Office for Students

Fiqh (Legal Rulings) of Fasting

1. Obligation and Conditions for Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan is farḍ (obligatory) for every Muslim who fulfills the following conditions:

  • Islam: The person must be a Muslim.
  • Sanity: The person must be of sound mind.
  • Puberty: Fasting becomes obligatory upon reaching puberty (assumed by age 15 in the Hanafi school if no other signs are apparent).
  • Physical Ability: One must be physically capable of fasting without severe harm.
  • Residence: A traveler (musāfir) on a journey of approximately 78 km (48 miles) or more may delay fasting and make it up later.
  • Women’s Exemption: Women experiencing menstruation (ḥayḍ) or postnatal bleeding (nifās) are exempt but must make up the missed days later.

Spiritual Note (Imam al-Ghazali):

“The outward conditions—being free from menstruation, having a sound body—are stepping stones; the true essence of fasting lies in purifying the heart from vices and awakening the soul to the remembrance of Allah.“
(Adapted from Ihyā’ ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn)

2. The Niyyah (Intention)

The intention (niyyah) is a fundamental requirement for fasting. Without it, abstaining from food and drink holds no spiritual value.

  • Timing:
    • For Ramadan fasts, the intention must be made before Fajr (dawn).
    • For voluntary fasts, the intention can be made before midday (Dhuhr).
  • Expression: The niyyah can be made silently in the heart, but verbalizing it is recommended for clarity.
  • Daily Renewal: Each day of Ramadan requires a separate intention.

Prophetic Guidance:

“Actions are judged by intentions.“
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

3. Suḥūr (Pre-Dawn Meal)

Suḥūr is a blessed meal eaten before Fajr to prepare for the day’s fast.

  • Sunnah: The Prophet ﷺ said:

    “Eat Suḥūr, for in Suḥūr there is a blessing.“(Bukhārī, Muslim)

    Timing: It is best to delay Suḥūr until the last portion of the night, just before Fajr.
  • Spiritual Benefits: Suḥūr strengthens the body for fasting and is a time for duʿā’ (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

Practical Advice: Avoid overeating, as moderation fosters spiritual discipline.

4. Iftār (Breaking the Fast)

Breaking the fast at sunset (Maghrib) is a moment of great reward.

  • Sunnah: The Prophet ﷺ said:

    “People will remain on the right path as long as they hasten to break the fast.“(Bukhārī, Muslim)

    Method: Break the fast with dates or water, followed by Maghrib Ṣalāh.

  • Duʿā’ at Iftār:

    “Allāhumma laka ṣumtu wa bika āmantu wa ʿalayka tawakkaltu wa ʿalā rizqika afṭartu.”
    (“O Allah, for You I have fasted, in You I believe, upon You I rely, and with Your provision I break my fast.“

5. Essential Elements (Farā’iḍ) of Fasting

For a fast to be valid, the following must be fulfilled:

  1. Intention (Niyyah): As discussed above.
  2. Abstaining from Food, Drink, and Marital Relations: From Fajr to Maghrib, one must refrain from these acts.

6. Actions That Invalidate the Fast

Invalidations fall into two categories:

  1. Invalidations Requiring Only Qaḍā’ (Make-Up):
  • 1. Eating or drinking accidentally.
  • 2. Unintentional vomiting.
  • 3. Swallowing non-food substances (e.g., paper, dust).
  • 4. Using an inhaler (medication enters the throat).
  1. Invalidations Requiring Qaḍā’ and Kaffārah (Expiation):
  • Deliberate eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse during fasting hours.

Kaffārah: Fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people if unable to fast.

7. Makrūh (Disliked) Acts While Fasting

The following acts are discouraged during fasting:

  • Chewing inedible items (e.g., gum).
  • Tasting food without swallowing.
  • Delaying a farḍ ghusl (ritual bath) until after Fajr.
  • Using toothpaste (miswāk is preferred).
  • Complaining of hunger or thirst.
  • Arguing, backbiting, or using foul language.

8. Special Circumstances

  • Illness: If fasting worsens health, one may break the fast and make it up later.
  • Travel: A traveler may delay fasting and make it up later.
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: If fasting harms the mother or child, it may be postponed.
  • Elderly/Chronically Ill: Those unable to fast must give fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed day).

9. Types of Fasts

  1. Farḍ Muʿayyan: Ramadan fasts (obligatory).
  2. Farḍ Ghayr Muʿayyan: Making up missed Ramadan fasts.
  3. Wājib Muʿayyan: Fasts vowed on specific days.
  4. Sunnah: Fasts like ʿĀshūrā’ (9th & 10th Muḥarram).
  5. Mustaḥabb: Recommended fasts (e.g., Mondays & Thursdays).
  6. Makrūh: Fasting only on Saturdays or specific days.
  7. Ḥarām: Fasting on Eid al-Fiṭr, Eid al-Aḍḥā, or the Tashrīq days.

10. Qaḍā’ and Kaffārah

  • Qaḍā’: Making up missed fasts.
  • Kaffārah: Expiation for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast (60 consecutive fasts or feeding 60 poor people).

11. Fidyah (Compensation)

For those unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age:

  • Fidyah: Feed one poor person two meals for each missed fast (equivalent to ṣadaqat al-fiṭr, ~1.6 kg of wheat or its cash value ~ £4/day).

Spiritual Insights

Three Levels of Fasting (Imam al-Ghazali):

  1. Ordinary Fasting: Abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy.
  2. Special Fasting: Guarding the limbs and senses from sin.
  3. Extra-Special Fasting: Purifying the heart and focusing entirely on Allah.

Counsel of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir al-Jilani:

“Fast not only with your stomach but also with your eyes, tongue, and heart, so you may truly taste the sweetness of faith.“

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can I use an asthma inhaler while fasting?
    Yes, but it breaks the fast. Make up the day later.
  2. Does vomiting break the fast?
    Unintentional vomiting does not break the fast; intentional vomiting does.
  3. Can I brush my teeth while fasting?
    Yes, but avoid swallowing toothpaste. Miswāk is preferable.
  4. What if I mistakenly eat after Fajr?
    If unintentional, make up the day later. No kaffārah is required.
  5. Can I fast while traveling?
    Yes, but travellers may delay fasting and make it up later.

Conclusion

Fasting in Ramadan is a sacred obligation that combines physical discipline with spiritual growth. By adhering to the Hanafi fiqh rulings and embracing the spiritual teachings of scholars like Imam al-Ghazali and Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, we can transform our fasts into acts of profound devotion and self-purification.

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and grant us the strength to fulfill both the outward and inward dimensions of this blessed act of worship. Āmīn.

References & Further Reading

  • Al-Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183–187)
  • Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (Chapters on Fasting)
  • Imam al-Ghazali, Ihyā’ ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn (Book of Fasting)
  • Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, Futūḥ al-Ghayb, Fatḥ ar-Rabbānī
  • Hanafi Fiqh Texts: Fatḥ al-Qadīr, Al-Hidāyah

Disclaimer: This guide is a simplified overview according to Sunni Hanafi Fiqh. For specific or complex scenarios, consult qualified scholars and medical professionals. May Allah guide us to perfect our worship in both its outward and inward dimensions.

Data Not Found

Thanks For Subscribe!