Conditions, rules, regulations of fasting

Introduction

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, Who has made fasting in the month of Ramadan an obligation upon every believing Muslim and has made it a means of attaining taqwa (piety and consciousness of Allah).

We send peace and salutations upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was the best example in devotion and worship.

Servants of Allah, today’s Jumma Khutba is a continuation of our discussion on the virtues of Ramadan, focusing on the conditions, rules, and regulations that govern fasting (Sawm).

Since fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam, it is crucial that we understand who is required to fast, who is excused, and what actions are permitted or prohibited during the fast.

As we approach the blessed month, let us prepare ourselves by gaining proper knowledge, renewing our intentions, and seeking the mercy of Allah, so that we can attain the full rewards of this sacred month.

Definition of Fasting in Islam

Fasting (Sawm) in Islam is defined as the voluntary and deliberate abstention from eating, drinking, marital relations, and all other invalidators from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) with a sincere intention of worshiping Allah.

The Qur’an explicitly states:

“And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

This definition highlights that fasting is not just about avoiding food and drink, but rather a form of spiritual discipline and devotion to Allah.

The Five Pillars of Islam and the Obligation of Fasting

The importance of fasting is reinforced in the well-known hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Islam is built upon five pillars: (1) testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger, (2) establishing prayer, (3) giving Zakah, (4) fasting in the month of Ramadan, and (5) performing Hajj if one is able to do so.” (Bukhari, 8; Muslim, 16)

This hadith confirms that fasting in Ramadan is not an optional act of piety but a fundamental obligation for every Muslim who meets the necessary conditions.

The Quranic Command to Fast

Allah (SWT) has ordained fasting upon every believing Muslim, as stated in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The key purpose of fasting is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), which includes self-discipline, patience, and devotion to Allah. The believers are reminded that fasting is not just a ritual but a means to strengthen their faith and connection with their Creator. (To be continued)

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1 BN Michel Camp, Tema