WHAT IS FASTING?
Fasting is an act of worship, and as with all acts of worship, there are certain rules we have to follow.
What is fasting?
Fasting is intentionally avoiding food, drink and having relations with your spouse from dawn (when Fajr begins and Suhur time ends) until sunset (when Maghrib begins).
How do I start a fast?
A fast starts as soon as you make the intention of fasting and therefore you avoid doing anything that breaks the fast. The intention doesn’t need to be said verbally, nor is there a Du’a to initiate the fast.
For any fast besides Qada fasts (missed fasts that are made up later), you have all the way until midday (Zawal/Zuhr time) to decide whether or not you wish to fast.
This means that if a person felt ill and decided not to fast at Suhur time, but then didn’t eat anything until a little before Zuhr, and felt better and decided to fast, then their fast would count as long as it’s not a Qada fast. If it’s a Qada fast, the intention must be made before the fast begins at Fajr.
WHO HAS TO FAST?
Anyone who meets the following criteria must fast:
• Balig (mature according to Shari’ah after either having a nocturnal emission or reaching the average age of puberty of fourteen and a half years in the Gregorian calendar)
• Sane – anyone suffering from a mental illness that either makes them unaware of fasting, or unable to understand the idea of fasting (such as those suffering from Down’s Syndrome) will not have to fast
• Not travelling more than forty-eight miles
• Isn’t suffering from any chronic illnesses which prevents fasting, such as severe diabetes, or even weakness from old age
• Fasting won’t harm the person or their child (if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding)
What if someone is excused?
If a person genuinely feels they shouldn’t be fasting for the last two reasons, they should get it confirmed by a doctor, ideally a Muslim doctor who understands the Islamic importance of fasting along with looking after your health, rather than just looking at the harms it may have.
Though health is extremely important as our bodies are a trust from Allah Ta’ala, we should only take concessions if we need to—not just because we may be sinful otherwise, but because we should feel that we’re missing out on the immense reward and benefits of fasting.
As for travellers, though they are excused from a technical aspect, if they can, they too should fast if the conditions are not difficult. In the time of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم ,travelling required you to cross deserts in the baking heat for weeks with the danger of dehydration. Because travel has become easier and convenient, we should try to fast if we can.
Lastly, though children who are not Balig are exempt, they too should be encouraged to fast from a young age if they are willing and it isn’t affecting their health or studies. An environment in which everyone eats their Suhur and Iftar together, prays Taraweeh in the Masjid together (or at home for girls and their mothers), along with constant reminders of Allah Ta’ala‘s rewards, will create a lasting memorable impression on children that will make them not only habituated with Ramadan when older, but fond of it too.
If a person can’t genuinely fast, they will be required to give Fidya, which is giving the amount given for Sadaqatu ‘l-Fitr for every day they can’t fast.
SUHUR
Suhur is a meal eaten a little before the beginning of Fajr time. It’s a way to fuel up before the fast begins. Not only is it beneficial for your body, but it has its spiritual benefits too.
In a Hadith, Suhur has been called “Barakah” i.e. a blessing, as it allows you to fast with less difficulties and also enriches you with the spiritual energy needed to perform good deeds throughout the fast. This is why we must have it, even if it’s something light.
It has even been mentioned in a Hadith that Christians and Jews fast too, but they don’t eat Suhur. Therefore, the Suhur meal allows us to distinguish ourselves as Muslims.
It shows Allah Ta’ala that we are needy of the food He gives to us and allows us to display our humility before Him—we are weak and need to eat before we fast.
If a person misses their Suhur, they should still fast, though it may be difficult.
As mentioned earlier, there are no specific Duas to be read when beginning a fast. There are some which are commonly recited, such as:
But there’s no Du’a found in the Hadith for beginning a fast.
IFTAR
Iftar is the meal eaten to break the fast as soon as the Maghrib Adhan is called. Break your fast immediately without delay, as there are many Hadiths that emphasise the importance of breaking your fast immediately:
People will continue experiencing good if they keep breaking their fast straight away. (Bukhari)
Allah Ta’ala says, “The most beloved to me of my servants are those who break their fast the soonest.” (Tirmidhi)
Islam will remain prevalant as long as people break their fasts early. The Jews and Christian are the ones who delay it. (Abu Dawud)
The Sunnah is to break it with fresh dates ideally. If they aren’t available, then normal dry dates are fine too. If neither is available, then water. Dates have been called Barakah for Iftar too. Try having dates with their pits removed, with cucumber halves added inside. Not only is it a Sunnah to eat both together (though not necessarily a Sunnah of having Iftar), it actually tastes nice!
In the Hadiths, we find that the Duas made at the time of breaking a fast are readily accepted (Tirmidhi). Before you break your fast, and before the Muadhin calls the Adhan for Maghrib, sit facing the Qiblah and make Du’a for at least five minutes.
Pray for yourself, your family, your education, your career, anything you need help with, pray for heaven, for salvation from hell, pray for those who are sick and those who have gone, pray for your teachers, and pray for Allah Ta’ala to accept your fast and Ramadan, and to allow you to continue your change beyond Ramadan.
Try to make Du’a using the Sunnah Duas found in the Ahadith, and learn their meanings beforehand so that you can ask wholeheartedly.
When the Adhan is called, immediately break your fast with the following Duas:
O’ Allah. I have fasted for your sake and I break my fast with the food you have provided. (Abu Dawud)
My thirst has gone, water has satiated my veins and my reward is secure if Allah wills (Abu Dawud)
Avoid eating too much when breaking your fast just before Salah. You should suffice on just dates and water (and any other light food such as nuts). You should eat the main meal of your food after Salah.
In some Masajid (and homes that live nearby Masajid), unfortunately there are people who eat their main meal, or at least part of it, before Maghrib Salah. Not only do they end up rushing their food, but they even sometimes delay Salah because of it. Some Musallis may even miss a Rak’ah!
Also, avoid bringing food into the Masajid that may leave a smell or a mess if eaten in the Masjid. Ideally, such foods are best left to be eaten at home. We should ideally come to the Masjid for ‘Asr and stay until Maghrib and only bring dates and water. Even those who live nearby should do the same. The time between ‘Asr and Maghrib is a valuable time for worship and for Du’as to be accepted, so we shouldn’t spend it at home if possible, as it may be easier to get distracted there.
In fact, even mothers and sisters at home should make the most of this time. All food preparations should ideally be done before ‘Asr so that the time between ‘Asr and Maghrib can be utilised in reading the Noble Qur’an, remembering Allah Ta’ala and making Du’a. Though the “fry-ups” may not be freshly fried at the eating time, at least it will be comforting knowing your family had a fair chance at getting closer to Allah Ta’ala.
BY HUDA PRESS
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