Introduction: Fasting as a Divine Command
Fasting (ṣawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation that every adult, sane, and capable Muslim must observe during the month of Ramadan. It is a practice prescribed by Allah to purify the soul, instill self-discipline, and strengthen devotion.
Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
This verse emphasizes that fasting is not just a ritual but a means to develop Taqwa (God-consciousness). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also highlighted the importance of fasting as a means of gaining nearness to Allah:
“Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 8; Sahih Muslim, 16)
Fasting is, therefore, a fundamental obligation in Islam, with specific rules and conditions that must be fulfilled.
1. Who Is Obligated to Fast?
Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim who meets the following conditions:
- Being Muslim: Fasting is only required of Muslims. A non-Muslim who accepts Islam during Ramadan must fast from that day onward.
- Reaching Puberty (Baligh): Children are not obligated to fast, but they should be encouraged to practice fasting gradually. A child who reaches puberty during Ramadan must start fasting immediately.
- Being Sane (Aqil): A person who is mentally incapable of understanding fasting is not required to fast.
- Being Physically Capable (Qadir): Fasting is only obligatory for those who can physically handle it without harm. Those who are sick, elderly, or have chronic illnesses are exempt and may pay Fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed fast) instead.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
2. Who Is Exempt from Fasting?
While fasting is obligatory, Islam provides concessions for those who genuinely cannot fast.
1. The Sick and Chronically Ill:
- A person who is temporarily sick may skip the fast and make up (Qadha) later.
- A person with a chronic illness that prevents fasting must pay Fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed fast).
2. Travelers (Musafir):
- A traveler who journeys 48 miles (77 km) or more can skip fasting but must make up the missed days later.
- If fasting does not cause hardship, it is recommended to fast.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
3. Pregnant and Nursing Women:
- If fasting may harm the mother or baby, she is permitted to skip fasting and either make it up later or pay Fidya if she cannot fast in the future.
4. Women in Menstruation (Hayd) or Postnatal Bleeding (Nifas):
- It is prohibited for a menstruating woman to fast.
- She must make up (Qadha) the missed fasts after Ramadan.
Allah says in the Quran:
“We used to menstruate during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, and he ordered us to make up the fasts but not the prayers.”
(Sahih Muslim, 335)
5. The Elderly and Terminally Ill:
- If a person is permanently unable to fast, they must pay Fidya.
Islamic Principle:
Allah does not burden anyone beyond their capacity.
3. The Essential Requirements for a Valid Fast
For a fast to be valid, the following conditions must be met:
1. Making the Intention (Niyyah):
- The intention to fast must be made before Fajr (dawn).
- The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not make the intention before dawn, there is no fast for him.”
(Abu Dawood, 2454)
- The intention does not have to be verbal, but the person must know in their heart that they are fasting for Allah.
Tip: For voluntary (Nafl) fasts, the intention can be made until midday as long as the person has not eaten or drunk anything.
2. Abstaining from Nullifiers of Fasting:
The fast is broken by the following:
- Eating or drinking intentionally.
- Engaging in sexual relations.
- Deliberately causing oneself to vomit.
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding occurring during the fast.
- Injections or drips that provide nutrition.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until nightfall.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
If a fast is broken intentionally, the person must:
- Make up the fast (Qadha).
- Pay Kaffarah (fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people) if it was broken without a valid excuse.
4. Recommended Acts to Enhance the Reward of Fasting
Fasting is not just about avoiding food—it is a means of moral and spiritual purification. The Prophet ﷺ taught additional Sunnah acts that increase rewards:
1. Having Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal):
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until nightfall.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
2. Breaking the Fast (Iftar) on Time:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The people will continue to be upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1957)
3. Making Dua at Iftar:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The supplication of the fasting person is not rejected at the time of breaking the fast.”
(Tirmidhi, 2525)
4. Reciting Quran and Increasing Worship:
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, and engaging in its recitation and reflection is highly recommended.
5. Giving Charity and Feeding the Poor:
Acts of kindness and generosity are especially rewarded during Ramadan.
Conclusion: A Divine Command with Immense Benefits
Fasting is a sacred obligation that serves as:
- A means of spiritual purification and self-discipline.
- A training ground for patience, gratitude, and empathy.
- A path to Taqwa (God-consciousness) and ultimate success.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 38)
Final Thought:
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about transforming our hearts, minds, and character. May Allah accept our fasts and make them a means of attaining His mercy. Āmīn.
References & Further Reading
- Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183, 2:185)
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Sunan al-Tirmidhi
- Classical Fiqh Texts: Al-Hidāyah, Fatḥ al-Qadīr
Disclaimer: This article is a simplified guide to the obligation and requirements of fasting. For specific rulings or personal circumstances, consult qualified scholars. May Allah guide us to perfect our worship in both its outward and inward dimensions.
