Observances of Fasting

   

The Observances of Fasting

Fasting is an attempt to seek nearness to Allah and to increase one's piety. During this time, a Muslim must avoid curing and thinking evil thoughts. One aim of fasting is to sympathize with those less fortunate. Through fasting one is able to control one's desires and focus more on devoting oneself to Allah.

What is Fasting?

The most important time to fast is during the lunar month Ramadan. This month is significant as the Qur'an was revealed in Ramadan. 

When should we fast?

The fast starts from dawn. People get up before dawn and take Sahoor (Sehri) which is a pre-dawn meal. Sehri is a Sunnah. It is also Sunnah to take Sehri before the Azaan of Fajr. Intention to fast is necessary. Sincere intention is played in the heart and it must be made before Fajr. Fasting starts from dawn and ends at sunset.. During a fast it is forbidden to eat, drink or consume substances like smoking, medicines and drugs. The fast breaks at the Azaan of Maghrib. It is called Iftaar. It is Sunnah to break the fast immediately when hearing the Azaan of Maghrib. It is also Sunnah to break one's fast with a date (fruit).

The Method of Fasting

Who must Fast? Fasting is obligatory upon every sane, adult, healthy Muslim.  Who can break their fasts? Elderly men and women are permitted to break their fasts, as are the severely ill. Those who must work difficult jobs under harsh conditions can also break their fast. Moreover, pregnant women may break their fast if they fear for themselves, or for the baby. Also, if one does not have enough to support themselves they may also break the fast. What must be done as ransom for breaking a fast? If one breaks their fast, it is necessary that they feed one poor person for a day, equivalent to the amount of days they did not fast. This is called "Miskeen".

Conditions of Fasting.

Fidyah and kaffrrah

Fidyah If a person is completely sure he will not be able to keep a fast of Ramadan, then he must pay compensation, either in the form of money or grain. This is called Fidyah. Rate of Fidyah The minimum rate of Fidyah is the amount equivalent to 2 1/4 kg of wheat. Kaffarrah If a person intentionally breaks a fast, a set of penalty known as "Kaffarrah" apply. These exist in two forms, of which the person must choose one: Fasting for an extra 60 consecutive days. Feeding 60 people two meals a day for 30 days (or the equivalent amount of money).

Taraweeh prayers are Sunnah, and are performed after Isha and before Witr. They should be performed in sets of two Ra'kaat each. In Taraweeh prayers one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited so that by the end of the month the whole Quran is recited.  

Taraweeh Prayers

Special Events

Laila-tul-Qadr In the month of Ramadan, there is a special night during which the Qur'an was revealed. Praying in this night is gives similar rewards to praying for 1000 nights. This night can be found in the last odd nights. Aitikaf This is only performed in Ramadan. Male members sit in isolation in the masjid in the last 10 days of Ramadan. They remain day and night to pray to Allah and do not involve in any worldly affairs.

Forbidden days of Fasting