OBLIGATION AND EXCELLENCE OF FASTING [PART 2 OF 5]

OBLIGATION AND EXCELLENCE OF FASTING [PART 2 OF 5]

ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

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SUNDAY 24th RAJAB 1442 AH- 8th MARCH 2021 CE

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum WA-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu.

Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger.

WARNING AGAINST FAILING TO FAST IN RAMADHAAN

Abu Umaamah al-Baahilee [Ra] said: ‘I heard Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) say:

“Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and took hold of my arms and brought me to a steep mountain and said: ‘climb’, so I said: ‘I am not able to.’ So they said: ‘We will make it easy for you.’ So I climbed until I came to the summit of the mountain where I heard terrible cries, so I said: ‘what are these cries?’ They said: ‘That is the howling of the people of the fire.’ Then they took me further on until I came to a people who were strung up by their hamstrings, with their jawbones torn and flowing with blood, so I said: ‘who are these.’ He said: ‘Those who break their fast before the time at which they may do so.’”18 19 (i.e. in spite of knowing the obligation of fasting in Ramadhaan they would not keep it).

AT THE APPROACH OF RAMADHAAN

COUNTING THE DAYS OF SHA’BAAN [20]

The Muslim Ummah (nation) should count the days from the beginning of Sha’baan in preparation for Ramadhaan, since any month will either be of twenty nine or thirty days. So if the new moon is seen, then one must fast and if that is not possible due to clouds, then thirty days of Sha’baan should be completed.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fast when it (the moon) is seen and cease fasting when it is seen, so if it is concealed by clouds, then complete thirty days of Sha’baan.” [21]

FORBIDDANCE OF FASTING ON THE DAY OF DOUBT

From Abu Hurairah [Ra] who said: Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:

“Do not pre-empt Ramadhaan by fasting a day or two before it, except for a man fasting his usual fast - then let him fast.”[22]

Which means that a person who regularly fasts on Monday, Thursday or fasts in the manner of Daawood [AS] (fasting every alternate day) can fast during these days as well (but not anyone else).

‘Ammaar [Ra] said: “Whoever fasts the day about which there is doubt has disobeyed Abul-Qaasim [23] (ﷺ).”[24]

The day of doubt is the 30th day of Sha’baan while the moon has not been sighted on the 29th.

SIGHTING THE MOON

The beginning and ending of Ramadhaan depends on sighting the crescent (new moon) or by completing 30 days of that month. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fast when it is seen, and cease fasting when it is seen and perform the rites of hajj based upon that and if it is hidden by clouds then complete thirty (days) and if two witnesses testify, then fast and cease fasting.” [25]

Even the witness of a single person who has seen the moon is acceptable. Ibn ‘Umar [Ra] said:

“The people looked out for the new moon, so I informed the Prophet (ﷺ) that I had seen it, so he fasted and ordered the people to fast.” [26]

The person who gives the witness should be a Muslim who is pious, just and has a good vision.

Note: One of the benefits that can be derived from the above-mentioned Ahaadeeth [27] is that in the Shari’ah [28], a month does not have 31 days.

THE INTENTION

For the obligatory fast, it is obligatory upon every Muslim to intend to fast in the night itself before the Fajr prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr, there is no fast for him.” [29]

The necessity of having the intention before the Fajr itself is particular to obligatory fasts (and not supererogatory fasts). This is since the Messenger (ﷺ) used to come to ‘A`ishah radhiallaahu ‘anhaa at times other than Ramadhaan and say:

“Do you have any food? If not, then I am fasting.” [30]

From this we know that it is not obligatory to intend in the night for supererogatory fasts.

Note: The place for the intention is the heart, and to pronounce this upon the tongue or reading the Du’aa

‘Allaahumma asoomu ghadan-laka faghfirlee maa qaddamtu wa maa akhhartu’ is not established from the Prophet (ﷺ) and therefore is an innovation and a misguidance.

THE TIME FOR BEGINNING AND ENDING THE FAST

The Most Wise Legislator has made the timing of the fast from true dawn [31] to sunset. At other times, it is permissible to eat, drink and have sexual relations with one’s spouse. Allaah the Most High said: “It is lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of the fasts.” [32] And He also said: “…And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the nightfall.” [33]

The fixed timing of the fast, till the day of resurrection, is from true dawn until sunset. Since every Muslim is not able to discern these timings, the Adhaan is used as a indication to inform the people about the beginning and the end of the timings of the fast. It should be noted however that the Adhaan, in and of itself, does not represent the prescribed time limits. Al-haafidh Ibn Hajr rahimahullaah complaining about his time i.e. the 8th century A.H said:

“One of the new things that the people nowadays have invented is that they give the Adhaan about 20 minutes before the actual time of the true dawn begins giving it the name of precaution which in fact is an open misguidance and a clear innovation. And it is this same precautionary attitude that has caused them to wait and give the Adhaan a few minutes after the sunset. In this way they delay breaking the fast and take suhoor [34] early which is in clear contradiction to the Sunnah [35] and it is for this reason that there is little good and much evil found in the people.” [36] [37]

This was the condition of the people 6 centuries ago. As for our times, then Allaah’s refuge is sought.

