Information about Saum (Fasting)

Q. 1: What is "Rozah" (Saum)?
Q.2: What is the importance of fast in Islaam?
Q.3: What objective of fast has been expounded by the Holy Qur-aan?
Q.4: Please explain the excellences of fast as defined by Ahaadees?
Q.5: How many classes of fast are there?
Q.6: How many kinds of fast are there?
Q.7: How many kinds of Fard and Waajib fasts are there?
Q.8: Which fasts are "Fard Mo'aie-yan"?
Q.9: Which fasts are Waajib Mo'aie-yan and Ghair Mo'aie-yan?
Q10: Which fasts are Nafil ones?
Q11: Which fasts are "Makrooh Tanzeehi"?
Q12: Which are "Makrooh Tahreemi" fasts?
Q13: What are the preconditions of fasting?
Q14: Can minor boy or girl observe fast or not?
Q15: How does a fast become "Fard" or "Waajib"?
Q16: When was fasting of Ramadaan made compulsory?
Q17: What about he who does not observe fast?
Q18: What wisdom lies in making fasting compulsory as per the lunar calendar?

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Q. 1: What is "Rozah" (Saum)?
A. "Rozah" which is called "Saum" in Arabic, means to restrain and keep silence. The Holy Qur-aan defines "Saum" as "patience" too which means "self-control, perseverance and determination". Thus Rozah (Saum) stands, according to Islaam, for guarding oneself against selfishness, sensual and carnal desires and protecting one's instinctive restraint and perseverance. Food, drink and sexual relation between man and woman play very important role in human life that usually destroy human values and merits if not checked. Regulating and keeping oneself away from such human needs for a certain period is Rozah (Saum). But according to Shar'ee terminology "Saum" means conscious abstinence (of a Muslim) from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk with the sole intention of worship. It is conditional for woman to be free from "Haiz-o-Nifaas" (menstruation and discharge of blood of the child-birth) for the observance of fast.

Q.2: What is the importance of fast in Islaam?
A. The importance of "Saum" (fast) can be gauged from the fact that:
1. It is the fourth of five pillars of Islaam.
2. Fasts help maintain health and develop the body well.
3. Fasts cleanse and purify the heart, mind and soul.
4. Fasts acquaint the rich with the plight of the poor.
5. Fasts help promote equality among community members by bringing the well-to-do and poor at par.
6. Fasts firm up spiritual strength and weaken carnal forces.
7. Fasts help one become used to difficulties and hardships.
8. Fasts provide one with forbearance, patience and endurance against hunger and thirst.
9. Fasts provide mental and spiritual concentration and peace.
10. Fasts serve as sentinel against evils and sins.
11. Fasts inspire Islamic spirit and zeal to do virtuous deeds.
12. Observance of fast is a secret and quiet worship which is free from show and hypocrisy.
13. Fast is an effective source of warding off calamities and disasters. There are many other benefits and advantages of fasts as defined by Quraan-o-Hadees.

Q.3: What objective of fast has been expounded by the Holy Qur-aan?
A. The Holy Qur-aan has expounded the aims and objectives of the fast in three brief sentences:
1. That the believers should praise His (Allah's) "Kibriyaai" (Magnificence, Grandeur) and "Azmat" (Greatness).
2. Be thankful to Him (Allah) on receiving Divine guidance that He lifted up the mankind to the height of "Rif at-o-'Izzat" (eminence and honour) from the depth of ignominy and disgrace.
3. That the believers may eschew evil deeds and "Taqvaa" (fear of Allah, piety) may develop in them. "Taqvaa" is a particular state of the heart which, when attained to, prevents one from evil deeds and sins and he becomes a voracious doer of virtues. This is the very object of fast that such an excellence should develop in a humanbeing. In other words, it may be said that the fast inculcates "fear of Allah" in humanbeing whereby he controls his "Nafs" (self) and thus the deference and greatness of the command of Allah gets embedded in his heart defeating all other temptations. Once the command of Allah got into the heart of a believer he would definitely give up his unlawful, illegitimate and evil habits and would never dare commit sins. This moral glory is called "Taqvaa".

