بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
RULES
OF FASTING
18th February 2026 - 01 Ramadan 1447 AH
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ
لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ١٨٣
THE DEFINITION OF FASTING
- Fasting has both literal and technical meanings:
- Literal meaning Imsaak (Abstention)
- Technical meaning to abstain from food, drink, smoking, intercourse
(between Fajr & Maghrib) to seek Allah's (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) pleasure.
- Therefore, those who fast to lose weight are making a grave
mistake.
- The purpose of fasting is to seek Allah's (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) Pleasure.
- We fast in the holy month of Ramadan because the Holy Quran was
revealed in Ramadan
- We fast to thank Allah (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) for the Guidance He has bestowed upon us.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAUM AND SIYAAM
Saum means: The fast of Ramadan. It is a specific fast
Siyaam means: the general fast performed outside of Ramadan.
WHO ARE
EXEMPTED FROM FASTING
1. THE MADMAN
Ali reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The pen has been raised for
three persons (meaning they are not held accountable for what they do): one who
is sleeping until he gets up, a child until he reaches the age of puberty, and
an insane person until he becomes sane." [Musnad Ahmad (1/154) No.
1327, Sunan Abu Dawud (4/140) No. 4402, Sunan Tirmidhi (4/32) No. 1423, Sunan
Ibn Majah (3/198) No. 2041, al-Sunan al-Kubra al-Nasa'i (5/265) No. 5596,
Mustadrak al-Haakim (2/67) No. 2350]
- The madman cannot form an intention
- Thus, there is no ibadah, because there is no intention
- Similarly, if you make salah without stating your intention, your
salah is batil
- This doesn’t mean uttering it but making the intention in your heart
Omar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said, 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), say,
"Actions only go by intentions. Everyone gets what they intend..."
[Al-Bukhari (1) and Muslim (1907)]
2. THE CHILD
-The ulama say that you can’t
force a child to fast before he reaches puberty
Ibn Qudaamah (rh) said: "The age of ten is more likely, because the
Prophet (ﷺ)
enjoined smacking children for not praying at this age, and regarding fasting
as being like prayer is better, because they are close to one another, and
because they are both physical actions that are pillars of Islam. But fasting
is harder, so attention should be paid to when the child becomes able for it,
because some may be able to pray who are not yet able to
fast." [Al-Mughni (3/161)]
If he is young and has not yet reached puberty, he is not obliged to
fast, but if he is able to do it without hardship, then he should be told to do
so. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to make their children
fast, and if the younger ones cried they would give them toys to distract them.
But if it is proven that it is harmful to him, then he should be stopped from
fasting. If Allaah has forbidden us to give youngsters their wealth if there is
the fear that they may abuse it, then it is more appropriate that they be
stopped from doing something if there is the fear of physical harm. But that
should not be done by force, because that is not appropriate in raising
children. [End quote. Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 19/83]
- If you ask the scholars what age a child should fast, most will say
age 10:
Amr ibn Shu’ayb from his father that his grandfather said: The Messenger
of Allah (ﷺ)
said: “Teach your children to pray when they are seven years old, and smack
them if they do not pray when they are ten years old, and separate them in
their beds.” [Sunan Abu Dawud (1/133) No. 495 and Musnad Ahmad (2/180) No.
6689]
- Their Qiyaas is if we are able to beat our children regarding prayer
then they should fast too.
- Others say age 12:
- Uthaymeen said some children are stronger than others
- So, some should fast at 10 and others at 12
3. THE ELDERLY
- The elderly do not fast
- Instead, they feed poor people
- This cost roughly $150 in charity to the poor for the whole
of Ramadan
- You should give it to the Muslims and not to the kuffaar
- Because feeding the kuffaar is the responsibility of the kafir
Government.
4. THE SICK
There are two types of sick people:
1) Temporarily sick
2) Terminally sick
- Those who are temporarily sick should not fast, but must make up the
missed days after Ramadan.
- The terminally ill (no hope of getting better - like someone suffering
from diabetes) should give away $150
- It is wrong to fast when you are sick because Allah (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) said not to kill yourself in Nisa 29:
And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most
Merciful to you. (Nisa 4:29)
'Ata' said, "One should break the fast on account of illness,
whatever it may be, as Allah has said (in Al-Baqarah: 184)." And Hasan and
Ibrahim said, "Concerning the woman who gives suck and the one with child,
when they fear about themselves or their child, they should break the fast,
then fast on other days. And as to the very old man when he cannot bear
fasting. Anas, after he became old, fed one who was needy, for a year or two
daily with bread and meat, and broke the fast." [Sahih Bukhari (6/25)]
5. THE PREGNANT WOMAN
- She should not fast if she finds it difficult
- She falls into the category of those who are, 'terminally ill'
- This makes for an interesting case study, how we take the opinion of
the sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) over our scholars (RH)
- According to all four of the great imams, a pregnant lady must make up
the days she missed her fasts in Ramadan due to her pregnancy
- This, however, is the wrong opinion
- The correct opinion is that of Ali, ibn Abbas and Ibn
Omar (radiyallahu ‘anhum)
- They, the sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum), say the pregnant woman
does not have to make up the days
That they have to feed the poor only, and do not have to make up the
fasts. Among the Sahabah, this was the view of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA). Ibn
Qudamah also narrated this in al-Mughni (3/150) from Ibn Omar (RA). Abu Dawood
(231 narrated from Ibn Abbas (RA) and Ali (RA) that this phrase; 'those who can
fast with difficulty [Surah al-Baqarah (2):184] was a concession granted to old
men and old women who find it difficult to fast, allowing them not to fast and
to feed one poor person for each day instead, and the same for pregnant and
breastfeeding women if they are afraid. Abu Dawood said, i.e., for their
children they may not fast and may feed (the poor) instead.' Al-Nawawi said,
'its isnad is hasan.' This was also narrated by al-Bazzar who added at the end,
'Ibn Abbas used to say to a concubine of his who was pregnant: You are like one
who cannot fast, so you have to pay the Fidya but you do not have to make up
the fasts. [Al-Daraqutni classed its isnad as saheeh, as stated by al-Hafiz in
al-Talkhees]
- Instead, they should give away in charity.