Notes:

1. The rulings of fasting are connected to the seeing with the naked eye. One should not burden himself with seeking out the moon by means of newly invented astronomical devices or by timetables provided by the people of astronomy. This has caused the people to go farther away from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

2. It is found that the administrators of many Masjids depend on calendars based on astronomical calculations which are decades old and due to which they end up making the suhoor early and delay the breaking of the fast which is in contradiction to the Prophet’s Sunnah. The correct way always is to deduce these timings based upon the beginning of Fajr and sunset.

3. Regarding the sighting of the new moon, the most correct opinion is that all the Muslims of the world agree on one universal sighting and begin and break the fast together so that their unity is maintained and manifested for indeed this is from the primary objectives of the Islaamic Shari’ah. But in some countries and cities a few people accepting the sighting of other countries in contradiction to the Muslim brothers in their own city or country, goes against the very purpose of this ruling. Indeed this is erroneous and unwise. Shaikh Al-Albaani rahimahullaah said in Tamaamul Minnah on pg. no. 398:

“Until such a time comes when all the countries in the world agree on one universal sighting, let every country be with their people and by accepting the sighting of other countries while going against the people of their own city, keeping the fast a day before or after, let them not increase the differences amongst themselves as is seen in some Arab countries. Wallaahul Musta’aan.”

SUHOOR – THE PRE-DAWN MEAL

IT’S WISDOM

The Prophet said: “The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the taking of the suhoor.” [38]

IT’S EXCELLENCE

It is blessed. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Blessing is in three: the Jamaa’ah, Sareed (a broth of crumbled bread and meat) and the suhoor.” [39]

A companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I entered upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and he was taking the suhoor and he said: ‘It is a blessing which Allaah has given to you, so do not leave it.’” [40]

And it is clear that the suhoor is a blessing since it is an act that is in compliance with the Sunnah. Perhaps the greatest blessing for those who take the suhoor is that Allaah, the Most High, covers them with His forgiveness and sends His mercy upon them. Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree [Ra] said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a (gulp) of water, since Allaah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take the suhoor.” [41]

DELAYING THE SUHOOR

It is recommended to delay the suhoor until just before Fajr.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Three things are from the manners of the Prophets: hastening in break the fast, delaying the suhoor, and placing the right arm upon the left in prayer.”[42]

‘Amr bin Maimoon al-Awdee rahimahullaah said:

“The companions of Muhammad (ﷺ) were the earliest of people in beginning the Iftaar and latest in taking the suhoor.[43]

USING DATES FOR SUHOOR

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “How excellent are dates as the believer’s suhoor.”[44]

THE RULING OF SUHOOR

Allaah’s Messenger gave an emphatic order for one who is fasting that he should take suhoor.

He said: “Whoever wishes to fast then let him take something as suhoor.”[45]

He (ﷺ) also said:

“The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the taking of the suhoor.” [46]

He forbade us from leaving the suhoor, saying:

“…Do not leave it (i.e. the suhoor), even if one of you just takes a gulp of water.”[47]

Hence, taking suhoor is Sunnah Mu`akkadah (highly emphasized Sunnah) & almost reaches the level of Waajib (obligatory).

ACTIONS THAT ARE TO BE AVOIDED WHILE FASTING

Know that the fasting person is the one whose limbs withhold from sins, his tongue from lies, foul speech and falsehood, his stomach from food and drink, and his private parts from sexual intercourse.

So if he speaks he says only that which should not harm his fast, and if he acts he does actions which will not spoil his fast - so his speech is good and his actions righteous. There are two things, which being prohibited in normal times, take a more serious prohibition during fasting. They are:

1. FALSEHOOD OR GIVING FALSE WITNESS

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action (while fasting). Allaah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink.”[48]

2. IGNORANT AND INDECENT SPEECH

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fasting is not (merely abstaining) from eating and drinking, rather it is (abstaining) from ignorant and indecent speech, so if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’” [49]

A severe warning has come from the Prophet (ﷺ) for one who commits these acts. He said:

“Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst.” [50]

The reason for this is that one who does these things does not fulfill the purpose of fasting which Allaah has made obligatory on us.

ACTIONS THAT DO NOT AFFECT OR BREAK THE FAST

1. THE FASTING PERSON CAN BEGIN FASTING WHILST IN THE STATE OF JANAABAH [51[ [52]

‘A`ishah and Umm-e-Salamah radhiallaahu ‘anhumaa said:

“That sometimes the Prophet (ﷺ) was in a state of Janaabah from his wives and Fajr came upon him, then he would bathe and fast.” [53]

2. USE OF TOOTH-STICK (MISWAAK)

He (ﷺ) said:

“If it were not that I would be putting my nation to hardship I would have ordered them to use the Siwaak along with every Wudhoo’.” [54]

The Messenger (ﷺ) did not exclude the fasting person from this. So the fasting person can use the Siwaak anytime in the morning or evening, whether it is fresh or dry. This includes the use of toothpaste as well.

