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Fasting during Ramadan, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims. The fast lasts from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day of the month of Ramadan. Here are the key rules and guidelines for fasting during Ramadan:

1. Intention (Niyyah)

• Intention to Fast: A valid fast requires the intention (niyyah) to fast for the sake of Allah. This intention does not need to be verbalized; it is sufficient to have it in the heart. The intention should ideally be made before Fajr (dawn) each day, or for some scholars, at the beginning of Ramadan for the entire month.
• When to Make the Intention: The intention must be made before Fajr, and without it, the fast is invalid. If someone wakes up after Fajr without making an intention to fast, they cannot count that day as a valid fast.

2. The Timing of Fasting

• Start of the Fast: The fast begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset). Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, and other invalidating actions from dawn until sunset.
• Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor): It is highly recommended to eat a pre-dawn meal, called Suhoor, before Fajr. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Take Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” (Sahih Bukhari).
• Breaking the Fast (Iftar): The fast is broken at Maghrib (sunset) with the Iftar meal. It is Sunnah to break the fast as soon as the sun sets, traditionally with dates and water.

3. Actions That Invalidate the Fast

• Eating or Drinking: Consuming any food, drink, or substance invalidates the fast. This includes intentional eating or drinking during the fasting hours.
• Intentional Vomiting: Inducing vomiting deliberately will break the fast. However, unintentional vomiting does not invalidate the fast.
• Sexual Intercourse: Engaging in sexual intercourse during the fasting hours invalidates the fast and requires a significant act of expiation (Kaffarah), which can include fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.
• Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding: If a woman begins menstruating or experiences postpartum bleeding during the day, her fast is invalidated, and she must make up the missed days later.

4. Actions That Do Not Invalidate the Fast

• Unintentional Eating or Drinking: If someone eats or drinks forgetfully during the fast, the fast remains valid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari).
• Use of Miswak or Toothbrush: Cleaning the teeth with a miswak or toothbrush without swallowing anything is permissible. Care should be taken to avoid swallowing water or toothpaste.
• Taking a Bath or Shower: Bathing, showering, or cooling off with water is allowed, provided no water is swallowed.
• Eye Drops, Ear Drops, and Injections: Generally, eye drops and ear drops do not break the fast. Non-nutritive injections (e.g., insulin or vaccines) are also permissible, as they do not provide sustenance.
• Involuntary Vomiting: Vomiting unintentionally does not break the fast.

5. Who is Exempt from Fasting?

• Children: Fasting is not obligatory for children who have not yet reached puberty.
• The Sick: Those who are ill or whose health may be harmed by fasting are exempt. They should make up the missed fasts later if possible or, if the illness is chronic, pay fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed day).
• The Elderly: Elderly people who cannot fast due to age or weakness are exempt and should pay fidya.
• Travelers: Those traveling a distance that allows shortening of prayers (approximately 48 miles or more) can break their fast and make up the missed days later. However, if fasting does not cause hardship, it is better to fast.
• Pregnant and Nursing Women: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and fear harm to themselves or their child may break the fast and make up the missed days later or pay fidya if fasting later is not possible.

6. Making Up Missed Fasts (Qada)

• Qada for Missed Days: Anyone who misses a fast due to a valid reason (e.g., illness, menstruation, travel) must make up the missed days after Ramadan, before the next Ramadan if possible.

7. Expiation (Kaffarah)

• Kaffarah for Deliberate Breaking of Fast: If someone deliberately breaks a fast (e.g., through eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse), they must perform Kaffarah. This involves either fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.

8. Spiritual and Ethical Conduct

• Avoiding Sins: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also from sinful behavior, including lying, gossiping, arguing, and any actions that contradict the spirit of fasting.
• Increased Worship: Ramadan is a time for increased worship, including prayer (Salah), recitation of the Quran, giving charity (Sadaqah), and engaging in acts of kindness and service to others.

Summary:

Fasting during Ramadan is an obligatory act of worship that requires abstaining from food, drink, and certain physical activities from dawn to sunset. Muslims must make a sincere intention to fast each day and adhere to the rules that maintain the validity of the fast. Those who are exempt due to illness, travel, or other valid reasons should make up the fasts later or provide fidya. The month of Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, increased worship, and fostering a deeper connection with Allah.

Salman Qadir Answered question August 29, 2024
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