6. THE BREASTFEEDING MOTHER
- Her hukum (ruling) is like that of the pregnant woman
- If breastfeeding the baby makes it too difficult to fast, she can feed
the poor or give charity instead
- Some Muslimah miss multiple Ramadan because of pregnancy or
breastfeeding:
- How can you tell a Muslim woman to make up these days, it's too
difficult
…..Allāh burdens not a person beyond his scope. (Baqarah: 286)
7. THE TRAVELLER
- No pressure should be put on the traveller to fast
Aysha (RA) narrated: Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet (ﷺ), "Should
I fast while traveling?" The Prophet replied, "You may fast if you
wish, and you may not fast if you wish." [Al-Bukhari (1943) and Muslim
(1121)]
Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported: Do not condemn one who
observes fast, or one who does not observe (in a journey) for the Messenger of
Allah (ﷺ)
observed fast in a journey or he did not observe it (too).
(Muslim, Book 35, # 2471)
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We went out on
an expedition with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during Ramadan. Some of us observed the
fast and some of us broke it. Neither the observer of the fast had any grudge
against one who broke it, nor the breaker of the fast had any grudge against
one who had fasted They knew that he who had strength enough (to bear its
rigour) fasted and that was good, and they also found that he who felt weakness
(and could not bear the burden) broke it, and that was also good.
(Muslim, Book 35, # 2480)
Abu Nadra reported Abu Sa'id al.Khudri and Jabir b. Abdullah as saying:
We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The observer of the fast observed it,
and the breaker of the fast broke it, but none of them found fault with each
other. (Muslim, Book 35, # 2481)
8. THE MUJAHEDEEN
- The mujahedeen fall in the same category as the traveller
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (RA) said: 'We travelled with the Messenger of
Allah (ﷺ)
to Makkah (meaning at the Conquest of Makkah) and we were fasting. We stopped
to camp and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “You are approaching your enemy and
breaking the fast will make you stronger.” This was a concession, and some of
us continued to fast and some of us broke our fast. Then we stopped to camp
again, and he said, “You are going to meet your enemy in the morning, and
breaking the fast will make you stronger, so break your fast.” So, we had no
choice but to break our fast' [Sahih Muslim (2/789) No. 1120]
9. WOMEN ON MENSES
-She has to make up the days she
missed after Ramadan
Mu'adha narrated: I asked 'A'isha: What is the reason that a
menstruating woman completes the fasts (that she abandons during her monthly
course). But she does not complete the prayers? She ('A'isha) said: Are you a
Haruriya? I said: I am not a Haruriya, but I simply want to inquire. She
said: We passed through this (period of menstruation), and we were ordered to
complete the fasts, but were not ordered to complete the prayers. [Sahih Muslim
(1/265) No. 335]
- Haruriya means khawaarij
10. A WOMAN BLEEDING AFTER CHILDBIRTH
- Her hukm is like that of the woman on her menses.
- However she is normally breast feeding during this period
- So, the exception for breast-feeding women would apply if that was the
case.
11. PEOPLE WITH DIFFICULT JOBS
- Bricklayers or truck drivers are examples
- Because Allah Said: in Surah Baqarah: 185
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things
difficult for you. (Baqarah: 185)
12. PEOPLE WHO FIND THE FAST UNBEARABLE
- Meaning you normally fast but you find it strangely unbearable to fast
one day or so
- You are allowed to break your fast but you have to make up the
day(s) you missed
The evidence for this is in Maidah Verse 6:
Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify
you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful. (Ma'idah: 6)
If Fasting Causes Fainting and Madness he was asked about a man who,
whenever he wants to fast, he faints, and speaks incomprehensibly. He may
continue for days in this state. Some people accuse him of madness, although
this is not apparent from him?
