Summary
Muslims complete two types of fasting in Islam: obligatory and optional fasting. Obligatory fasting occurs in the month of Ramadan. Optional fasting is completed at any other time of the year. This was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset everyday. The main purpose of Ramadan is to gain the pleasure of God by constantly engaging in zikr (remembrance of God). All Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, however, there are some exemptions to this.
Table of Content
1. How does fasting work in Islam?
There are two types of fasting in Islam, obligatory and optional fasting. Obligatory fasting involves fasting during the month of Ramadan and fasting to repent for sins (Ramadan and Fasting), n.d.). Fasts in Islam start at sunrise and end at sunset. There are a number of restrictions while fasting in Islam, which are detailed below.
Obligatory Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all Muslims in good health. The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to attain righteousness and nearness to Allah, seeking His pleasure. There are also many health benefits to fasting.
God says in the Holy Quran:
‘O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous’ (The Holy Qur’an, 2:184).
During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset and refrain from all food, drink, and sexual relations. Before the fast, Muslims consume a morning meal called suhoor or sehr. Once the sun sets, Muslims partake in iftar which is when they break their fast with dates and water. This was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).
When fasting, Muslims are required to refrain from bad habits such as cursing, fighting, lying, etc. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e., telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.’
There are certain rules for fasting and situations in which individuals are exempt from fasting. If one is travelling, sick, pregnant, nursing, or menstruating they are exempt from fasting. In these cases, Muslims are not required to fast but rather have to pay fidya. Fidya costs the equivalent of feeding a poor person. They also have to make up the missed fasts at a later date. God says in the Holy Quran:
‘The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. (The Holy Qur’an, 2:185).
Islam follows the lunar calendar, therefore the time in which the month of Ramadan falls is different every year. This is to ensure a universal balance for all worshippers. For example, when Ramadan falls in the winter months, the days and fasts are shorter for some. When Ramadan falls in the summer months, the days and fasts are longer for some (Goraya, 2020).
God has also prescribed fasting as a way to repent for sins. God has given sinners a way to seek forgiveness, through fasting. Examples of sins include participating in sexual relations outside of marriage or murdering someone. God has said in the Holy Qur’an:
‘It does not become a believer to kill a believer unless it be by mistake. And he who kills a believer by mistake shall free a believing slave, and pay blood money to be handed over to his heirs, unless they remit it as charity. But if the person slain be of a people hostile to you, and be a believer, then the offended shall free a believing slave; and if he be of a people between whom and you is a pact, then the offender shall pay blood money to be handed over to his heirs, and free a believing slave. But whoso finds not one, then he shall fast for two consecutive months – a mercy from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, Wise’ (The Holy Qur’an 4:93).
Optional Fasting
Muslims have been encouraged to complete voluntary fasts. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) used to complete regular optional fasts. He regularly used to fast every Monday and Thursday and said: ‘A man’s deeds are reported on Mondays and Thursdays and I prefer that I should be observing the fast when my deeds are reported’.
Optional fasts are often undertaken when Muslims are undergoing hardship and need God’s help, or to ward off evils (Goraya, 2020). There are no limits to the amount of optional fasting that can be completed. However, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) has said that one should not fast for their entire life as this can cause severe health issues. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) learned of someone doing this and disapproved of it. He said: ‘By putting yourself to trouble or discomfort, not only will you be unable to please God, but you may even earn His displeasure.’
Islam is a religion of balance. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) mentioned that perpetually devoting all your time to worshipping God can lead one to become negligent toward their spouse, children, family and friends. This is frowned upon by God and is not Islamic (Goraya, 2020).
2. What does the Quran say about fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)?
Surah Al-Baqarah is the second and longest chapter in the Holy Quran. It contains the command of fasting in Ramadan:
‘O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous’ (The Holy Qur’an 2:184).
‘The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew’ (The Holy Qur’an 2:185).
In these verses, God is telling Muslims three main things. Firstly, fasting is not a new phenomenon and has been prescribed in other religions in the past. Secondly, fasting is for the attainment of righteousness by instilling self-discipline and keeping away from bad actions. Thirdly, God has placed exceptions on fasting so that one on a journey or in sickness does not have to burden themselves (Five Volume Commentary, n.d).