Q.4: Please explain the excellences of fast as defined by Ahaadees?
A. Ahaadees are replete with the excellences of fasts. The Holy Prophet Saiey-yidinaa Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) said:
1. When the holy month of Ramadaan comes, the gates of heavens,mercy are opened up and of hell shut down. And Satans are chained up.
2. The Paradise is adorned and bedecked round the year for Ramadaan and when the first day of Ramadaan comes, there blows a wind originating from the leaves of the heaven trees, beneath the heavens over the houries who say: "O'Allah! provide us our husbands from among Your servants so that we are pleased with them and they are pleased with us".
3. There are eight gates of Paradise and one of those is called "Raiyaan". The believers who observe fasts will enter into paradise from this gate.
4. There are two pleasures for the believer who observes fasts. First when he breaks his fast and second when he will meet his "Rabb" (Creator, Sovereign Lord). The smell of the mouth of fasting man is purer with Allah than the fragrance of musk.
5. The first "Ashrah" (ten days) of Ramadaan is "mercy", the second one is "absolution, forgiveness" and the last (third) Ashrah is "freedom from hell".
6. Fast is (kept) for Allah and He alone knows how great a reward of fast is.
7. There is Zakaat of every thing and Zakaat of the body is fasting and fast is half of patience.
8. "Du'aa" (supplication) of fasting man is not rejected at the time of "Iftaar" (fast breaking).
9. If people had known the reality of Ramadaan, my (Prophet's) Ummat would wish that the whole year may be Ramadaan.
10. My Ummat has been graced with such five things that were not given to any other Prophet i.e.
(a).That on the first night of Ramadaan Allah Almighty casts a merciful eye on them and whom Allah looks with mercy will never consign him to hell,
(b) that the smell of the mouth of fasting man is more pleasant to Allah in the evening than the fragrance of musk,
(c) that the angels pray for the forgiveness of fasting man every day and night,
(d) that Allah Almighty commands the paradise to get itself adorned for the fasting people so that they may rest in it after having suffered difficulties and hardships in the world and
(e) when the last night of Ramadaan comes, He forgives them all. Somebody asked the Holy Prophet. Is it the night of "Qadr"? No, he said adding don't you see that labourers work and when they finish it well are paid their due.
11. Allah Almighty releases one million people from hell daily in Ramadaan and on its 29th night He releases people equal to the total number of who were released during the whole month and when the night of Eidul Fitr comes, Angels rejoice and Allah Almighty manifest His Light (Noor) addressing the Angels: O' the group of Angels! What should be the return of the labourer who has completed his work well? Angels submit, he should be paid his full due. Allah Almighty says: Be you witness that I have forgiven them all.

Q.5: How many classes of fast are there?
A. There are three classes of fast i.e.
(1) the fast of general people(Muslims) who avoid food, drink and sexual intercourse, (2) the fast of the pious ones who avoid not only food, drink and sexual intercourse but also eschew commission of sin by the eye, tongue, hand, foot and every limb of the body and
(3) the fast of the highest class i.e. prominent ones who totally avoid the world and get immersed in Allah's love alone.

Q.6: How many kinds of fast are there?
A. There are five kinds of fast i.e. (1). "Fard"(Farz), (2). "Waajib", (3). "Nafil", (4). "Makrooh Tanzeehi" and (5). "Makrooh Tahreemi".

Q.7: How many kinds of Fard and Waajib fasts are there?
A. There are two kinds of (each) Fard and Waajib fasts i.e. "Mo'aie-yan" (fixed,appointed) and "Ghair Mo'aie-yan" (non-fixed,non-appointed).

Q.8: Which fasts are "Fard Mo'aie-yan"?
A. "Fard Mo'aie-yan" (fixed,appointed) obligatory fasts are such as the fasts of Ramadaan which are observed in the month of Ramadaan only and "Fard Ghair-Mo'aie-yan" (non-fixed,non-appointed) obligatory fasts are such as "Qada,Qaza" (missed,omitted) fasts of Ramadaan and the fasts of atonement irrespective of atonement for breaking fast before time or any other act.

Q.9: Which fasts are Waajib Mo'aie-yan and Ghair Mo'aie-yan?
A. Waajib Mo'aie-yan (fixed,appointed) essential fasts are such as the fasts of "Nazar-o-Mannat" (oblation and vow) for which time is fixed and Waajib Ghair Mo'aie-yan are those fasts for which no time is fixed.

