Inquiries Regarding the Obligation of Fasting in Ramadan
There are numerous questions concerning the obligation of fasting that many individuals may not have clear answers to. Addressing these inquiries can enhance their understanding and knowledge:
- When was the fasting of Ramadan mandated?
The fasting of the month of Ramadan was instituted in the second year of Hijrah, coinciding with the year of the Battle of Badr.
- Was there any fasting prior to Ramadan?
Initially, fasting was observed on the day of Ashura and during the white days. Eventually, the complete fasting of the month of Ramadan was mandated, rendering the previous practices as sunnah.
- How many Ramadans did the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) observe?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted during nine complete Ramadans.
General Questions About Ramadan Regulations
Islamic jurisprudence texts thoroughly discuss the regulations related to fasting, affirming its significance as a pillar of Islam obligatory for every Muslim. Understanding these rulings is essential for ensuring the validity of one’s fast. Some relevant questions include:
- List five actions that invalidate fasting.
- Engaging in sexual relations or intentionally ejaculating.
- Deliberately eating or drinking, or anything equivalent to those actions.
- Cupping.
- Purposefully inducing vomiting.
- The onset of menstrual or postpartum bleeding.
- Mention four circumstances under which one may break their fast during Ramadan.
- Illness.
- Traveling.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Old age and frailty.
- Identify three virtues associated with the month of Ramadan:
- Fasting is among the deeds for which Allah has promised forgiveness and great rewards; it expiates sins and saves the believer from Hellfire.
- Fasting fosters piety and helps in abstaining from desires.
- A fasting person experiences two joys: one in this world and another in the Hereafter.
- The scent of a fasting person’s mouth is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk, and they have an unanswered supplication at the time of breaking their fast.
Questions Regarding the Sunnahs and Disliked Actions in Ramadan
It is recommended for Muslims during Ramadan to adopt prophetic practices and increase their acts of worship, while some actions are discouraged. Below are some inquiries about the sunnahs and disliked actions of fasting:
- What are the sunnahs related to pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) and breaking the fast (Iftar)?
- The recommendation to delay Suhoor.
- The promptness in breaking the fast.
- Supplication at the time of iftar.
- Providing Iftar to those fasting.
- Avoiding overeating and excessive drinking.
- Refraining from eating if one doubts the arrival of dawn.
- Breaking the fast with fresh dates; if unavailable, with dried dates; if none are found, then with water.
- What are the sunnahs associated with the nights of Ramadan?
- Performing Tarawih prayers.
- Reciting the Quran and engaging in night prayers.
- Intensifying worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan and performing I’tikaf (spiritual retreat).
- Seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.
- Performing ghusl (ritual washing) from janabah (major impurity), menstruation, or postpartum bleeding before dawn in order to commence the fast in a state of purity.
- What are the sunnahs of fasting after Ramadan?
- Promptly making up for any missed fasts from Ramadan.
- Fasting six days in Shawwal following the month of Ramadan.
- What are the disliked actions during fasting?
- Excessive rinsing of the mouth and nasal inhalation.
- Engaging in foul speech, gossip, backbiting, and lying.
- Delaying the iftar unnecessarily.
- Sleeping excessively during the day.