He (Sheikh ul Islam) answered:
Praise be to Allah. If fasting causes such illness for him, he is
permitted to break his fast and make it up. If this happens whenever he fasts,
then he is unable to fast. Hence he is required to feed a poor person for
everyday he breaks the fast. And Allah knows best. (Ibn Taymiyyah, ‘The Nature
of Fasting’ (Dar us Salam: Riyadh, 2000) page 79)
STARTING YOUR FAST IN A STATE OF JANAAB OR MENSES
Example:
The cessation of menses
- Is a woman allowed to start her fast before making ghusl at the end of
her menses?
- Yes, janaaba doesn't stop the fast
Example
she becomes pure 2 or 3 hours before fajr
- A man can also start his fast in a state of janaaba
- But he must make ghusl before fajr in order for his fast to be
valid
Aysha and Umm Salama (RA) narrated: "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to get up at
dawn while in a state of Janaba (sexual impurity). Then, he would take a bath
and fast." [Al-Bukhari (1926) and Muslim (1109)]
THE
DURATION OF FASTING
Two
adhans are important in Ramadan:
- The adhan of Fajr and the adhan of Maghrib
- The adhan of Fajr means one must stop eating
- The adhan of Maghrib means one must rush to break the fast
-The sunnah is to rush to break
the fast:
Sahl ibn Sad reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The people will remain on the
right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast." [Al-Bukhari
(1957) and Muslim (109]
How Fast
is the Fast to be Broken?
He was asked: about the sunset: "Is it permissible for the fasting
person to break his fast as soon as the sun sets?"
He
(Sheikh ul Islam) answered:
If the whole disc of the sun disappears, the fasting person permitted to
break his fast, it does not matter if the red colour still remains in the
horizon.
When the whole disc disappears, darkness appears from the east. The
Prophet (ﷺ)
said: “When the night comes from here, and the day ends up there, and the sun
has set, indeed the fast is to be broken.” (Bukhari and Muslim) (Ibn
Taymiyyah, ‘The Nature of Fasting’ (Dar us Salam: Riyadh, 2000) pg 77-8)
KISSING
WHILE FASTING IN RAMADAN
- This doesn't break the fast
- Not even French kissing:
Narrated Aysha, Ummul Mu'minin: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to kiss her and suck her tongue when
he was fasting. [Abu Dawud, 2386]
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: With regard to
swallowing the saliva of someone else, this invalidates the fast, because he is
swallowing something that did not come from his own mouth, so it is likened to
swallowing something else. If it is said that ‘Aa’ishah narrated that the
Prophet (ﷺ) used to kiss her when he
was fasting and suck her tongue (narrated by Abu Dawood, 2386),
our response is that it was narrated from Abu Dawood that he said this
isnaad is not saheeh. Among those who also classed the additional phrase “and
suck her tongue” as weak (da’eef) is al-Albaani in Da’eef Sunan Abi Dawood. Ibn
Qudaamah mentioned two ways of understanding the hadeeth if we assume that it
is saheeh: 1 – That the two matters are not connected. He said: It may be that
he used to kiss her when fasting and suck her tongue at other times. 2 – The
hadeeth does not refer to swallowing saliva at all. He said: It may be that he
sucked it (her tongue) but did not swallow the saliva, because the wetness on
her tongue was not transferred to his mouth. [Al-Mughni, 3/17]
-Albani declared this as a weak
Hadith.
- Therefore, kissing during fasting maybe makrooh
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE DURING RAMADAN
- This is halal after Maghrib
- But intercourse with your wife before maghrib is a grave sin in
Islam
Narrated By Abu Huraira: While we were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ, a man
came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have been ruined." Allah's
Apostle asked what the matter with him was. He replied "I had sexual
intercourse with my wife while I was fasting." Allah's Apostle asked him,
"Can you afford to manumit a slave?" He replied in the negative.
Allah's Apostle asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?"
He replied in the negative. The Prophet asked him, "Can you afford to feed
sixty poor persons?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet kept silent
and while we were in that state, a big basket full of dates was brought to the
Prophet. He asked, "Where is the questioner?" He replied, "I (am
here)." The Prophet said (to him), "Take this (basket of dates) and
give it in charity." The man said, "Should I give it to a person
poorer than I? By Allah; there is no family between it's (i.e. Medina's) two
mountains who are poorer than I." The Prophet smiled until his pre-molar
teeth became visible and then said, 'Feed your family with it."
[Al-Bukhari (1936) and Muslim (1111)]
- The man who went to bed with his wife before Maghrib has to pay an
atonement to free a slave/too fast two months/to feed 60 poor people
- Just as it is mentioned in the above Hadith
- It is not compulsory for the wife to pay any atonement unless she
initiated the intercourse
- If she initiated it, both have to pay
- But if the husband initiated it, he alone has to pay the atonement
- If the couple is poor and cannot afford the atonement, then nothing is
required of them
THIS IS THE MERCY OF ISLAM!!!
MASTURBATION DURING RAMADAN
-If a person
masturbates, and ejaculates, before Maghrib he has broken the fast.
- He has to make up one day of Ramadan because he masturbated one day of
Ramadan.
- If he should masturbate 7 days of Ramadan, and ejaculates all 7
occasions, he has to make up 7 days because he broke his fast 7 times.