3. What is the purpose of fasting in Islam?
The purpose of fasting in Islam is for the attainment of righteousness and forgiveness. Fasting is something that Muslims do for God to attain His nearness and pleasure (Blessings of Ramadan, n.d.). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) has said:
‘Allah the Almighty says that all the deeds of a man are for his own except the fast. ‘The fast is kept for My sake alone, and I am the reward for it.’’
God describes the purpose of fasting in the Holy Quran: ‘O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous’ (The Holy Qur’an 2: 184).
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah (as), has said: ‘God says, the object of fasting is that men should attain taqwa (righteousness). The word taqwa is used in the Holy Quran in three ways. It signifies 1) security from pain and suffering, 2) security from sin, and 3) the attainment of a high spiritual level’ (Qamar, 2018).
4. Who is required to fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is required for all healthy Muslim adults. However, there are situations in which individuals are exempt from fasting. For example, if one is sick, travelling, pregnant/nursing, or menstruating, they are not required to fast during Ramadan. They should make up for the missed fasts later in the year (Goraya, 2020).
Islam has prohibited fasting for those who are putting their health at risk. Muslims that miss a fast are required to pay fidya for each missed fast. The amount of fidya should feed a poor person (Khan, n.d.).
God explains this in the Holy Quran:
‘The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew’ (The Holy Quran, 2:185).
5. Can you drink and eat while fasting in Ramadan?
Food and drink are not permitted during the fast. The fast lasts from sunrise to sunset. Muslims partake in a morning meal before sunrise called suhoor or sehri. After this morning meal, they begin their fast and keep it until the sun sets. Muslims then partake in an evening meal called iftaar. However, while fasting during the day, Muslims are not allowed to consume any food or drink, including water.
6. What is suhoor, and why is it important?
Suhoor (or sehri) is the pre-dawn meal completed by Muslims before beginning the fast. This occurs before sunrise and before the morning prayer (fajr) (Rules of Fasting, n.d.). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) discussed suhoor and said “serve yourselves with breakfast, for they are blessed”.
Suhoor is a blessed time and should not be missed, even if it consists of just a drink of water. The Holy Prophet (sa) has mentioned that a distinctive feature between our fasts and those of the people of the Book (Christians or Jews) is the eating of breakfast.
If one misses suhoor by oversleeping, they are still allowed to complete their fast. This is as long as they had the intention of doing so when they went to sleep the night before (Rules of Fasting, n.d.).
7. How do Muslims break their fast during Ramadan?
Muslims break their fast by first reciting a prayer and then having a few dates with water (Rules of Fasting, n.d.). The prayer to break the fast is:
Allah-umma laka sumtu wa ‘alaa rizqika aftartu
O Allah, for Thee I have fasted, and with Thy provision I have broken my fast.
When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) used to break his fast, he would pray something similar: ‘O our Lord, for Your sake I kept the fast and with Your food have I ended it.’
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) also directed Muslims to break their fast with a date and with water for both are pure. Dates contain no artificial preservatives and have a high glucose content which helps to revitalize the body quickly after fasting.
8. What are the health benefits of fasting in Islam?
There are numerous health benefits to fasting (Benefits of Fasting, n.d.). For example, fasting:
9. What are the rules of fasting in Islam?
When Muslims fast in Ramadan or otherwise, they are to abstain from food, drink, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. Muslims must also avoid lying, deceit, and cursing while completing the fast.
The Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “Of what use to Allah is the fast of one who does not abstain from lying and from deceit?”
Muslims must also try their best to remain in a constant state of zikr (remembrance of God) while fasting. Muslims are encouraged to complete one full reading of the Holy Quran and try to increase their iman (faith in God) during the month of Ramadan (Rules of Fasting, n.d.).
10. Why do Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan?
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan because it is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is obligatory for all Muslims (Khan, n.d.). The 5 pillars of Islam are:
The word ‘Ramadan’ is derived from the Arabic word (Ramdh) which means ‘intensely hot’ or ‘burning’. The month of Ramadan is named this for three reasons:
Ramadan was chosen as the month of fasting and spiritual advancement for one reason: its association and close affinity with the revelation of the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran states,
‘The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination’ (The Holy Quran 2:186).
Because the Quran was revealed during Ramadan, Muslims strive to complete at least one full reading of it during the holy month. They also try to live their lives according to it.