Q10: Which fasts are Nafil ones?
A. Nafil (optional,superarogatory) fasts are such as
(1).the fasts of "Aashoorah" (9th & 10th of Muharram),
(2). "Aieyaam-e-beez(Beed)" i.e. 13th, 14th and 15th of every lunar month,
(3). "Arafah" i.e. 9th of Zilhij,
(4).six fasts after Eidul Fitr,
(5). fast of Prophet David i.e. to observe fast on alternate day,
(6).the fast of Monday and
(7) of Thursday,
(8) the fast of 15th of Sha'baan and others the reward of which is defined in Ahaadees. Some of Nafil fasts are "Masnoon" (as practised by the Holy Prophet) and some are "Mustahab" (desirable).

Q11: Which fasts are "Makrooh Tanzeehi"?
A. Makrooh Tanzeehi fasts are such as the fast which is observed only on Saturday likening to the practice of Jews, fasts of "Nay-roz" and "Mehr-gaan"(festive days of fire-worshippers) which are kept by fire-worshippers, "Saum Dahr" (to observe fasts on all days), "Saum Sukoot" (not to speak during fasting) and "Saum Wisaal" (to observe fast upon fast without breaking the preceding day's fast at appointed time).

Q12: Which are "Makrooh Tahreemi" fasts?
A. Makrooh Tahreemi fasts are such as of Eidul Fitr, Eidul Adha and "Aieyaam-e-Tashreeq" i.e. 1 lth, 12th and 13th of Zilhij.

Q13: What are the preconditions of fasting?
A. It is conditional for fasting person to be sane and mature and for women to be free from "Haiz-o-Nifaas".

Q14: Can minor boy or girl observe fast or not?
A. Fasting is not compulsory for minor boy or minor girl. However, Shari'ah enjoins that when a child attains the age of eight years, his guardian should direct him for prayer and fast and when he is of ten and enters into 11th year, the guardian should make him observe fast provided that he is healthy. On denial he should be beaten to observe it. In case, a fasting child breaks the fast before time, he will not be required to repeat it. But if he breaks off prayer he will be made to repeat it.

Q15: How does a fast become "Fard" or "Waajib"?
A. There are different causes,reasons by which fasting becomes Fard or Waajib. For example, advent of the holy month of Ramadaan, making "Nazar" and "Mannat" (oblation and vow), atonement for fast, violation of "Qasam" (oath) or "Kaffaarah" (to atone) for unintentional murder or "Zihaar" (uttering such word (s) to one's wife that have the effect of a divorce) etc.

Q16: When was fasting of Ramadaan made compulsory?
A. The fasts of Ramadaan were made compulsory in the 2nd year of Hegira when the believers had become accustomed to the belief of "Tauheed" (monotheism), prayer and other Quranic injunctions. Since the fasting is equally necessary for the poor and rich under Islamic principles, that's why it is wrong to say that Muslims often faced hunger and poverty at the outset of Islaam which made them inured to fasting. If it had been so the fasting would have been made compulsory in Makkah to suit their poor financial condition. But it was enjoined in the middle of Islaam after migration to Madinah.

Q17: What about he who does not observe fast?
A. The one who does not observe fast without any valid reason is a great sinner, "Faasiq-o-Faajir" (transgressor and veritable sinner) and deserves the torment of hell. If one openly eats or drinks intentionally in Ramadaan sans any valid reason, he be killed i.e. the Muslim ruler can order his killing as punishment.

Q18: What wisdom lies in making fasting compulsory as per the lunar calendar?
A. The real "Hikmat" (wisdom,reason) of it is better known to Allah Almighty and His Prophet, but apparently it may be said that the observance of fasts of Ramadaan in accordance with the lunar (Muslim) calendar establishes an equality among all Muslims across the world as the lunar month rotates in all seasons of the year. Had any solar (Gregorian) month been fixed for Ramadaan, the believers of one hemisphere would observe fasts with all ease in winter and of the other would always observe fasts in the sweltering summer, for, if one half of the world enjoys the winter the other faces the summer, which runs counter to the sublime principles of the universal religion - Islaam.