- This ruling applies if he masturbates before Maghrib.
- If he masturbates after Maghrib, he does not have to make up the day.
EATING OR
DRINKING IN RAMADAN DUE TO FORGETFULNESS
- If a person should mistakenly eat or drink during Ramadan, his fast is
still valid.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If anyone forgets and eats or
drinks (by accident while he is fasting), he should complete his fast, for it
is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” [Al-Bukhari (6669) and Muslim
(1155)]
Ibn 'Abbas (RA) the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Verily Allah has pardoned [or
been lenient with] for me my Ummah: their mistakes, their forgetfulness, and
that which they have been forced to do under duress." [Sunan Ibn Majah
(3/200) No. 2045, al-Mu'jam al-Kabir al-Tabarani (11/133) No. 11274, al-Sunan
al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi (7/584) No. 15094, Sunan al-Daraqutni (5/300) No. 4351]
- If a person holds a gun at you and orders you to break your fast, this
is called duress
-So you are not accountable for
breaking your fast in this case
- If a new Muslim doesn't know you don't drink water during the fast and
drinks, this is called a mistake
- For example, Christians drink during fasting and he coming from
Christianity may think it’s the same in Islam
THOSE WHO
OVERSLEPT AND MISSED SUHUR
- You have to fast without suhur, it may be difficult, but you have to
-You should set your alarm to
wake you up
Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Eat sahoor, for in sahoor there is
blessing.” [Al-Bukhari (1923) and Muslim (1095)]
THE
INTENTION FOR FASTING
- The intention for fasting is Fard
- If you fast without intention, your fast is batil
Hafsah (RA) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “He, who has not formed an intention
(to fast) before dawn, has not fasted”. [Sunan Tirmidhi (3/10 No. 730, Sunan
Abu Dawud (2/329) No. 2454, Sunan al-Nasa'i (4/196) No. 2331, Sunan Ibn Majah
(2/59 No. 1700, Sunan al-Darime (2/12) No. 1698, Musnad Ahmad (6/287) No.
26500]
- The intention must be made before the Fajr adhan
-That means you need 30
intentions for the 30 days of Ramadan
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “Whoever thinks in his heart that he
will fast tomorrow has formed the intention.” [Majmu' al-Fatawa al-Kubra
(5/375)]
- Just to think in your heart is intention
- that is enough for you to have your fast accepted
- If the fast is sunnah, you have until zuhr to make your intention:
Aysha (RA) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) came to visit me one day and asked, “Do
you have anything (to eat)?” I said, “No.” He said, “Then I am fasting.” Then
he came to me another day and I said, “I had been given a present of some Hais
(a mixture of dates and ghee). He said, “Show it to me, for I had began the day
fasting.” Then he ate. [Sahih Muslim (2/809) No. 1154]
- Because of this Hadith, the scholars of Fiqh said when the Prophet (ﷺ) is
talking about the intention for fast before Fajr, he (ﷺ) was talking about saum; the fasts in
Ramadhan
WHAT
BREAKS THE FAST
1. To eat on purpose
2. To drink on purpose
3. To smoke on purpose
4. To vomit on purpose (induced vomiting):
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever
vomits involuntarily does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits
deliberately let him make up the fast.” [Sunan Tirmidhi (3/9 No. 720, Sunan Abu
Dawud (2/310) No. 2380, Sunan Ibn Majah (2/581) No. 1676, Musnad Ahmad (2/49
No. 10468, Sunan al-Daraqutni (3/155) No. 2276]
5. Menses
- If your menses start before maghrib, your fast is broken.
- You have to make up that day
6. Nifaas
-Nifaas means Bleeding after
childbirth
- Nifaas carries the same hukm as menses
- You have to make up the days you missed
7. Intercourse on purpose
-The man who slept with his wife,
forgetting it was Ramadan, does not have to make it up
8. To masturbate before Maghrib
9. Drips in hospitals used to replace food (food supplements)
10. Apostasy
THINGS
THAT DO NOT BREAK THE FAST
1. To eat or drink out of forgetfulness
2. To vomit unintentionally
3. To brush your teeth with toothpaste
4. To swallow your own saliva, smoke in the kitchen or dust
- However, if you kiss your wife and swallow her saliva, your fast is
broken
5. Medicinal Injections
6. Asthmatic Pumps
7. Using ear Drops, Eye Drops, Kohl, Mascara:
Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and
complained about his eyes troubling him. He said, “Shall I apply kohl
(collegiums) while I am fasting?” He said, “Yes!" [Sunan Tirmidhi (3/105)
No. 726]
8. Having a wet dream while fasting
9. Thinking about breaking the fast
10. Doing a blood test
11. Doing Hijaama (cupping):
- This used break the fast in the early days of Islam
- But this was later abrogated and so it doesn’t break the fast now
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that Allah's Messenger had himself cupped when
he was in the state of ihram. [Al-Bukhari (193 and Muslim (1202). It is added
in a variant of al-Bukhari, "and was fasting."]
Thawban narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The cupper and the one for whom
cupping is done have both invalidated their fast.” [Sunan Abu Dawud (2/30 No.
