people eat dates and dumplings stuffed with potato and leeks, first steamed, then fried.
HOW DO MUSLIMS BREAK THEIR FAST ?
Muslims traditionally break their fast like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is the most anticipated moment of the day.
After sunset prayers, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, apricot juices are an iftar staple. In South Asia and Turkey, yogurt-based drinks are popular.
Every night of Ramadan, mosques and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public to have free iftar meals.
CAN MUSLIMS BE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING ?
Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, those who are ill, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people traveling, which can include athletes during tournaments.
Many Muslims, particularly those living in the United States and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them who aren't observing Ramadan.
However, non-Muslims or adult Muslims who eat in public during the day can be fined or even jailed in some Mideast countries.
In many predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia, karaoke bars and nightclubs are closed across much of the country for the month. Restaurants there use curtains to conceal customers who eat during the day.
And in Egypt, the Dar Al-Ifta, which is the main authority in charge of issuing religious edits, on Monday warned against eating in public, saying this is not an act of "personal freedom, but chaos — an assault on Islam."
In China, minority Uighur Muslims complain of heavy restrictions by the Communist Party, such as bans on fasting by party members, civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan, as well as generally enforced bans on children attending mosques, women wearing veils and young men growing beards.
WHAT ARE SOME RAMADAN TRADITIONS?
Typically, the start of the month is welcomed with the greeting of "Ramadan kareem!" Another hallmark of Ramadan is nightly prayer at the mosque among Muslims called "taraweeh. "
Egyptians have the tradition of Ramadan lanterns called the "fanoos," often the centerpiece at an iftar table or seen hanging in window shops and from balconies. In the Arabian Gulf countries, wealthy families hold "majlis" where they open their doors for people to pass by all hours of the night for food, tea, coffee and conversation.
Increasingly common are Ramadan tents in five-star hotels that offer lavish and pricey meals from sunset to sunrise. While Ramadan is a boon for retailers in the Middle East and South Asia, critics say the holy month is increasingly becoming commercialized. Scholars have also been disturbed by the proliferation of evening television shows during Ramadan. In Pakistan, live game shows give away gifts promoting their sponsors. In the Arab world, month-long soap operas starring Egypt's top actors, rake in millions of dollars in advertising.
HOW DO MUSLIMS MARK THE END OF RAMADAN?
The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during "Laylat al-Qadr" or "the Night of Destiny." It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first versus of the Quran.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a three-day holiday called Eid Al-Fitr. Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash.
Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day at parks and eating — now during the day.
To visit the Holy Lands in Saudi Arabia in the month of Ramadhān is praiseworthy.
The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, “Umrah in Ramadhan is equivalent to Hajj (in reward).” (Ibn Hibbān)
Allah Subhana wa Ta’Ala says:”Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”
Allah Subhana wa Ta’Ala says Oh you who believe. This is a general command for everyone who are Believers in Islam. The command is that they should fast.(Mariful Quran – Maktaba-eDarul-Uloom; pg. 454)
Every well awaited thing is valued and appreciated. By nature, man does not appreciate and value divine favors, because it comes his way without any effort from his side. First and foremost, we should turn our gaze and ask Allah Ta’ala to grant us the opportunity to witness the great and auspicious month of Ramadān. Secondly, we should make a firm intention to reform our lives and make this Ramadān a turning point in our lives.
Preparation for Ramadān
The month of Sha’bān is a stepping stone to Ramadān. The prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) should not fast in any other month besides Ramadān as much as he should fast during Sha’bān. In order for us to prosper spiritually, we need to remove the evil element of sin totally from our lives. If there is a hole at the bottom of a bucket, it will never get filled. Similarly, if we do not abandon sins from our lives, we will never reach the heights of spiritual success irrespective of the amount of good we do.
The Holy Qurān
The Qurān was revealed during the month of Ramadān, hence, there is a special connection between Ramadān and the Holy Qurān. We should remove our Qurāns from the shelf and start reciting the Qurān. In this way, we will connect ourselves with Allah and develop the habit of reciting the Qurān. For every letter of the Qurān a person recites, Allah Ta’ala will grant him ten rewards. Imagine the reward he will receive for reciting a complete Surah or a Juz of the Qurān. If we can start reciting Qurān now, it will not be difficult for us to find time to recite Qurān in Ramadān, infact we will be able to increase the amount we were reciting before Ramadān.