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Things which spoil the Fasting(saum)

Q.1: Will fast be spoilt by chewing "Paan" or tobacco?
Q.2: Will fast be spoilt or not if a fasting man ate an eatable thing already sticking to his teeth equal to the size of a gram?
Q.3: Will fast be spoilt or not if the teeth of a fasting man bleeds and blood reaches beyond the throat?
Q.4: What about extraction of the tooth during fasting?
Q.5: Will fast be spoilt or not by applying medicine to the head injury?
Q.6: Will fast be spoilt or not by pouring oil into the ear?
Q.7: What injunction is there if the water reaches the throat during rinse of the mouth?
Q.8: Will fast be spoilt or not if one drank in sleep?
Q.9: Will fast be spoilt or not if the fasting man's spittle got coloured by something and he swallowed it?
Q10: How is that for prolonging abstersion during fasting?
Q11: Will fast be spoilt or not by pouring oil into the hole of sex-organ?
Q12: Will fast be spoilt or not by eating grass etc?
Q13: Will fast be spoilt or not by kissing a woman?
Q14: Will fast be spoilt or not by vomit?
Q15: A man slept chewing "Paan" and on getting up in the morning he made intention of fast. Would his fast be in order or not?
Q16: Will fast be in order or not if a fasting man puts betel-leaf or tobacco in his mouth or takes a pinch of snuff?
Q17: Will fast be in order or not if a fasting man has belches of indigestion?
Q18: Is it lawful or not for the fasting man to have his vein opened to bleed and to have his urethra douched?
Q19: Can a fasting man have injection?
Q20: What Shar'ee injunction is there if one's fast gets spoilt or he breaks it before time?

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Q. 1: Will fast be spoilt by chewing "Paan" or tobacco?
A. Fast is spoilt by every that thing which is eaten or drunk and so is the case with the chewing of "Paan" (betel leaf) or tobacco even though its spittle is spewed, for, its tiny pieces definitely reach up to the throat. Similarly, putting such thing in the mouth that melts like sugar will also spoil the fast if the fasting man swallows the spittle so sweetened.

Q.2: Will fast be spoilt or not if a fasting man ate an eatable thing already sticking to his teeth equal to the size of a gram?
A. If a fasting man to whose teeth an eatable thing was sticking equal to or larger than the size of a gram, ate that or was even smaller than a gram which he took out from his mouth and then ate it up, his fast will be spoilt.

Q.3: Will fast be spoilt or not if the teeth of a fasting man bleeds and blood reaches beyond the throat?
A. If the teeth of a fasting man bled and blood went down the throat and its taste was also felt in the throat, his fast would be spoilt but in case the (quantity of) spittle overwhelmed the blood i.e. the blood was much less than the spittle in the mouth and its (blood's) taste was also not felt in the throat, fast would not be spoilt but remain valid.

Q.4: What about extraction of the tooth during fasting?
A. If a fasting man had his tooth extracted and the blood which definitely oozes out during the process reached beyond the throat even though it may be during sleep, his fast will be spoilt.

Q.5: Will fast be spoilt or not by applying medicine to the head injury?
A. If a fasting man applied some medicine irrespective of dry or wet to his head injury that is deep to the membrane and it reached the brain or stomach, his fast would be spoilt and in case he could not feel whether it reached the brain/stomach or not and the medicine was wet even then his fast would be spoilt and if the medicine was dry then fast would not be spoilt but remain valid.

Q.6: Will fast be spoilt or not by pouring oil into the ear?
A. If a fasting man poured oil into his ear or got it into the ear by chance or poured some medicine, his fast would be spoilt. Likewise, taking enema and sniffing some medicine up or pouring it into nostrils will also spoil the fast.

Q.7: What injunction is there if the water reaches the throat during rinse of the mouth?
A. If a fasting man rinsed his mouth and the water reached his throat unintentionally or sniffed up the water into the nose (for instance during ablution or bath) and it reached the brain, his fast would be spoilt. But in case, he forgot his fasting then his fast would not be spoilt by such acts even though he did it intentionally. Likewise, somebody threw something towards the fasting man and it entered into his mouth and also reached his throat, his fast would be spoilt.

Q.8: Will fast be spoilt or not if one drank in sleep?
A. If a fasting man drank water in sleep or ate something or he opened his mouth and a drop of water or hail went into the throat, his fast would be spoilt.