3. WASHING THE MOUTH AND NOSE [55]

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to wash his m outh and nose while fasting, but he prevented the fasting person from doing it strongly. He (ﷺ) said:

“…and breathe water into your nose strongly unless you are fasting.” [56]

4. BLOOD TESTING [57] AND INJECTIONS WHICH DO NOT PROVIDE NOURISHMENT

These things do not nullify the fast. [58]

5. CUPPING / BLOOD-LETTING FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES

Ibn ‘Abbaas [Ra] said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was cupped while fasting.” [59]

6. TASTING FOOD ETC.

Ibn ‘Abbaas [Ra] said: “There is no harm for a person to taste vinegar or anything whilst fasting as long as it does not enter his throat.”[60]

7. USING KUHL [61] OR MEDICINE WHICH ENTERS THE EYES SUCH AS EYE-DROPS

These are things which do not break the fast whether or not they produce a taste in the throat.

Imaam al-Bukhaaree says in his Saheeh [62]:

“Anas bin Maalik [Ra], Hasan Basree and Ibraaheem Nakh’ee rahimahumullaah did not see any harm in the use of Kuhl for the fasting person.” [63]

8. POURING COLD WATER OVER THE HEAD OR TAKING A BATH

“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pour water over his head whilst fasting due to thirst or the heat.”[64]

Imaam al-Bukhaaree rahimahullaah brought a chapter in in his Saheeh:

“Chapter: A fasting person’s taking a bath: And Ibn ‘Umar [Ra] soaked a garment in water and put it over himself whilst he was fasting, and Imaam Ash-Sha’bee rahimahullaah [65] entered the bath-house whilst he was fasting, and Imaam Hasan [Ra] said: There is no harm in rinsing the mouth and cooling one’s body with cold water when fasting.”[66]

9. EMBRACING AND KISSING ONE’S WIFE

‘A`ishah radhiallaahu ‘anhaa said:

“Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, and he had more power to control his desires than any of you.” [67]

However, this is something disapproved of for younger men in particular, not for old men, since ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn al-’Aas [Ra] reports:

“We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) when a youth came and said, ‘May I kiss whilst I am fasting? He said: ‘No.’ Then an old man came and said, ‘May I kiss whilst I am fasting?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ So we began looking at one another, so Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, ‘The old man is able to control himself.’” [68]

Foot Notes

18 Ibn Hibbaan # 1800

19 Another hadeeth worth noting is that the Prophet said: “Let his nose be smeared in dust ...the one who gets the month of Ramadhaan and it comes to an end without him being forgiven in it...” Tirmizee # 927

20 It is the 8th month of the Islaamic Calendar and comes before Ramadhaan.

21 Bukhaaree # 1959

22 Muslim # 573

23 The Kunya of Prophet Muhammad

24 Abu Daawood # 2334

25 Nasaa`i # 2118

26 Abu Daawood # 2342

27 Plural of hadeeth

28 The Islaamic Law

29 Abu Daawood # 2454

30 Muslim # 1154

31 When the first daylight begins to spread laterally in the horizon.

32 Al-Qur’aan 2:187

33 Al-Qur’aan 2:187

34 Pre-dawn meal

35 Prophet’s way

36 This is due to their deliberate opposition to the command of the Prophet : “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast.” Muslim # 1093

37 Fath ul-Baaree # 4/199

38 Muslim # 1099

39 Tabaraanee # 9147

40 Nasaa`i # 2164

41 Ahmad # 3/12

42 Majmu’ az-Zawaaid # 2/105

43 Musannaf ‘Abdur-Razzaaq # 7591

44 Abu Daawood # 2345

45 Ahmad # 3/367

46 Muslim # 1099

47 Abu Ya’laa # 3340
48 Bukhaaree # 1903

49 Bukhaaree # 1904

50 Ibn Maajah # 1690

51 Janaabah: Major state of impurity requiring a bath due to sexual intercourse or emission of semen.

52 Note: Ehtilaam (wet dream) does not break the fast even if it happens in the state of fasting. However willful ejaculation is a sin which will break the fast and will have to be compensated for by keeping a fast later on.

53 Bukhaaree # 1925

54 Muslim # 252

55 Note: The use of nasal drops or inhalers does not affect the fast as long as they do not provide nourishment to the body.

56 Tirmizee # 788

57 This also includes blood donation if it does not weaken a person.

58 Majmu’ Fataawaa Ibn Baaz # 15/258

59 Bukhaaree # 1938

60 Bukhaaree in mu’allaq form , Baihaqee # 4/261

61 A black substance applied to the rims of the eyelids. It is known as Surma in Urdu.

62 Referring here to Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree

63 Bukhaaree # 451

64 Abu Daawood # 2365

65 May Allaah’s mercy be on him

66 Bukhaaree: See chapter preceding hadeeth # 1930

67 Bukhaaree # 1927

68 Ahmad # 2/581