Sighting the Moon
Ramadān commences after the crescent of Ramadān is sighted. The Dua to recite when looking at the crescent is:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِاليُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ ، وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبّ وتَرْضَى ،رَبِّي وربُّك الله
O Allah! Let this new moon appear to us with prosperity, faith, safety, and Islām and with hope of success to do deeds which you would like and approve of. My lord and your lord (O moon) is Allah.
(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.2, Pg.183, HM Saeed)
Dua at the approach of Ramadān
Ubādah bin Sāmit (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to teach the Sahābah (radiyallahu anhum)the following Dua at the approach of the blessed moth of Ramadān:
اللّهُمّ سَلِّمْنِي لِرَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِي وَسَلِّمْهُ لِي مُتَقَبَّلاً
O Allah! Protect me for observing (the fast of) Ramadān, make the month of Ramadān clear for me and protect me from sins so that my acts of worship are accepted.
(Kanzul Ummāl, Vol.8, Pg.584)
Fasting (Saum)
Fasting refers to abstention from eating, drinking, and conjugal rights whilst having made the intention to fast that day. The fasting day commences at Subhus Sādiq (approximately 90 minutes before sunrise) and ends at sunset.
Fasting during the month of Ramadān is compulsory upon every Muslim who is sane, mature, healthy and a resident (not a traveler).
Purpose of Fasting
Almighty Allah says:
“O you who believe, Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you practice self-restraint” (2:183).
The very essence of fasting is to inculcate the quality of Taqwa and to suppress our desires. If we are able to abstain from lawful things whilst fasting, all the more easy it will be to abstain from unlawful things during and after Ramadān. Care should be taken to protect one’s eyes, ears and speech from all types of Harām and unlawful things.
Virtues of fasting
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Every good deed of the child of Adam is increased (in reward) from ten to 700 times”. And Almighty Allah says: “Except fasting, for verily it is for me and I will reward it. The fasting person abstains from desire and food for my sake”
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.119, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
“Whoever fasts in Ramadān with Imān and hoping for reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven”.
(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
There are two occasions of joy for a fasting person, a) pleasure at the time of breaking the fast and b) at the time when mhe will meet his Rabb.
(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.1, Pg.159, HM Saeed)
Virtues of Ramadān
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
“Whoever does any good in Ramadān, he will get the reward of doing a Fard act out of the month of Ramadān and whoever does a fard act in Ramadān, he will get the reward of doing 70 Fard acts.
(Mishkāt,Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)
This is a privilege exclusive to the month of Ramadān. We should firstly fulfil all our fard duties and do as many voluntary acts as possible and draw maximum from the Month of Ramadān.
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
“and it (Ramadān) is such a month, the first ten days are the days of mercy, the middle ten days are the days of forgiveness and the last ten days are the days in which many are emancipated from the fire of Jahannam”.
(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)
Tarāweeh Salāh
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
“Whoever stands in Ramadān (i.e. Tarāweeh) with Imān and hoping for reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven”.
(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.1, Pg.167, HM Saeed)
It is Sunnah Muakkadah for Males and females to perform 20 Rakāts of Tarāweeh Salāh. A person will be sinful for omitting it.
Laylatul Qadr
Hazrat Salmān (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that during the last day of Sha’bān, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) addressed the Sahabah (radiyallahu anhum): “O people, an auspicious month has dawned over you. A month in which there is one night which is more superior than a thousand months i.e. ibādat in this night is superior to the ibādah rendered in a thousand months”.
(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)
It is the wisdom of Allah, that the exact night of Laylatul Qadr is unknown. In this manner we will spend many more nights in Ibādah (worship) searching for this auspicious night. If the exact night was known, we would only spend one night Ibādah and there will be no hope for those who missed that night.
I’tikāf
Hadhrat Ali bin Husain (rahimahullah) narrates from his father that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“He who observes the ten days of I’tikāf during Ramadān will attain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah”.