2367, Sunan Ibn Majah (2/584) No. 1680, Sunan al-Darime (2/25) No. 1730, Musnad
Ahmad (5/282) No. 22484]
Anas (RAA) narrated, 'The first time cupping was disliked for the one
who is fasting was when Ja'far bin Abi Talib had himself cupped while fasting
and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came across him and said, "Those two have broken their
fast (meaning Ja'far and the man who was cupping him)." But later on, the
Prophet (ﷺ)
allowed cupping for the one who is fasting. Anas used to have himself cupped
while he was fasting. [Related by Ad-Daraqutni, who regarded it as a strong
hadith]
12. Water slipping down your throat accidentally when making wudu
WHEN IS
IT HARAM TO FAST
1. On a doubtful day
'Ammar bin Yasir (RA) reported: "He who observes the fast on a
doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim." [Sunan Abu Dawud (2/300)
No. 2334, Sunan Tirmidhi (3/70) No. 686, Sunan al-Nasa'i (4/153) No. 2188,
Sunan Ibn Majah (2/561) No. 1645, Sunan al-Darime (2/5) No. 1682]
2. The 10TH, 11TH, 12TH and 13TH of
Dhul Hijjah
- These are the four days of Eid ul Adha
- It is Haram to fast on Eid day:
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (RA) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade fasting on
the day of (Eid) al-Fitr and al-Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., Eid al-Adha).
[Al-Bukhari (1991) and Muslim (113]
NubAysha al-Hudhali narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The days of al-Tashreeq are days
of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” [Sahih Muslim (2/800) No. 1141]
- This Eid is called Eid Kabir because Eid ul Adha is four days and kabir means big
3. The 1st of Shawwal
- The first of Shawwal is called Eid ul Fitr
- It is Haram to fast on Eid day
SHOULD WE FOLLOW THE MOON OF MAKKAH OR LOCAL SIGHTING
Abu Huraira (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Observe
Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new
moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty
days) of the month." [Al-Bukhari (1909) and Muslim (1081)]
- The scholars differ on this, and the correct opinion is that you
should follow the moon of Makkah
- But those who follow the local sighting follow the hadith of Muawiya
(radiyallahu ‘anhu):
Kuraib narrated that Umm Al-Fadl sent him to Muawiyah in Ash-Sham. He
said: "I came to Ash-Sham. He said: "I came to Ash-Sham and complete
her errand. Then the new crescent of Ramadan was sighted while I was in
Ash-Sham. I saw the new crescent on the night of Friday, then I came to
Al-Madinah at the end of the month. 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas asked me about the
sighting of the moon and said: ' When did you see it?' I said: 'We saw it on
the night of Friday.' He said; 'You saw it on the ninth of Friday?' I said:
'Yes, and the people saw it and started fasting, and so did Muawiyah. He said:
'But we saw it on the night of Saturday, so we will continue fasting until we
have completed thirty days or we see it.' I said: 'Will you not be content with
the sighting of Muawiyah and his companions? He said; 'No; this is what the
Messenger of Allah enjoined upon us." [Sunan al-Nasa'i]
- It is better to follow the moon of Makkah to unite the Ummah
- This is what my teachers told me
SHOULD WE
PRAY 8 OR 20 RAKAH FOR TARAWEEH
- The ulema have decided that if you pray 8 you follow the sunnah of the
Prophet (ﷺ)
- If you pray 20 you follow the Sunnah of Omar (radiyallahu ‘anhu)
- Both are correct
- You can do 8 or 20 - the choice is yours
"Pray as you have seen me praying..." [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1,
Book 11, Hadith #604]
- The Madkhali say you have to do 8 quoting the hadith above
- But they are not being sincere
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Here we say
that we should not go to extremes or be negligent. Some people go to extremes
in adhering to the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and say that it is not
permissible to do more than the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and they
aggressively denounce those who do more than that, saying that they are
sinners.
The four great Imams prayed 20.
Are they doing bidah? No!
This is undoubtedly wrong. How can they be sinners, when the Prophet (ﷺ), upon
being asked about night prayers, said that they are to be done two by two, and
he did not specify any particular number? Of course, the one who asked him
about the night prayer did not know the number, because if he did not know how
to do it, it is even more likely that he did not know the number. And he was
not one of those who served the Prophet (ﷺ) so that we might say that he knew what
happened inside his house. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) told him how to do it but did not say how
many times, it may be understood that the matter is broad in scope, and that a
person may pray one hundred rak'ahs then pray Witr with one rak'ah.With regard
to the words of the Prophet (ﷺ), “Pray as you have seen me praying”, this does not apply in
absolute terms even for these people. Hence, they do not say that a person
should pray Witr with five rak'ahs sometimes and with seven rak'ahs sometimes
and with nine rak'ahs sometimes. If we understand it in absolute terms, then we
would have to pray Witr with five rak'ahs sometimes and with seven rak'ahs
sometimes and with nine rak'ahs sometimes. But what is meant by the hadeeth is
pray as you have seen me praying with regard to how to pray not how many
rak'ahs, unless there is a text to state what the number is. Whatever the case,
a person should not be strict with people with regard to a matter that is broad
in scope. We have even seen some brothers who are strict on this matter
accusing the imams who pray more than eleven rak'ahs of following bid'ah, and
they leave the mosque, thus missing out on the reward of which the Messenger of
Allaah (ﷺ)
said: “Whoever stands with the imam until he finishes (the prayer), the reward
of qiyaam al-layl will be recorded for him.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 806;
classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 646).