11. How does fasting benefit spiritual growth in Islam?
There are three main spiritual benefits of fasting (Benefits of Fasting, n.d.):
Ramadan is a time when Muslims increase and enhance their prayers. This is because Ramadan is a time when prayers are particularly accepted. God states in the Holy Quran:
‘And when My servants ask thee about Me, say: ‘I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me. So they should hearken to Me and believe in Me, that they may follow the right way’ (The Holy Qur’an 2:187).
During Ramadan, Muslims offer many special and optional prayers including tahajjud (pre-morning prayer). Special prayers known as Tarawih are offered in the late evening in mosques.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a time for seeking mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from God (Goraya, 2020). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: ‘whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.’ Also, ‘indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for seventy years.’
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that fasting is not merely refraining from food and drink, rather it is about self-reformation. One should remain in a constant state of remembrance of God and try to gain His pleasure while fasting.
12. Why is Laylat al-Qadr considered significant during Ramadan?
Laylat al-Qadr means ‘The Night of Decree’. This night can be found in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan (Walker, n.d.). The Night of Decree is very important. Muslims believe God showers His mercy upon His believers who are supplicating to him during this time (Night of Decree: Better than 83 Years of Life, n.d.).
Muslims who may have neglected praying, reading the Holy Quran, and other good acts during the first 20 days of Ramadan try to better themselves during Laylat al-Qadr (Ahmad, 2010).
God says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘Surely, We sent it down on the Night of Destiny. And what should make thee know what the Night of Destiny is? The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. Therein descend angels and the Spirit by the command of their Lord – with every matter. It is all peace till the rising of the dawn’ (The Holy Qur’an 97:2-6).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) has said: ‘He who offers voluntary prayers during the Night of Decrees out of sincerity of faith and in hope of earning merit will have his past sins forgiven him.’
During the Night of Decree, the angel Gabriel will appear with a host of angels and all of them will pray for the person who is praying to God (Night of Decrees, Etc., n.d.). If one experiences the Night of Decree, they should recite the following prayer: O our Lord! You are forgiveness personified, Who loves forgiving, therefore forgive me.
13. Can pregnant or nursing women fast during Ramadan?
Women who are pregnant or nursing during Ramadan are exempt from fasting and must make up those fasts at a later date. Fasting is exempt for these women to ensure the health of both the mother and the child (Rules of Fasting, n.d.).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: ‘Indeed, God has exempted a pregnant or a suckling woman from fasting.’
Conclusion
The month of Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims. Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from food, drink, and sexual relations during this time. There are many spiritual and health benefits associated with fasting. These include increasing faith and righteousness as well as improving blood glucose control and inflammation. Muslims spend their time during this month in remembrance of God, reading the Holy Quran, giving to charity, and increasing their prayers.
References (APA Style)
Ahmad, M. M. (2010). Laylatul Qadr- the Night of Destiny. Friday Sermon August 27, 2010. https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2010-08-27.html
Benefits of Fasting (n.d.). Islam Ahmadiyya. https://www.alislam.org/book/ramadhan-blessings/benefits-of-fasting/
Blessings of Ramadan (n.d.). Islam Ahmadiyya. https://www.alislam.org/book/ramadhan-blessings/blessings-of-ramadhan/
Goraya, A. (2020, October 25). The Fourth Pillar of Islam: Saum, The Islamic Fast. The Review of Religions. https://www.reviewofreligions.org/25736/the-fourth-pillar-of-islam-saum-the-islamic-fast/#_edn23
Khan, A. A. The Significance of Ramadan (n.d.). Islam Ahmadiyaa. https://www.alislam.org/articles/significance-of-ramadan/
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Qamar, M. (2018, June 26. Fasting: Not Just About the Food. The Review of Religions. https://www.reviewofreligions.org/14046/fasting-not-just-about-the-food/
Ramadan and Fasting (n.d.). Islam Ahmadiyya. https://www.alislam.org/ramadhan/
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The Holy Qur’an Five Volume Commentary in English. (1949). Vol. 3. Islam International Publications LTD, 2018.
The Night of Decree: Better than 83 Years of Life (n.d.). Islam Ahmadiyya. https://www.alislam.org/articles/night-of-decree-better-than-83-years-of-life/
Walker, A. (n.d.). Laylatul Qadr. Islam Ahmadiyya. https://www.alislam.org/articles/laylatul-qadr/