Fiqh of fasting (Fiqh al-sawm) encompasses the Islamic legal rulings regarding fasting, primarily in Ramadan, a fundamental pillar of Islam. It includes the rules, and guidelines that Muslims must follow to observe fasting correctly. It defines fasting as abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset with a sincere intention (niyyah). The Fiqh outlines those obligated to fast in Islam, from adult, sane, while granting exemptions to travelers, the sick, pregnant or nursing women, and others facing hardship.
It details invalidators of fasting, such as intentional eating, drinking, or sexual activity, and the consequences, including qada’ (making up missed fasts) and kaffarah. Additionally, it recommended practices, like pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and breaking fast with dates, as well as disliked actions, such as excessive speech or anger. The Fiqh also covers voluntary fasts, fasting on specific days, and prohibitions, ensuring a structured approach to fulfilling this important act in Islam. In this comprehensive article, we will explore everything you need to know about the jurisprudence of fasting, from its definition to its detailed rulings, as taught by the leading platform, Azhar El Quran Academy.
Definition of Fiqh of Fasting
The word Fiqh in Arabic refers to the deep understanding and knowledge of Islamic laws and rulings. When it comes to fasting, the Fiqh of fasting encompasses all the religious guidelines that govern this act of worship. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an obligatory act for every sane, adult Muslim who has reached puberty and is physically capable.
The Fiqh of fasting not only explains the rules of abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activities from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). But it also delves into the intention (niyyah), the nullifiers of fasting, and the recommended acts that enhance the spiritual experience. This branch of Islamic jurisprudence ensures that Muslims perform their fasts in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. And by the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prerequisites for the Obligation of Fasting
Not everyone is required to fast during Ramadan. The Fiqh of fasting outlines specific prerequisites that must be met to apply. These include:
Islam: Fasting is only obligatory for Muslims.
Puberty: Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast, though they may be encouraged to practice.
Sanity: A person must be of sound mind to be obligated to fast.
Physical Ability: Those who are physically unable to fast due to illness, old age, or other valid reasons are exempt.
Residence: A person must not be traveling, as travelers are granted concessions in Islam.
If these conditions are met, fasting becomes an obligatory act of worship during the holy month of Ramadan.
Types of Fasting
The Fiqh of fasting discusses various types of fasting in Islam, each with its purpose and rulings.
These include:
- Obligatory Fasting: This includes fasting during Ramadan, fasting as an expiation (kaffārah), and fasting to fulfill a vow (nadhr).
- Recommended Fasting: These are voluntary fasts, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the Day of Arafah, and the six white days at the month Shawwal.
- Disliked Fasting: Fasting on certain days, such as Eid al-Fitr and al-Adha, is considered (forbidden).
- Permissible Fasting: This includes fasting on days when there is no specific recommendation or prohibition.
Also, Fiqh of Fasting in Islam encompasses three primary forms: obligatory (fasting the month of Ramadan), recommended, and voluntary. Understanding these types of fasting helps a Muslim align the worship with the teachings of Islam and avoid actions that may invalidate their fasts.
Fasting Nullities
Fasting is a means of expressing one's gratitude for Allah's blessings, and it stops a person from eating, drinking, and sex, which are some of allāh great. The Fiqh of fasting also explains the actions that nullify a fast.
These include:
Eating or Drinking Intentionally: Consuming food or drink during the fasting hours invalidates the fast.
Sexual Activities: Engaging in sexual activity during the day in Ramadan breaks the fast and requires kaffārah (expiation).
Intentional Vomiting: Deliberately causing oneself to vomit nullifies the fast.
Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding: Women who experience these are exempt from fasting and must make up the missed days later.
It’s important to note that unintentional actions, such as swallowing water while performing ablution, do not break the fast.
Recommended Acts During Fasting.
To maximize the spiritual benefits of fasting, the Fiqh of fasting encourages certain recommended acts:
1. Suhoor: Eating a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) is highly recommended, as it provides strength for the day ahead.
2. Breaking the Fast with Dates: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended breaking the fast with dates and water, followed by a light meal.
3. Increased Worship: Engaging in extra prayers, reciting the Quran, and making dua are highly encouraged.
4. Charity: Giving to the poor and needy is a noble act during Ramadan.
5. Avoiding Haram Actions: Abstaining not only from food and drink but also from sinful behavior, such as lying, backbiting, and anger, is essential.
These acts not only enhance the fast but also bring one closer to Allah.
Exempted from Fasting in Ramadan
The Fiqh of fasting recognizes that not everyone can fast. Those who are exempt include:
The Sick: Individuals who are ill and fear that fasting may worsen their condition.
Travelers: Those on a journey exceeding a certain distance are permitted to break their fast.
Pregnant and Nursing Women: If fasting poses a risk to the mother or child, they are exempt.
The Elderly: Those who are too weak to fast are exempt but may provide fidya (expiatory payment) instead.
Women During Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding: They must make up the missed fasts after Ramadan.
These exemptions highlight the mercy and flexibility of Islamic rulings, ensuring that fasting remains a manageable act of worship for all.
The Expiatory Payment (Fidya) for Fasting
For those who are permanently unable to fast, such as the elderly or chronically ill, the fiqh of fasting prescribes fidya. This is a form of expiation where the individual provides an iftar meal or its monetary equivalent to a poor person for each missed fast. The amount is typically equivalent to one meal per day. This ruling ensures that even those who cannot physically fast can still participate in the blessings of Ramadan.
Fiqh of Fasting Hanafi
The Hanafi school of thought, one of the four major Islamic schools, provides a detailed fiqh of fasting. In the Islamic Shari'ah, fasting is to abstain from all desires. Fiqh of Fasting and Pillars of Fasting First Pillar Abstention from everything that invalidates the fast from dawn until sunset.
And according to the Hanafi rulings:
- Intention (Niyah): The intention to fast must be made before Fajr for obligatory fasts.
- Breaking the Fast: Consuming even a small amount of food or drink intentionally invalidates the fast.
- Traveling: A traveler may break the fast if the journey exceeds approximately 48 miles.
- Kaffārah: Engaging in sexual intercourse during the fasting hours requires fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.
The Hanafi fiqh offers a structured and comprehensive approach to fasting, ensuring that Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam with clarity and precision. Also, all scholars agree that fasting is obligatory upon every sane, adult, healthy Muslim male who is not traveling at that time. As for a woman, she must not be fast during menstruation, vaginal discharge, or breastfeeding.
Azhar El-Quran Academy Course on the Fiqh of Fasting
Fasting means to abstain from food, drink, and sexual activities from dawn to sunset. The Azhar El-Quran Academy offers a transformative course on the islamic studies to Fiqh of Fasting, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the rules and principles about this sacred act of worship.
Under the guidance of knowledgeable Sheikhs, the Islamic studies in Fiqh of Fasting covers essential topics such as the prescribed abstention from food, and other invalidators, the importance of niyyah (intention), and the rulings on matters like traveling, illness, and menstruation. Through engaging presentations, detailed Hadith references, and interactive class discussions, students explore the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the wisdom behind fasting.
Also addresses common questions, such as the permissibility of consuming certain items or the validity of fasts broken unintentionally. This lesson introduces us to one of the most important acts of worship, it is fasting. Whether you’re a fresh learner or seeking to refine your knowledge, this course ensures you stay aligned with the Islamic council’s guidelines, avoiding sin and embracing the beloved blessings of Ramadan.
Join this enriching learning event and elevate your spiritual journey.