Some of them even sit down after completing ten rak'ahs, thus breaking
up the rows of worshippers by sitting there, and sometimes they start talking
and disturb the people who are praying. We have no doubt that their intentions
are good and they are doing their best to come to the right conclusion, but
that does not mean that they are correct. The other group does the opposite.
They sternly denounce those who pray only eleven rak'ahs and say that
they have gone against scholarly consensus. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning): “And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after
the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the
believers' way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in
Hell -- what an evil destination!”[al-Nisa' 4:115] All the generations who came
before you only knew the number as twenty-three rak'ahs, and they denounce
anyone who says anything different. [Al-Sharh al-Mumti', 4/73-75]
- The hukm for salat ul taraweeh is that it is sunnah mu’akkada
- They say this because of the following hadith:
An-Nadr bin Shaiban said: "I said to Abu Salamah bin 'Abdur-Rahman:
'Tell me of something that you heard from your father, that he heard from the
Messenger of Allah, with no one in between your father and Messenger of Allah
concerning the month of Ramadan. He said: 'Yes; my father said: The Messenger
of Allah (ﷺ)
said: Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, enjoined the fast of Ramadan upon
you, and I have made it Sunnah for you to spend its nights in prayer. Whoever
fasts it and spends its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of
reward, he will emerge from his sins as on the day his mother bore him."'
[Sunan al-Nasa'i (4/1588) No. 2210, Sunan Ibn Majah (2/355) No. 1328,
Musnad Ahmad (1/191) No. 1660] (Daeef)
WHEN IS IT MAKRUH TO FAST
1. To single out Friday to fast - because Friday is the Eid of the week
2. To single out a Saturday or Sunday to fast
- because it is the day of the Jews and the Christians
3. A woman to fast Sunnah without the permission of her husband
- because you deny him his sexual needs:
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "It is not lawful for a woman
to fast (Nawafil) when her husband is present except with his permission; and
she should not allow anyone to enter his house except with his permission; and
if she spends of his wealth (on charitable purposes) without being ordered by
him, he will get half of the reward." [Al-Bukhari (5195) and Muslim
(1026)]
THE BEST DAYS TO FAST
1. Mondays and Thursdays:
It was narrated that Aysha (RA) said: "The Prophet (ﷺ) was keen
to fast on Mondays and Thursdays." [Sunan Tirmidhi (3/121) No. 745, Sunan
Ibn Majah (2/627) No. 1739, Musnad Ahmad (6/106) No. 24792, al-Sunan al-Kubra
al-Nasa'i (3/122) No. 2508]
Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Deeds are shown (to Allah) on
Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.”
[Sunan Tirmidhi (3/122) No. 747]
2. The day of Arafah - 9th of Dhul Hijjah
Abu Qatada narrated the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting the Day of
'Ashura' and said, "It expiates the past year." [Sahih Muslim (2/819)
No. 1162 and Musnad Ahmad (5/296) No. 22590]
Al-Nawawi (rh) said: “Fasting the day of 'Arafaah expiates for all minor
sins, in other words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major
sins.”
3. The six (6) days of Shawaal
Abu Ayub narrated that: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever
fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, then that is (equal in
reward) to fasting every day." [Tirmidhi]
4. The 10th Day of Muharram
- 10th Muharram means Yaum Ashura
Abu Qatada narrated the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting the Day of
'Ashura' and said, "It expiates the past year." [Sahih Muslim (2/819)
No. 1162 and Musnad Ahmad (5/296) No. 22590]
Ibn Abbas said, "When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Al-Madinah,
he found the Jews fasting the day of `Ashura'. Therefore, he asked them about it
and they said, `This is the day that Allah gave Musa victory over Fir`awn.'
