Conditions, rules, regulations of fasting (Pt.2)

Who is Required to Fast?

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who meets the following conditions:

1. Muslim – Fasting is only required for those who believe in Islam.
2. Mature (Baligh) – A person must have reached puberty.
3. Of Sound Mind – A person must be mentally capable of understanding the obligation.
4. Physically Able – A person must be in good health.
5. Non-Traveler (Muqeem) – Fasting is not required for those traveling long distances.

Who is Excused from Fasting?

Islam, in its wisdom and mercy, has granted exemptions to those who are unable to fast. These exemptions are categorised as follows:

Those Who Are Completely Exempt and Must Pay Fidya

Some people are permanently unable to fast due to health reasons. Instead, they are required to feed a poor person for each day they miss fasting. This is based on the Quranic verse:

“And upon those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, there is a ransom (fidya): feeding a poor person.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

This category includes:

• Elderly individuals who are too weak to fast.
• Chronically ill patients who have permanent health conditions that prevent fasting.

Those Who Are Temporarily Exempt but Must Make Up Their Fasts

• Sick individuals with temporary illness.
• Travellers who undertake a journey that permits shortening of prayer (Qasr Salah).
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers who fear for their health or their child’s well-being.

The Qur’an states:

“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then the same number of days must be made up later.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

These individuals must fast later once their situation allows them to do so.

Women in Special Circumstances

• Menstruating women: It is prohibited for them to fast, and they must make up the missed fasts later (Bukhari, 1951).
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: They are exempt if fasting poses a hardship. Some scholars allow them to pay fidya if they fear only for the child and not themselves.

Key Things to Observe Before Starting the Fast

1. Make Up Outstanding Fasts – Complete any missed obligatory fasts before Ramadan.
2. Confirm the Sighting of the Crescent Moon – Follow the method of local or global moon sighting.
3. Make the Intention (Niyyah) – It must be made before Fajr (Abu Dawood, 2454).
4. Eat Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) – It is Sunnah and provides blessings (Bukhari, 1923).
5. Be Mindful of Suhoor Time – Stop eating at Fajr time.

Prohibited Actions During Fasting

1. Eating and drinking during fasting hours.
2. Marital relations (intercourse) during the day (Bukhari, 1936).
3. Taking nutritional injections that provide nourishment.
4. Smoking as it breaks the fast.
5. Engaging in sinful behaviour like lying and backbiting (Bukhari, 1903).

Recommendations for a Rewarding Ramadan

1. Increase in worship – Pray Tahajjud, recite Quran, and make Du’a frequently.
2. Give generously in charity – The Prophet (ﷺ) was most generous in Ramadan (Bukhari, 1902).
3. Observe I’tikaf in the last ten nights to seek Laylatul Qadr.
4. Strengthen relationships – Seek forgiveness and maintain ties of kinship.

In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, fasting in Ramadan is a divine gift and an opportunity for immense rewards. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but a means to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and attain taqwa.

Let us take this opportunity to repent for our past sins, seek Allah’s mercy, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the strength to fast sincerely and accept our efforts in this blessed month.

Ameen.

References:

1. Quran – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183-185).
2. Sahih Bukhari – Hadith 8, 1902, 1903, 1936, 1951.
3. Sahih Muslim – Hadith 16.
4. Abu Dawood – Hadith 2454.
5. By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1 BN Michel Camp, Tema