(Tabrāni)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbass (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Whoever for Allah’s sake sat for one day in I’tikāf, Allh will keep him away from Jahannam by trenches”.
(Baihaqi)
A person who intends sitting for Sunnah I’tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān should enter the Musjid before sunset on the 20th Ramadān and only leave after the moon for Eid has been sighted. During I’tikāf, a person may only exit the Musjid to answer to the call of nature, Fard Ghusal and to make wudhu. If he leaves the musjid boundaries without a valid reason, his Sunnah I’tikāf will terminate and he will have to make Qadha of one days I’tikāf (24 hours) in the state of fasting (during the day) in or after Ramadān.
How to terminate the month of Ramadān
Indeed the value of Ramadān only comes to the fore once the month has terminated or will only be realized on the day of Qiyāmah. We should beg Allah Ta’ala to accept the little Ibādah we have done in Ramadān, for that act which is accepted by Allah holds lots of merit and significance.
Hadhrat Abu Umāmah (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Whosoever observes the two nights of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adhā with worship and devotion, his heart will be alive on the day of Qiyāmah”.
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.128, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)
Sadaqatul Fitr
Sadaqatul Fitr is Wājib on the following persons: a) that person upon whom Zakāt is compulsory,
b) that person upon whom Zakāt is not wājib but has wealth equal to the nisāb of Zakāt over and above his basic needs. This is irrespective whether the wealth is for the purpose of trade or not and irrespective whether he had it in his possession for a complete year or not. This Sadaqah has to be paid on or before the day of Eid. If he does not discharge his Sadaqatul Fitr, it will remain as a debt on him and will have to be discharged.
Hadhrat Ibn Abbās (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) decreed the Sadaqatul Fitr to purify the fasts of vain talk and as a provision for the needy. Whoever discharges it before the Eid Salāh, it will be accepted and whoever discharges it after the Eid Salāh, it will be regarded as general charity.
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol.1, Pg.227, HM Saeed)
6 Fast of Shawwal
Hadhrat Abu Ayub (radiyallahu anhu) reportes that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Anyone who has kept the fasts of Ramadān and follows them up with six (optional) fast of Shawwal then (he will get the reward for the fast of a whole year, but if he does that always) it is as if he fasted all his life.
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol.1, Pg330, HM Saeed)
Hadhrat Saubān (radiyallahu anhu) reportes that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
”Joining six days of the fasts of Shawwal is equal to the fast of the whole year. Each good act is equal to ten such acts”.
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.124, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)
The reward of each good deed is multiplied at least ten times. Therefore, thirty days of fast in Ramadān equals three hundred days and the six fast of Shawwal equal sixty. Thus, totaling to three hundred and sixty days, which is the total amount of days in a lunar year.
Can I use a miswaak while fasting?
It is sunnah to make miswak while fasting. However, it is makrooh (disliked) to use flavored miswak that has artificial taste added to it. (Aap Kay Masail, Vol.10, Pg.36, Maktabah Ludhyanwi)
There are a number of factors that nullify the fast, including:
1) If someone ate, drank or smoked
2) If one vomited intentionally and it amounted to a mouthful
3) Inhaling smoke
4) Having sexual intercourse
5) Taking an enema (medication) or pouring oil into the ears
6) If one has bleeding gums and the blood mixes with the saliva, then if the blood is tasted in the saliva or is more than the saliva, the Fast will break.
7) Smoking breaks one’s fast.
8) It is makrūh to use toothpaste whilst fasting. If per chance the toothpaste goes down the throat, it will invalidate the fast. One may use the siwāk to brush the teeth.
If any of the above is done forgetfully, then the fast will not break. However, if it is done intentionally or mistakenly, then the fast will break.
The times when Dua’s are most accepted during Ramadan are:
1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends, 2. Whilst fasting, 3. Between Asr & Maghrib, 4. Just before fast opens, 5. On Jumma before & after khutba, 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah, 7. Whilst raining, 8. After Qur’an recitation, 9. The Night of Qadr
Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:
Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: …the angel Jibra’il appeared before me and said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness…’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)
We should ask of Allah to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.
Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani)
Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim you make dua for from Adam alayhis ‘salam until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and the more you make these dua’s then the more your good deed account wil get filled!
Every night in the last ten nights the following dua should be recited abundantly:
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say:
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee”
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ ” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
Question and Answers About Ramadan Fasting ?
The Question and Answers about Ramadan prepared by Mufti Ebrahim Desai shab,
Q: To whom does the Ayat of fasting apply?
A: Fasting is an act of worship (ibadat). It is one of the Fundamental Principles (Pillars) of Islam. Allah says:”Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”Allah says Oh you who believe. This is a general command for everyone who is Believers in Islam.
Q: Does a minor child have to fast?
A: Fasting is not obligatory on a minor. A minor is he who is not physically matured (Baaligh) in the case of a male and in the case of a female, she has not attained puberty. However, if by the age of 15 lunar years, the male or female did not become baaligh, they will be regarded as adults and have to fast and fulfil all obligations of Shariah.
Q: Does a sick person have to fast?
A: A sick person is exempted from fasting altogether if there is genuine reason to believe that the current illness will intensify by fasting or that he will suffer another illness on result of fasting or that his recovery will be prolonged due to fasting.
Q: Can a traveller omit fasting?
A: A Shar’ī musāfir (traveller) who embarked on his journey prior to dawn is permitted to omit the fast of that day. As long as he is a Shar’ī musāfir, he may omit fasting.
Q: What about travelling during the day?
A: If a person embarked on a journey during the day after Subh Sadiq, he/she will have to fast that day.
Q: Will the application of eye drops break the fast?
A: Using eyedrops will not break the fast.
Q: Can ear drops be used?
A: If a person’s eardrum is imperforated, he may use ear drops. If someone has perforated ear drums, it will not be permissible to use ear drops.
Q: Can we use insulin injections whilst fasting?
A: It is permissible to use insulin injections. Injections do not break a fast.
Q: Will a nasal spray break the fast?
A: Yes, a nasal spray will break the fast.
Q: It is not permissible to use mouthwash whilst fasting.
A: Can mouthwash be used whilst fasting?
Q: Is it permissible to brush teeth and use toothpaste?
A: It is not permissible to use toothpaste whilst fasting. One may brush teeth, use a miswak and a tongue scraper.
Q: Can an addicted smoker smoke whilst fasting?
A: It is not permissible to smoke whilst fasting. Smoking will result in Qadhā and Kaffārah. A smoker may use a transdermal nicotine patch.
Q: What is the ruling for using suppositories?
A: Insertion of suppositories up the rear passage will invalidate the fast.
Q: I forgetfully ate whilst fasting?
A: If one was totally unaware that he was fasting, the fast will not be broken regardless of what was consumed.
Q: By mistake I swallowed water whilst doing wudhu?
A: By doing an act mistakenly will break one’s fast. However, only Qadhā will be necessary.
Q: What if a person must break the fast due to an asthma attack?
A: If a person suffers from an illness or has an asthma attack and there is no option but to have medicine or an inhaler, it will be permissible to break the fast. However, he will have to do Qadhā.
Q: I engaged in intercourse with my spouse?
A: Intercourse will invalidate the fast and will make Qadhā and Kaffārah compulsory.
Q: I had a wet dream whilst fasting. Is my fast broken?
A: A wet dream will not invalidate the fast.
Q: What is the Kaffārah?
A: A Kaffārah is expiation for a violation. It is fasting for 60 days consecutively without any interruption for those capable of fasting. If one cannot fast, he will have to give monetary Kaffarah.
Q: When will Kaffārah be binding?
A: Kaffarah becomes binding if one deliberately breaks his fast by eating or drinking or having intercourse.
Q: Can a sick person pay fidyah instead of fasting?
A: A person who cannot fast due a chronic or terminal illness may give fidyah. As long as a person’s condition remains such that they cannot fast, they will keep giving fidyah for each fast.
If there is improvement to such a degree that they can fast, they will have to do Qadhā of all the previous fasts. The value of fidya is the same as that of sadaqah al-fitr which is presently R18 for the people in South Africa.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
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