Then, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'We have more right to Musa (than them), so fast
it.'" [al-Bukhari (3943) and Muslim (1130)]
- Allah (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) Saved Musa (‘alayhi salatu wa salam) from the
Pharoah on the 10th of Muharram
- Muslims should also fast on the 9th or 11th in
order not to be like the Jews
5. Fast of David (‘alayhi salatu wa salam)
-This is to fast one day and skip
one day:
I said: "I am capable of doing more than this, O Messenger of
Allah." Thereupon he said: "Fast one day and do not fast for the next
two days." I said: "Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), I have the strength to do more than
that." The Holy Prophet (ﷺ), said: "Fast one day and break on the other day. That is
known as the fasting of Dawud (AS) and that is the best fasting." I said:
"I am capable of doing more than this." Thereupon the Messenger of
Allah (SAW) said: "There is nothing better than this." [Al-Bukhari
(3418) and Muslim (1159)]
Abdullah bin Amr bin al-'As (RA) narrated the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was
informed that I have said: "By Allah, I will fast all the days and pray
all the nights as long as I live." On that, the Messenger of Allah asked
me. "Are you the one who says: 'I will fast all the days and pray all the
nights as long as I live?? ?' “I said, "Yes, I have said it." He
said, "You cannot do that. So fast (sometimes) and do not fast
(sometimes). Pray and sleep. Fast for three days a month, for the reward of a
good deed is multiplied by ten time, and so the fasting of three days a month
equals the fasting of a year." I said: "I am capable of doing more
than this, O Messenger of Allah." Thereupon he said: "Fast one day
and do not fast for the next two days." I said: "Messenger of Allah,
I have the strength to do more than that." The Holy Prophet (ﷺ), said:
"Fast one day and break on the other day. That is known as the fasting of
Dawud (AS) and that is the best fasting." I said: "I am capable of
doing more than this." Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "There
is nothing better than this." [Al-Bukhari (341 and Muslim (1159)]
- Even though it is makruh to fast on a Friday or Saturday
- It is ok to fast on these days if you are fasting the fast of David
- And it falls on these days
WHEN DOES
FASTING BECOME FARD OUTSIDE OF RAMADAN
1. If you make a promise to Allah (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) - an oath
Example you promise to fast if Allah (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) grants you success in your exams and He did.
2. If you break your wallahi
Allah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but
He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation (a deliberate
oath) feed ten Masakin (poor persons), on a scale of the average of that with
which you feed your own families; or clothe them; or manumit a slave. But
whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should fast for three days. That is the
expiation for the oaths when you have sworn. And protect your oaths (i.e. do
not swear much). Thus Allah make clear to you His Ayat (proofs, evidences,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) that you may be grateful. (Ma'idah:
89)
3. Fasting on behalf of a dead relative
Aysha (RA) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever dies while some fast is
due from him (which is unfulfilled), and his heir must fast on his behalf.”
[Al-Bukhari (1952) and Muslim (1147)]
Narrated Ibn Abbas: A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'O Allah's Apostle! My mother died
and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast
on her behalf?' The Prophet replied in the affirmative and said, 'Allah's debts
have more right to be paid.' In another narration a woman is reported to have
said, 'My sister died...'
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A woman said to the Prophet 'My mother died and she
had vowed to fast but she didn't fast.' In another narration Ibn 'Abbas is
reported to have said, 'A woman said to the Prophet, 'My mother died while she
ought to have fasted for fifteen days.' (Sahih Bukhari: (3 31), Hadith
174)
4. When you violate the ihram
- You have to fast 10 days if you violate the ihram
THOSE WHOSE FAST ARE REJECTED
1. Muslims who fast but do not pray
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 87) about the
ruling on the fasting of one who does not pray.
He replied: The fast of one who does not pray is not valid and is not
accepted, because the one who does not pray is a kaafir and an apostate,
because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “But if they repent
[by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform
As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah) and give Zakaah, then they are your brethren in
religion” [al-Tawbah 9:11]
2. The fast of a kaafir
As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert.
The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to
be nothing, but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And
Allah is Swift in taking account. (Nur: 24:39)
3. Munafiq
Verily, the hyprocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the
Fire; no helper will you find for them. (Nisa: 4:145)
4. The Zindeeq (Zindeeq means makes up his own religion)
And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners,
etc.) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of
dust. (Furqan: 24:23)
- His pious deeds are rejected
4. Murtad (The apostate)
And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a
disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and
they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever."
(Baqarah: 2:217)
5. Mushrik
And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad ﷺ), as it was to those
(Allah's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with
Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly
be among the losers." (Zumar: 39:65)
- The Mushriks are: the Goofy Sufi, the Barailvis and the Shiites.
-The ‘goofy Sufis’ are the extreme
Sufi who pray to the inhabitants of the grave and they believe in wahdat ul
wujood (union, unity of being)
-If you are living in a zone
where the timetable is abnormal, go by the timetable of Makkah
- Anything over 17 hours is abnormal
- You are allowed to fast with the timetable of Makkah
- To be fasting for 20 hours is making life too difficult
- In such cases you are allowed to fast with the timetable of
Makkah
Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify
you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful.
(Ma'idah: 5:6)
QUESTION
1:
YOU
SAID A PERSON HAS UNTIL DHUHR TO MAKE HIS INTENTION TO FAST. NOW THAT IS
ASSUMING THAT HE DIDN’T EAT PRIOR TO HIS INTENTION RIGHT? AND ALSO, THERE IS A
HADITH THAT SAYS THAT ANYONE WHO PRACTICES THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM AND NOTHING
MORE OR LESS WILL GO TO PARADISE?
ANSWER 1:
- You have until Dhur to make intention for Sunnah fasting
- But you should not have eaten since after fajr
- During Ramadan, you must make your intention to fast before Fajr.
