Fasting in Islam

Islamic Legal Rules of Fasting

Sawm, the Arabic term for Fasting in Islam, is mentioned in the Quran as an act of abstaining. In Chapter Maryam, Mary, the mother of Jesus, declares, “I have vowed a fast (sawm) for the sake of the Merciful, so today I shall not speak to anyone.” [Maryam 19:26]. According to Shariah, sawm entails refraining from all prohibited acts from dawn until sunset, with the intention of fasting.

Purpose of Fasting – Fasting in Islam

The Quran states, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn taqwa (piety).” Taqwa is a central concept in Islamic spirituality and ethics, embodying holiness, righteousness, and consciousness of God. It is the essence of Islamic ethical behavior, motivating believers to seek goodness and avoid evil for the sake of God. Taqwa necessitates patience and perseverance, qualities that fasting helps to cultivate.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described fasting as a shield that protects a person from sin and immoral desires. Similarly, in the Bible, Jesus is reported to have said that certain evils can only be overcome through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).

Imam Al-Ghazali explained that fasting can instill in individuals a sense of divine quality, akin to freedom from worldly desires. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim believed fasting could liberate the human spirit from the dominance of desire, promoting moderation in worldly pursuits.

Imam Shah Waliullah Dahlawi saw fasting as a way to diminish base instincts and strengthen noble characteristics. Maulana Mawdudi highlighted fasting as a means to develop individual and communal piety and self-control.

Fasting in Islam Is Obligatory

As stated in the Quran, Fasting in Islam is considered obligatory for Muslims (Al-Baqarah 2:183). The Quran describes Ramadan as the month in which the Quran was revealed, offering guidance and clear signs for humankind, and it instructs believers to fast during this month (Al-Baqarah 2:184).

Prophet Muhammad (SA) further emphasized the importance of Fasting in Islam in his Hadith. He mentioned that Islam is based on five pillars: faith in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad, performing the five daily prayers, giving charity (zakat), performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), and fasting during Ramadan.

The Muslim community universally agrees on the obligation of fasting during Ramadan for those who are physically able (mukallaf).

Rules of Fasting in Islam

During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting is a significant religious observance for Muslims worldwide, representing a period of spiritual reflection and increased devotion. The rules Fasting in Islam are outlined to ensure that it is observed sincerely and by Islamic teachings.

Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim, male or female, who has reached puberty, is sane, and is not sick or traveling.
Temporary sickness, from which a person expects to recover soon, exempts one from fasting during illness, but the missed days must be made up later.
Those with incurable illnesses are exempt but must provide for each missed fast by giving a day’s meal or an equivalent amount of money to a needy person.
Women who are menstruating or experiencing post-natal bleeding are not permitted to fast but must make up for the missed days later.
Pregnant or nursing women can postpone their fasting to a later time when they can. Islamic law defines travel as any journey taking one away from their city of residence for a minimum of 48 miles or 80 kilometers for a legitimate reason. Frivolous travel during Ramadan, leading to missed fasting, should be avoided. Travelers missing fasts must make them up as soon as possible after Ramadan.

Observing these rules ensures that fasting is a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience for Muslims during Ramadan.

Fasting According to the Sunnah

Engage in sahur, the pre-dawn meal, as it is a Sunnah with great rewards and blessings. The optimal time for sahur is the last half-hour before dawn or just before the Fajr prayer.
Break your fast promptly at sunset. According to Shariah, sunset occurs when the sun’s disk dips below the horizon and disappears completely.
While fasting, avoid all forms of false speech and actions.
Refrain from arguments, disputes, foul language, or forbidden activities.
Use this time for moral and ethical self-discipline in addition to physical training.
Avoid ostentation regarding your fast, such as talking excessively about it, displaying dry lips or a hungry stomach, or exhibiting a bad temper.
Maintain a pleasant demeanor and cheerful spirit.
During fasting, engage in acts of charity and kindness, and increase your worship and recitation of the Quran.
Strive to complete the Quran at least once during the month of Ramadan.

