What is the Definition of Fasting and Why Do Muslims Fast?
Fasting is defined as an act of worship directed to Allah – The Almighty – by abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. Muslims observe fasting due to its numerous benefits, which include:
- Fasting enables a Muslim to fulfill their duties towards Allah – The Almighty.
- It instills strength and promotes health in the body.
- Fasting allows individuals to appreciate the blessings of Allah – The Almighty. When one eats daily, it is easy to overlook this blessing, but during fasting, hunger highlights its significance, serving as a reminder of Allah’s grace and provision.
- Fasting cultivates self-discipline, empowering individuals to develop resilience and control over their desires, steering them away from forbidden acts.
- It helps in overpowering evil inclinations, as fasting weakens one’s susceptibility to temptation.
- Fasting also fosters compassion and empathy towards the needy; when a person experiences hunger, they are reminded of those who are perpetually in need, inspiring acts of kindness and generosity.
What is the Ruling of Fasting and What Rewards Are Associated With It?
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligatory act and one of the pillars of Islam. Allah – The Almighty – states: (O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting). The Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – mentioned: (Islam is built on five pillars: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayers, giving alms, performing pilgrimage, and fasting during Ramadan). The rewards linked to a Muslim’s fasting include:
- Fasting serves as a shield from the fires of Hell.
The Prophet – peace be upon him – stated: (Whoever fasts a day in the cause of Allah, Allah will distance his face from the Fire by seventy years).
- Fasting intercedes for a person on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet – peace be upon him – articulated: (Fasting and the Quran will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say: O my Lord, I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so allow me to intercede for him. The Quran will say: My Lord, I prevented him from sleeping at night, so permit me to intercede for him. They will both intercede).
- Fasting can lead to forgiveness of a person’s sins.
The Prophet – peace be upon him – indicated: (Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven).
Who is Obligated to Fast and What Invalidates Fasting?
Fasting is obligatory for every Muslim. Non-Muslims are not required to fast, though they will be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgment. It is compulsory for mature individuals; however, young children are not required to fast, though parents are encouraged to guide them towards the practice to help them develop the habit. Those who are capable of fasting and are not suffering from illness are expected to observe the fast. Conversely, a person who is traveling is allowed to break their fast.
The following actions invalidate fasting:
- Eating and drinking. If a person unintentionally consumes food or drink, their fast remains valid, and they should continue fasting.
- Nutritional injections, which are considered to break the fast, as they provide the body with sustenance similar to food and drink.
- Intentional vomiting; however, if it occurs accidentally, the fast remains intact.