- Because you forgot the number days you promised, fast three days.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the 5 pillars of Islam but it doesn't mean Islam has
only 5 pillars
-To look after your parents when
they become old; to fight in jihad etc
- These are also pillars of Islam
QUESTION
2:
I
HEARD AN IMAM SAYING THAT IF YOU USE TOOTHPASTE OR GOGGLE WATER IN YOUR THROAT,
BREAKS YOUR FAST. CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
ANSWER 2:
- The Imam is wrong
- Using toothpaste doesn’t break your fast
- Your fast is only broken if you let the water pass through your throat
intentionally
Sheikh ul Islam, ibn Taymiyyah (RH) states, ‘.. If the texts have not
mentioned a prohibition of this, then reason leads one to know that this falls
under the same category as drinking, there is no distinction between the two
cases except for the means by which the water enters the mouth, and that is not
relevant because the mere entrance of water in the mouth does not break the
fast. So it does not break the fast nor does it fall under the category of
something that does due to the absence of the results in question. Rather, it
is a means that leads to breaking the fast.’ (Ibn Taymiyyah, ‘The Nature of Fasting’ (Dar us Salam: Riyadh, 2000) pg
37-8)
QUESTION
3:
WHY
IS IT THAT A MUSLIM FASTS ON THE 10 OF MUHARRAM OR ASHURA, AND THE SHIITES
CRACK THEIR SKULL OPEN IN THE NAME OF HUSSEIN (RADIYALLAHU ‘ANHU) AROUND THAT
TIME?
ANSWER 3:
- It’s because Hussein (radiyallahu ‘anhu) died on the 10th of
Muharram
And they practice self-flagellation
-The Shia killed Hussein and
because they feel guilty over this, they continue to beat themselves until they
bleed
Shia killed hussain[ra]:
Click
The man who killed Sayyiduna Hussain (i.e. gave the death-blow) was a
man by the name of Shimr bin Thil-Jawshan and he was a Shia, as recorded in
both Sunni and Shia books. Shimr was part of the Shia, and then he betrayed
Sayyiduna Hussain
and joined Yazid’s men, giving Sayyiduna Hussain the death-blow. To
provide a solid proof of this fact (i.e. that Shimr was a Shia), we refer to
the esteemed and classical Shia scholar, Al-Qummi. Al-Qummi, author of the
famous book “Mafaatihul-Jinaan”, writes in his book: “I say, Shimr was in
theforces of Ameer al-Mu’mineen on the Day of Siffin.” (Al-Qummi, “Safinatun-Najaat”,
vol.4, p. 492, Chapter Sheen Followed by Meem)
- Muslims however fast on the 10th Muharram for a
completely different reason:
Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that when
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the
day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day
on which Allah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra'il over the
Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Apostle of
Allah (ﷺ)
said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to
observe fast on this day. (Muslim, Book 35, # 2518)
And then:-
'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah
(ﷺ)
had ordered to observe fast (on 'Ashura) before the fasting in Ramadan was made
obligatory. But when it became obligatory, then he who wished fasted on the day
of Ashura, and he who wished did not observe it (on that day).
(Muslim, Book 35, # 2502)
QUESTION
4: ARE MUJAHIDEEN EXEMPT FROM FASTING?
ANSWER 5:
- They are exempt from fasting
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (RA) said: 'We travelled with the Messenger of
Allah (ﷺ)
to Makkah (meaning at the Conquest of Makkah) and we were fasting. We stopped
to camp and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “You are approaching your enemy and
breaking the fast will make you stronger.” This was a concession, and some of
us continued to fast and some of us broke our fast. Then we stopped to camp
again, and he said, “You are going to meet your enemy in the morning, and
breaking the fast will make you stronger, so break your fast.” So we had no
choice but to break our fast' [Sahih Muslim (2/789) No. 1120]
Abu Dawood (2365) narrated that one of the companions of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: I saw the Messenger of Allah
(ﷺ)
telling the people on a journey in the year of the Conquest (of Makkah) to
break their fast. He said, “Gain strength to face your enemy.”
He (ﷺ) travelled during Ramadan and he fasted and broke his fast and
he left it to his Companions to decide which they preferred. He would order
them to break their fast if they were near to the enemy, but it was not a part
of his guidance to define the distance which a fasting person must travel. When
the companions started out on a journey, they would break their fast, without
consideration as to whether or not they had left behind their houses; and they
informed us that that was the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) (Ibn
al-Qayyim Al Jawziyyah, ‘Provisions for the Hereafter (Abridged)’ (page 120)
QUESTION
5:
MY
LOCAL MASJID IN LONDON FOLLOWS THE 18 DEGREE RULE FOR SUBAH SADIQ SO MY SOHUR
TIME FINISHES AND MY FAJR TIME STARTS AROUND 1.20 AM WHICH IS ALMOST 2 HOURS
EARLIER THAN OTHER LOCAL MASJIDS. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THE 18 DEGREE RULE IS THE
RIGHT RULE TO FOLLOW IN LONDON?
ANSWER 5:
- Please follow the timetable coming out of East London Masjid:
Click for download
.:
Ramadhan Timetable 2026/1447 AH Click link (View the Ramadan timetable)
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