Etiquettes of Fasting
Fasting encompasses several etiquettes that a Muslim earns rewards for by observing them, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some of these etiquettes include:
- Maintaining the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Partake in Suhoor, for indeed there is a blessing in it.”
- Utilizing one’s time in obedience to Allah, such as engaging in dhikr (remembrance), reciting the Quran, giving charity, and showing kindness to others. Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when he met Gabriel, who would visit him every night in Ramadan to discuss the Quran. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was more generous in doing good than the swiftly blowing wind.”
- Hastening to break one’s fast, as narrated by Sahl ibn Sa’ad Al-Sa’idi: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The people will remain in goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast.”
- Diligently performing Taraweeh prayers and engaging in night worship, based on the report from Abu Huraira: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, their previous sins will be forgiven.”
- Engaging in I’tikaf, which involves staying in the mosque from the evening of the 20th night until the sunset of the last night of Ramadan.
The Wisdom Behind the Obligation of Fasting
The primary wisdom behind the commandment of fasting is piety. Allah (Exalted be He) states: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183). A fasting individual should strive to attain piety during their fast. Additionally, fasting serves to curb desires, struggle against oneself, and cultivate patience.
It is essential to note that the goal of fasting is not merely to abstain from food and drink; Muslims are also expected to purify their souls and reform their character. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever does not forsake false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to renounce his food and drink.”
Essential Components of Fasting
There are several fundamental elements that must be fulfilled for a fast to be valid and accepted by Allah. They include:
- Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is a matter of the heart, and no act of worship can be considered valid without it. Allah (Glorified be He) has said: “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” (Quran 98:5). The majority of scholars agree that it is obligatory to establish the intention for obligatory fasting during the night prior to fasting, meaning that the fasting person must make this intention from the night before.
- Abstaining from all invalidating actions throughout the duration of the fast.
This abstention is observed from dawn until sunset, as Allah (Exalted be He) states: “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.” (Quran 2:187).
It has been reported in an authentic hadith that, when this verse was revealed, a man said he tied a black thread and a white thread under his pillow to distinguish between them at night. He then approached the Prophet (peace be upon him) and mentioned this, to which the Prophet replied: “That refers to the darkness of the night and the light of the day.”
- The obligation to fast is applicable to every sane, adult Muslim who is capable of fasting.