Interactive Lesson Hub for Islamic Studies
Sawm is to constrain oneself from eating, drinking, and other things that are not allowed from dawn (Subuh) to sunset (Maghrib).
๐ Key Points:
Fasting during the entire month of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims. The entire month from dawn to sunset.
A fast pledged as a vow to Allah. Once pledged, it becomes obligatory to fulfill.
Fasting to make up for missed days in Ramadan due to illness, travel, or menstruation.
Fasting as expiation for breaking an oath or other violations requiring atonement.
The 10th of Muharram, highly recommended to fast it, along with the 9th or 11th.
The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha, with great rewards for those not performing Hajj.
Any six days after Eid al-Fitr in Shawwal, completing the reward of fasting the whole year.
Fasting frequently in Sha'ban, the month before Ramadan, as practiced by the Prophet.
Fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month, known as Ayyam al-Beed.
Alternatively, fasting any three days in each lunar month is also recommended.
Highly recommended days for voluntary fasting each week.
Fasting for health reasons is permissible and lawful. The deed receives reward based on the intention (Niyyah).
Examples: Fasting for medical purposes, health detox, or fitness goals with the right intention can be rewarded as an act of worship.
Continuous fasting every day.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discouraged this practice as it can be harmful to health and well-being.
The following days are forbidden for fasting:
Fasting on these blessed festival days is prohibited and breaks the spirit of celebration and communal joy.
Only Muslims are required to fast. Non-Muslims are not accountable for fasting in Ramadan.
Fasting becomes compulsory after puberty. Parents should gently train children from an early age, for example with half-day fasts, but they cannot force them.
The person must be of sound mind to be accountable for fasting.
The person must be physically able to fast without serious harm.
The obligation applies to a resident. A traveller has a concession to break the fast and make it up later.
A traveller (generally 89 km or more) is allowed to break the fast and must make up the missed days (qada) later.
If fasting worsens the illness or delays recovery, the person may break the fast and make it up later.
If fasting is feared to harm the mother or the baby, she may break the fast, following the relevant rulings for making up or compensating.
If fasting may harm the mother or the nursing baby, she may break the fast, with the applicable make-up or compensation.
The very elderly or permanently weak who cannot fast are exempt and follow the ruling for fidyah where applicable.
If fasting is feared to weaken a person in active battle, they may break the fast according to the rulings of scholars.
๐ The intention (niyyah) must be made after Maghrib and before Fajr (dawn)
The niyyah can be made at any time after sunset and before dawn enters. It is an intention in the heart to fast for the sake of Allah.
Arabic: ุงููููููู ูู ูููู ุตูู ูุชู ููุนูููู ุฑูุฒููููู ุฃูููุทูุฑูุชู
Transliteration: Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu
Translation: "O Allah, for You I have fasted and with Your provision I have broken my fast"
Arabic: ุฐูููุจู ุงูุธููู ูุฃู ููุงุจูุชููููุชู ุงููุนูุฑูููู ููุซูุจูุชู ุงูุฃูุฌูุฑู ุฅููู ุดูุงุกู ุงูููููู
Transliteration: Dhahaba azh-zhama' wabtallatil 'urooq wa thabatal ajru insha Allah
Translation: "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills"
โญ Laylatul Qadr is better than 1000 months (approximately 83 years)
Worship during this night brings immense rewards. It is believed to occur in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly on odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).
The following actions invalidate the fast and require making up the day (Qada):
โ Invalidates the fast: Eating or drinking intentionally during fasting hours
โ Does NOT invalidate: If one forgets they are fasting and eats or drinks, the fast remains valid. This is considered a mercy from Allah.
Ruling: If done intentionally, one must make up the day (Qada). If done by mistake or forgetfulness, the fast is still valid and no make-up is required.
โ Invalidates the fast: Any form of sexual intercourse or sexual activity during fasting hours
Ruling: This is a major violation requiring both Qada (make-up) and Kaffarah (expiation) - fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people if unable to fast.
โ Invalidates the fast: Deliberately inducing vomiting
โ Does NOT invalidate: If one vomits involuntarily or unintentionally, the fast remains valid
Ruling: If vomiting is intentional, Qada (make-up) is required. If involuntary, the fast continues without penalty.
โ Invalidates the fast: The occurrence of menstrual bleeding or post-childbirth bleeding
Ruling: Women experiencing menstruation or post-natal bleeding are exempt from fasting and must make up the missed days (Qada) after Ramadan when they are able.
Important note: Even if bleeding begins just before Maghrib, the fast for that day is invalidated and must be made up.
๐ Summary of Consequences: