Quranic Foundation
Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”
(Quran 2:183)
This verse establishes fasting as a means of spiritual purification and self-discipline. However, certain actions can invalidate the fast, requiring either Qadha (makeup fasts) or Kaffara (expiation). Below is a detailed explanation of these actions from the Hanafi perspective, along with spiritual reflections.
I. Actions Requiring Qadha (Makeup) and Kaffara (Expiation)
1. Intentional Eating or Drinking
- Ruling: Deliberate consumption of food or drink nullifies the fast and mandates both Qadha and Kaffara.
- Source: Hidayah (Vol. 1, p. 123) states, “Deliberate consumption breaks the fast and incurs expiation.”
- Spiritual Insight: Imam Ghazali writes,
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food; it is shielding the soul from heedlessness.”
(Ihya Ulum al-Din, Book on Fasting)
2. Intentional Sexual Intercourse
- Ruling: Engaging in sexual intercourse during fasting hours invalidates the fast and requires both Qadha and Kaffara.
- Source: Al-Ikhtiyar li Ta’lil al-Mukhtar (Vol. 1, p. 134) states, “Sexual intimacy during fasting hours obligates expiation.”
- Expiation Options:
- Fast 60 consecutive days (if interrupted, the count restarts).
- Feed 60 poor people (two meals per person) or donate 1.6 kg of wheat per person.
(Quran 2:184; Fath al-Qadeer 2/132)
II. Actions Requiring Qadha Only
1. Accidental Consumption
- Example: Swallowing water during ablution.
- Ruling: Only Qadha is required.
- Source: Radd al-Muhtar (Vol. 3, p. 412) states, “Unintentional acts do not incur Kaffara.”
2. Induced Vomiting
- Ruling: If vomiting is deliberate and results in a mouthful, the fast is broken, and Qadha is required.
- Source: Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya (Vol. 1, p. 202).
3. Inhaling Smoke or Vapors Intentionally
- Example: Inhaling incense or cigarette smoke.
- Ruling: Invalidates the fast, and Qadha is required.
- Source: Fath al-Qadeer (2/135) states, “Inhaling substances for gratification breaks the fast.”
4. Masturbation Leading to Ejaculation
- Ruling: Invalidates the fast, and Qadha is required.
- Source: Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuhu (Vol. 3, p. 1701).
III. Actions That Do Not Invalidate the Fast
1. Unintentional Eating or Drinking
- Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said,
“Whoever forgets they are fasting and eats or drinks, let them complete their fast, for Allah has fed them.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1933)
2. Swallowing Saliva or Dust
- Ruling: Permissible and does not break the fast.
- Source: Radd al-Muhtar (3/415).
3. Using Kohl or Eye Drops
- Ruling: Does not invalidate the fast.
- Source: Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya (1/202) states, “External applications are exempt.”
IV. Spiritual Considerations
1. Guarding the Tongue and Heart
- Imam Ghazali warns,
“The fast of the common people is abstaining from food; the fast of the elite is abstaining from sin.”
(Ihya Ulum al-Din)
- Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani states,
“Let your hunger remind you of the hunger of the Day of Judgment.”
(Futuh al-Ghayb)
2. Reminding Others with Kindness
- Ethical Guidance: Gently remind someone who is eating forgetfully. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“Whoever guides others to good gets equal reward.”
(Sahih Muslim 1893)
V. Conclusion
Fiqh Reminder:
For complex cases (e.g., medical injections), consult qualified scholars. Refer to Radd al-Muhtar (3/407) for detailed rulings.
Spiritual Takeaway:
“Fasting is a shield; let it protect you from sin and draw you closer to Allah’s mercy.”
(Inspired by Ihya Ulum al-Din)
Note: The rulings summarized here are based on the Hanafi school of thought. Other schools (e.g., Shafi’i, Maliki) may differ slightly.
References
- Hidayah – Al-Marghinani
- Radd al-Muhtar – Ibn Abidin
- Ihya Ulum al-Din – Imam Ghazali
- Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya – Hanafi Scholars
- Futuh al-Ghayb – Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
Disclaimer: This article is a simplified guide to the rulings on fasting according to the Hanafi school. For specific or complex situations, consult qualified scholars. May Allah guide us to perfect our worship in both its outward and inward dimensions.