Q.9: Will fast be spoilt or not if the fasting man's spittle got coloured by something and he swallowed it?
A. If a fasting man took some coloured thread or paper into his mouth that stained his spittle and he swallowed it, his fast would be spoilt by such act. But in case, he passed a thread on his tongue once or twice or thrice to moisturise it during its twisting, his fast would not be spoilt unless his spittle is stained by it and he swallowed it.

Q10: How is that for prolonging abstersion during fasting?
A. If a fasting man prolonged abstersion (i.e. cleaning of orifice after natural evacuation) so much so that the water reached inside the anus (upto where enema is inserted), his fast would be spoilt. Prolongation in abstersion is a serious health hazard. The Muslim jurists say that the fasting man should not breath up while washing the orifice because if the water got into anus it would not only spoil the fast but it is also injurious to health.

Q11: Will fast be spoilt or not by pouring oil into the hole of sex-organ?
A. If a fasting man poured water or oil into the hole of his sex-organ his fast would not be spoilt even though it reached the bladder. But if a woman did it her fast would be spoilt. Similarly, if she placed some cotton wool or a piece of cloth on her sex-organ and if it is not completely outside (i.e. should not go inside), her fast would be spoilt.

Q12: Will fast be spoilt or not by eating grass etc?
A. Eating of grass, cotton wool, paper, stone, sand etc. which are not counted in human food or eating of such things that are disgusting during fasting will spoil the fast.

Q13: Will fast be spoilt or not by kissing a woman?
A. If a fasting man kissed or caressed or embraced his wife and he (seminally) discharged during the process then his fast would be spoilt otherwise not and in case his wife touched him and his sperm discharged, his fast would not be spoilt. And if he touched her with the cloth, she was wrapped in, so thick that the warmth of her body was not felt then his fast would not be spoilt even though he (seminally) discharged during the caress.

Q14: Will fast be spoilt or not by vomit?
A. There are two things in connection with vomit during fasting i.e. whether it is intentional vomiting or accidental vomiting without any intent and purpose. Now it is to be seen whether these intentional or unintentional vomits are mouthful or not. There is a separate injunction for each case: 1. If the fasting man intentionally vomited mouthful being conscious of his fast, his fast would be spoilt irrespective of whether its pieces went back to the throat or not. 2. If he vomited intentionally but was not mouthful, his fast would not be spoilt. 3. If his vomiting was unintentional but mouthful and he swallowed it even a very small quantity of the vomit i.e. equal to a gram went into his throat, his fast would be spoilt. 4. If his vomiting was unintentional and was also not mouthful, his fast would not be spoilt irrespective of whether he swallowed it or not and whether it went into his throat at its own or not.

Q15: A man slept chewing "Paan" and on getting up in the morning he made intention of fast. Would his fast be in order or not?
A. If one chewed "Paan" (betel leaf) and slept with only a few pieces of betel-nut sticking to his teeth, his fast would be in order. But if there was still a sufficient quantity of betel-spittle in his mouth in the morning (after "Sahari" time) and if it was strongly presumed that some pieces of betel-leaf,betel-nut might have gone to the throat, in such case his fast would not be in order.

Q16: Will fast be in order or not if a fasting man puts betel-leaf or tobacco in his mouth or takes a pinch of snuff?
A. If a fasting man puts "Paan" (betel-leaf) or tobacco in his mouth and chews it (without any intention of swallowing) its tiny pieces will definitely reach the throat. Likewise, if he takes a pinch of snuff, its particles will also reach the brain, in these conditions his fast will be spoilt. He will not only have to observe "Qada,Qaza" fast but will also have to atone for it.

Q17: Will fast be in order or not if a fasting man has belches of indigestion?
A. If one ate voraciously in "Sahari" and had belches of indigestion in the morning his fast would not be spoilt.

Q18: Is it lawful or not for the fasting man to have his vein opened to bleed and to have his urethra douched?
A. If a fasting man had his vein opened to bleed, his fast would not be spoilt. However, an old and weak man should avoid such things in fast. And to have urethra douched during fasting will not spoil the fast of man but will spoil of woman.

Q19: Can a fasting man have injection?
A. It can not be said with any certainty that injection will spoil the fast or not as the medicine so injected into the body does not directly reach the stomach or brain. However, to have oneself injected with vitamins during fasting just for nourishment will defeat the very purpose of the fast. Thus the fast will get spoilt and "Qada, Qaza" of it will become due. It is, therefore, better to avoid having injection in fast except for emergency case.

