The Fiqh of Fasting Ramadan

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Linguistically speaking, fasting means abstention from something. In an Islamic context, it means intentional abstention from eating and drinking, as well as all that invalidates fasting, from the break of dawn until sunset with the intention of worshipping Allah.

The spiritual concept of fasting

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The spiritual concept of fasting1-Fasting is a means of expressing one’s gratitude for Allah’s blessings. It stops a person from eating, drinking and sex, which are some of Allah’s great blessings. To refrain from them for a considerable time is to show one’s appreciation of these blessings. 2-Fasting is a means to maintain a God-fearing attitude. 3-Fasting overcomes desire. When man eats a full meal, he thinks of satisfying other desires. 4-Fasting encourages people to be compassionate and kind to those who are in need. 5-Fasting puts the rich and the poor on the same level, as they will all bear the same pain of hunger. This increases one’s reward. 6-Fasting helps to overcome the temptation presented by Satan, who exploits human desires to lead people away from Allah’s path, and such desires are always stronger when one eats and drinks. 7-Fasting helps man to disregard the fleeting pleasures of this life and to look for the lasting happiness in the life to come.

Itikaf

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Itikaf means committing oneself to something, but in Islamic contexts it refers to the staying in seclusion in a mosque, by a Muslim who knows what he is doing, for the worship of Allah.Islam recommends Muslims to practise this Sunnah and stay in the mosque in the last 10 nights of Ramadan when they should devote more of their time to worship. The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) practice in these 10 nights was to devote all his time to worship, staying up every night, eager to be attending to his worship on the Night of Decree which falls in one of these 10 nights.

Fasting and its effect in life

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Fasting and its effect in life1-It is a commitment to obeying Allah and, as such, it helps to refrain from sin. 2-It provides good training to tolerate hardship with a cheerful manner. 3-It reminds us of Allah’s favours, as He has given us good food and drink and allowed us sex with our spouses. When we refrain from these during the day, we better appreciate Allah’s blessings. 4-It serves as a reminder of the need of our poor brethren. 5-Man fulfils the meaning of servitude to Allah through fasting. 6-Fasting helps anyone who is addicted to something forbidden to overcome his addiction.

Exemptions from fasting

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Exemptions from fasting 1- Illness and old age. 2-Travel 3-Menstruation. 4-Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The Night of Power

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The Night of Power is a night of great significance, including: 1- It is the night when the Qur’an was bestowed. 2-On this night Allah determines everything that takes place in the year ahead. 3-It is a blessed night. 4-Worship on this night is better rewarded than worship over one thousand months. 5-The angel Gabriel and other angels descend with blessings, goodness and forgiveness on that night. 6-The Night of Decree is a night of peace.

Values to be observed by fasting people

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Values to be observed by fasting people 1-Every Muslim must avoid telling lies, backbiting and cursing at all times, but this is even more strongly required in Ramadan. 2-Desisting from lewdness and foul language, as well as from answering those who use such language. 3-A Muslim must protect himself and his body against committing any sin at all times, but this is more emphasized in Ramadan.

What invalidates fasting?

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What invalidates fasting1-Eating or drinking deliberately.2-Sexual intercourse.3-Deliberate vomiting.4-Cupping.5-Menstruation and postnatal bleeding.6-Intending to break the fast.

conditions must apply for the duty of fasting to be valid

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conditions must apply for the duty of fasting to be valid 1-Being a Muslim. 2-Puberty. 3-Sanity. 4-Sound health. 5-Being in one’s place of residence. 6-Women who are in their period or having postnatal bleeding may not fast.

Confirmation of the start of Ramadan

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As Ramadan is a lunar month, its beginning is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Thus, if someone sights the new moon himself, or confirms its sighting by a Muslim person of integrity, or gets to know of it, the month is deemed to have started. If the new moon is not sighted, and no Muslim testifies to sighting it, it becomes obligatory to complete the preceding month, Shaban 30 days. The beginning of Ramadan can only be confirmed by one of these two ways: the sighting of the new moon or completing the month of Sha'ban 30 days.

How to Make Wudu (Ablution) in the correct way

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How to Make Wudu (Ablution) in the correct way.