Things That Invalidate the Fast

Consuming food, drink, or smoking intentionally, including ingesting non-nourishing substances through the mouth or nose.
Inducing vomiting deliberately.
The onset of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding, even if it occurs right before sunset.
Engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities leads to ejaculation (in men) or vaginal secretions (orgasms) in women.
Eating, drinking, smoking, or engaging in sexual intercourse after the Fajr (dawn) prayer under the mistaken belief that it is not yet Fajr time. Similarly, performing these acts before the Maghrib (sunset) prayer under the mistaken belief that Maghrib time has already begun.
Sexual intercourse during fasting is strictly prohibited. Those who engage in it must make up for the missed fasts (qadar) and offer expiation (kaffarah) by fasting for 60 consecutive days after Ramadan or by feeding 60 needy people for each day of fast broken in this manner.
According to the Hanafi school, deliberate consumption of food or drink during fasting also requires both qadaa’ and kaffarah.

Things That Do Not Invalidate Fasting In Islam

Even if water is accidentally swallowed, taking a bath or shower does not invalidate the fast. Swimming is generally permitted, but diving should be avoided to prevent water from entering the stomach.
Using perfumes, wearing contact lenses, or using eye drops are allowed.
Taking injections or undergoing a blood test is permissible.
Using a miswak (tooth-stick) or toothbrush without toothpaste, and rinsing the mouth or nostrils with water, is allowed as long as it is not excessive to avoid swallowing water.
Accidentally eating, drinking, or smoking without intent breaks the fast, but one should stop as soon as one realizes and continues fasting.
Sleeping during the day or experiencing a wet dream does not invalidate the fast. If one has intercourse at night and cannot perform ghusl (ritual bathing) before dawn, they can begin fasting and perform ghusl later.
Women whose menstruation stops at night may begin fasting even if they have not performed ghusl yet. Ghusl is necessary in these cases, but fasting is still valid without it.
Kissing between husband and wife is permitted during fasting, but caution should be exercised to avoid further prohibited actions.

Best Foods to Break a Fast

Dates: Traditionally, Muslims break their fast with dates as they provide a quick source of natural sugars to replenish energy levels after a day of fasting.
Soup: Opt for easy-to-digest options like lentil or vegetable noodle soups.
Yogurt & Smoothies: Choose unsweetened yogurt or homemade smoothies with fruits like watermelon, kiwi, or banana.
Avocados & Whole Fruits: Avocado is nutrient-rich and packed with healthy fats. Stick to whole fruits, but consume them in moderation due to their fiber content.
Nuts: A handful of nuts, like almonds, provide protein and healthy fats to replenish energy.
Eggs: Easy to digest and rich in protein, eggs are a great option post-fast.

Foods to Avoid Breaking a Fast

Hard-to-digest Foods: Stay away from heavy or difficult-to-digest items like steak or raw cruciferous vegetables.
Ultra-Processed Foods: Avoid items like hot dogs and potato chips, as they are unhealthy and can undo the benefits of fasting.
High-Calorie Foods: Don’t overindulge in high-calorie foods, as maintaining a caloric deficit is key for weight loss during fasting.

In simple terms, opt for light, nutritious foods that are easy on the stomach and avoid heavy, processed, or high-calorie options.

FAQs

What if I unintentionally swallow food or drink while fasting?

If you accidentally swallow food or drink without intent, your fast is still valid, but you should stop immediately upon realizing the mistake.

Can I fast if I am pregnant or nursing?

Pregnant or nursing women are allowed to postpone fasting to a later time when they can do so.

Do I have to fast if I am traveling?

Travelers can postpone fasting during the journey and compensate for missed fasts later.

What if I am sick or have a chronic illness?

Temporary illness exempts one from fasting, but the missed days must be made up later. Those with incurable illnesses should provide for each missed fast by giving a day’s meal or an equivalent amount of money to a needy person.

How To Break a Fast?

To break a fast, start with small portions of easily digestible foods and hydrate with water or herbal tea. Choose nutrient-dense options, listen to your body’s cues, and avoid overeating to prevent discomfort and support digestion.

Conclusion

Fasting in Islam is a spiritual practice that involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset during Ramadan. It is a significant act of worship that teaches self-discipline, patience, and empathy for the less fortunate.

Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically able, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Observing the rules and etiquette of fasting enhances its spiritual benefits and helps Muslims strengthen their faith and connection with Allah.