Q20: What Shar'ee injunction is there if one's fast gets spoilt or he breaks it before time?
A. There are two injunctions in regard to spoiling of fast and breaking it before time: In some cases only Qada, Qaza of fast becomes due while in other cases "Kaffaarah" (atonement) also becomes due besides the Qada of fast.

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Sahri and Iftaar

Q.1: Is taking "Sahri" for fast compulsory or Sunnat?
Q.2: What is the Mustahab time of taking Sahri?
Q.3: How is that for not taking Sahri?
Q.4: Should one eat to his satiation or take light meal in Sahri?
Q.5: Can cock's crowing be relied upon or not for Sahri?
Q.6: Is it right or not to break fast seeing the stars?
Q.7: Is it right or not to break fast hearing Azaan made in a mosque?
Q.8: Can fast be broken or not hearing gunshots or announcement from radio?
Q.9: Can calendars or charts showing timings of Sahri and Iftaar be followed or not?
Q10: With which thing is breaking fast Masnoon?
Q11: What Du'aa is recited at the time of Iftaar?
Q12: What reward does entertaining a fasting man to Iftaar carry?
Q13: Should a fasting man break his fast or not on other's word that Iftaar time has come along?

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Q.1: Is taking "Sahri" for fast compulsory or Sunnat?
A. Taking "Sahri" (pre-dawn meal) is neither "Fard" (obligatory act) nor "Sunnat-e-Muakkadah". But it is "Mustahab" (commendable act) and full of blessing. If one does not take Sahri due to some valid reason, will not incur the burden of ignoring the Sunnat. However, the Holy Prophet stressed that three things i.e. "Jamaa'at", "Sureed" and "Sahri" carry great blessings. Another Hadees says that Allah and His Angels send blessings on those who take Sahri.

Q.2: What is the Mustahab time of taking Sahri?
A. Taking Sahri in the later part of night i.e. untill (just before) the appearance of dawn of Fajr is "Mustahab" and "Masnoon" (as practised by the Holy Prophet). But it should not be delayed so much so that the dawn of Fajr appears. A Hadees to this effect says: that my Ummat will remain safe and well so long as it breaks fast early and delays taking Sahri.

Q.3: How is that for not taking Sahri?
A. Taking nothing in Sahri is not only against the regular practice of the Holy Prophet but also opposed to the Prophetic injunction. There is in Muslim and Abu Daawood that the Holy Prophet said: the difference between the fasts of ours and that of other "Ahlal-Kitaab" (people of the book) is a morsel of Sahri. Therefore, one must take Sahri. If not possible then take at least a morsel or a draught of water to conform his fast to the Sunnat. There is in another Hadees that Sahri is a blessing in whole. Do not leave it and take even though it be a draught of water.

Q.4: Should one eat to his satiation or take light meal in Sahri?
A. Eating so voraciously that one feels uneasy and has belches of indigestion is an undesirable act even in normal condition let alone the fast. Excessive eating defeats the very objective of fast that aims at suppressing the carnal desires. Eating to one's fill amounts to nourishing "Nafs" (self) and depriving oneself of the reward of hardships. It also impedes the creation of sympathy and compassion in one's heart for the poor and indigents who face the pangs of hunger daily. So one should neither eat to his satiation in Sahri nor eat so little food that his attention gets engaged in provisions whole the day. Be moderate in taking Sahri and do not take more than needed.

Q.5: Can cock's crowing be relied upon or not for Sahri?
A. Cock's crowing is not a reliable indicator of Sahri's time being over. Observation to this effect reveals that cocks often start crowing much before the time of dawn of Fajr and some time they crow on noticing the movement of family members and light in the house regardless of time.

Q.6: Is it right or not to break fast seeing the stars?
A. Breaking fast on seeing stars is not authenticated by the Shari'ah. Some stars often appear in broad day light. Should fast be broken seeing them in the day? If one delays breaking his fast in wait of the stars and in the meanwhile any of those particular stars which usually appears in the sky after sunset appears, in such situation this action of his will conform to that of "Raafizis" (Shi'ite sect)'s way of breaking fast. There is in a Hadees that my Ummat will remain on my Sunnat as long as they do not wait for stars to break their fast. Another Hadees says that this faith (Islaam) will remain dominant so long as people break their fast early, for, Jews and Christians delay breaking their fasts. In brief, as soon as the fasting man is sure of sunset he should immediately break his fast without delay.

