Verses on Fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah

The Holy Quran contains verses regarding fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah, which are outlined below:

Allah, the Almighty, stated: (O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain righteousness).

Allah prescribed fasting for Muslims just as it was mandated for previous nations. Fasting brings numerous benefits to Muslims by steering them away from sins and transgressions. The reduction in food intake leads to diminished desires, consequently decreasing the likelihood of engaging in sinful acts.

Allah, the Exalted, also mentioned: (Fasting for a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast], a provision of food [is due]. But whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. And to fast is best for you, if you only knew).

The obligation of fasting is specific to the month of Ramadan. Allah permits individuals who are ill and cannot fast, as well as travelers who may find fasting burdensome, to break their fast during their exemption days, with the condition that they compensate for those days later on. For those who struggle significantly with fasting in Ramadan and are unable to make it up afterward, they are allowed to break their fast, provided they offer a compensation (fidya) to the needy. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that fasting is more beneficial for them than either breaking their fast or paying the compensation.

Allah, the Most Merciful, in His wisdom, affirmed: (The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month – let him fast it. And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; perhaps you will be grateful).

This verse highlights the commencement of the revelation of the Quran, indicating that it took place during the month of Ramadan to guide humanity and delineate the path of truth from that of error. It also exemplifies Allah’s grace in allowing exceptions for those who are sick or traveling and encourages Muslims to engage in prayer and remembrance during the blessed month of Ramadan in gratitude for the divine guidance brought forth by the Quran.

Allah, the Almighty, further elucidated: (It has been made lawful for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them while you are in retreat in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus Allah makes clear the verses [of the Qur’an] to the people that perhaps they will become righteous).

Allah has made it permissible for Muslims to engage with their spouses during the nights of fasting before dawn breaks, after it had previously been prohibited. This allowance followed the repentance granted to Muslims who may have acted on this before it was declared permissible, setting a clear boundary for fasting by defining its time from dawn until sunset.

Reasons for the Revelation of Fasting Verses in Surah Al-Baqarah

The aforementioned verses on fasting were revealed for specific reasons, documented by scholars in their writings, as detailed below:

Allah stated: (So whoever among you is ill or has an ailment in his head – then a compensation of fasting or charity or sacrifice).

The reason for this revelation was when a companion approached the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, suffering from lice in his hair. The Prophet instructed him to shave his head and provided him the option for compensation through fasting three days, sacrificing a sheep, or giving charity to six needy people.

Allah declared: (It has been made lawful for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights of fasting).

Previously, it was prohibited for Muslims to approach their wives if they had slept after breaking their fast. If they had not slept, it was permissible. Umar ibn Al-Khattab expressed his wish to be intimate with his wife, who had already slept, which led him to consult the Prophet. Subsequently, the verse was revealed permitting eating, drinking, and relations until dawn, even if it included periods of sleep and wakefulness, much to the delight of the Muslims.

Rules of Fasting Derived from the Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah

The rules pertaining to fasting, as derived from the verses in Surah Al-Baqarah, are numerous, and include the following:

It is permissible to eat, drink, and engage in marital relations from sunset until dawn, as stated by Allah: (It has been made lawful for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights of fasting; they are clothing for you and you are clothing for them).
It is prohibited to engage with one’s spouse for those who intend to perform i’tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) during Ramadan, in any manner whatsoever, whether during the day or night, as it would nullify the i’tikaf. Allah clearly stated: (And do not have relations with them while you are in retreat in the mosques).
Both the sick person and the traveler are allowed to break their fast if fasting poses a hardship for them, with the requirement to make up for the missed days later, as Allah expressed: (Fasting for a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]).