Q.7: Is it right or not to break fast hearing Azaan made in a mosque?
A. If the fasting man is sure that the sun has set or the sound of Azaan (call to prayer) he heard was made in the mosque where all care is taken to utter Azaan (of Maghrib) at the right time then he can break his fast. But in case he is unsure of the sunset or Azaan the sound of which he heard was made in a mosque where no care is taken to give call to prayer at right time like the mosques of "Ghair-Muqallid" (nonconformists), in such situation he should not break his fast at all but instead he should wait for the sunset and on being sure of it break his fast.

Q.8: Can fast be broken or not hearing gunshots or announcement from radio?
A. The Shar'ee injunction to this effect is that if shots are fired or announcement from radio is made under the supervision or on the order of a reliable religious scholar then fast can be broken as these are also the mediums of telling people about the sunset even though the man who fires shots and the radio announcer are "Faasiq" (sinner, transgressor). Nevertheless such things can not be relied upon completely because a number of times it has been seen that sirens were sounded or shots fired or announcement from radio was made when time was still there in the sunset. People followed them and broke their fasts with the result they had to observe Qada fast in lieu of the fast they broke before time. So it is better to make sure of the sunset to break fast.

Q.9: Can calendars or charts showing timings of Sahri and Iftaar be followed or not?
A. It is not permissible to follow calendars showing timings of Sahri and Iftaar as most of them carry wrong timings. Working out right timings of Sahri and Iftaar is an exclusive domain of the scholars of "Ilm-e-Tauqeet". Ordinary religious scholars have no inkling of the knowledge. However, the charts showing timings of Sahri and Iftaar compiled by the reliable and meticulous religious researchers can be followed. Likewise, charts compiled by the religious scholars on the basis of the experts' charts can also be relied upon, but even then taking care is must. These charts also contain an instruction for taking care of five minutes.

Q10: With which thing is breaking fast Masnoon?
A. There is in a Hadees that the Holy Prophet used to break his fast with dates before Maghrib prayer. If not available then with the dry dates. If there were no dry dates even, then he would take some mouthful of water.

Q11: What Du'aa is recited at the time of Iftaar? A. This "Du'aa" (supplication) should be recited at the time of breaking fast: "Allaa-humma Laka Sumtu wabeka Aamantu wa 'Alaieka Tawakkaltu wa 'Alaa Rizqaika Aftartu. Faghfirlee Maa Qaddamtu wamaa Akh-khartu." (O'Allah! I fasted for You, believed in You, depended on You and broke fast with the provisions You provided. O'Allah! Forgive me my past and future sins).

Q12: What reward does entertaining a fasting man to Iftaar carry?
A. The Holy Prophet said the Angels pray for the forgiveness of the believer during Ramadaan who entertains a fasting man to Iftaar (breaking fast) with the lawful food or drink and the Archangel Gibreil prays for his forgiveness in the night of "Qadr" (the night during which the revelations of the Glorious Quraan begun). There is in a tradition that the angels send blessings on the believer every night in Ramadaan who entertains a fasting man to Iftaar with the honest earnings and Chief Angel Gibreil shakes hand with him in the night of Qadr. Another Hadees says that Allah Almighty will make the believer drink from my (Prophet's) "Haud-e-Kauser" (a heavenly body of water) who offers water to a fasting man for breaking his fast. After savouring the blessed water he will not feel thirst until entered into paradise.

Q13: Should a fasting man break his fast or not on other's word that Iftaar time has come along?
A. A fasting man can break his fast on the word of other who is an honest, reliable and pious man and he (fasting man) also acknowledges his integrity otherwise not. Similarly a fasting should not break his fast on the word of a woman.

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Conditions in which one can forgo fasting (Part3)

Q21: What injunction is there for the sick who recovered after paying Fidyah?
Q22: Can posterity observe fasts of their parents?
Q23: What is the quantity of Fidyah?
Q24: How and when should Fidyah be paid?
Q25: What injunction is there for the one who can not observe fasts of atonement because of old age?
Q26: Can one who made "Nazar" to fast daily but could not, forgo fast and pay Fidyah thereof or not?
Q27: What injunction is there for the one who forwent fast(s) due to some valid excuse but did not observe Qada fasts later?
Q28: What injunction is there for the one who dies facing valid excuse?
Q29: Is there any condition or not for payment of Fidyah from one-third portion of deceased's property?
Q30: For how many fasts can a will of Fidyah be made?

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21: What injunction is there for the sick who recovered after paying Fidyah?
A. If a sick man paid Fidyah for his fasts and later he recovered being able to observe fasts then he must observe Qada and the Fidyah paid by him will be counted in "Sadaqa-e-Nafil" (supererogatory worship) and he will earn reward thereof.

Q22: Can posterity observe fasts of their parents?
A. Nobody can fast on behalf of someone else.

Q23: What is the quantity of Fidyah?
A. "Fidyah" which is due to "Shaikh-e-Faanee" for each fast is that he should give commodity,cash equal to "Sadaqatul Fitr" or feed an indigent with two meals.

Q24: How and when should Fidyah be paid?
A. It is optional for one to pay Fidyah of the full month of Ramadaan at the beginning of Ramadaan or in the end of Ramadaan. "Tamleek-e-Faqeer" is also no condition in this regard. Feeding an indigent with two meals will suffice for it. It is also not essential to pay Fidyah to as many indigents as the number of fasts but only one indigent can also be paid Fidyah of many fasts.

Q25: What injunction is there for the one who can not observe fasts of atonement because of old age?
A. If a fast of atonement is due to one on account of violating an oath or in case of unintentional or by mistake murder and he is unable to observe it owing to old age, can not pay Fidyah thereof, for, this fast is an indemnity which can not be recompensed with Fidyah. But in case, he owes Kaffaarah of breaking a fast before time or "Zehaar" (speaking such words that have the effect of a divorce) can feed sixty indigents with two meals if he can not observe fasts, as this Fidyah is proved by the Holy Quraan for fasts.

Q26: Can one who made "Nazar" to fast daily but could not, forgo fast and pay Fidyah thereof or not?
A. If one makes "Nazar" or "Mannat" (vow) to fast daily and begins observing fasts uninterruptedly, he will find it very difficult to meet essential needs of life like earning livelihood etc. In such situation, it is permissible for him to drop as many fasts as genuinely required for the purpose. But should pay Fidyah of each and every dropped fast. If not possible then do "Istighfaar" (seek forgiveness of Allah).

Q27: What injunction is there for the one who forwent fast(s) due to some valid excuse but did not observe Qada fasts later?
A. If a sick man recovered or a traveller reached his home and also found time enough to observe Qada of the fasts he forwent, in such case it is compulsory on him to observe as many fasts as the time (days) he finds. If he does not fast despite having time and dies (the death draws near) then he should make a will for the payment of Fidyah of these fasts.

Q28: What injunction is there for the one who dies facing valid excuse?
A. If one died facing a valid excuse (under which non-observance of fast is permitted) without finding time enough to observe Qada fasts, in such situation neither Qada nor Fidyah is due. If he made a will for Fidyah, it would be considered valid and would be paid from the one-third portion of his property. If he did not and his heirs paid at their own even then it would be considered valid.

Q29: Is there any condition or not for payment of Fidyah from one-third portion of deceased's property?
A. The condition of paying Fidyah from one-third portion of deceased's property is applicable only when the deceased has his heirs. If there is no heir then all property must be used for paying Fidyah if need be and in case the heir is only wife or hasband (as the case may be) she/he should be paid her/his due after separating l/3rd from the whole property of the deceased and whatever property is saved after paying the due right of the sole heir, can be paid as Fidyah if needed.

Q30: For how many fasts can a will of Fidyah be made?
A. Making a will of Fidyah is due for only those fasts which one could have observed after disability (valid excuse) was removed but he did not. For example, a traveller or a sick man forwent ten fasts and after the disability, valid excuse was removed (i.e. traveller reached his home, the sick recovered) he found five days and then expired. In such situation, a will of only five days will be due.

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Conditions in which one can forgo fasting (Part2)

Q11: Can a menstruating woman forms Niyat of fast or not if she becomes free from it before the dawn of Fajr?
Q12: At what stage of their life can old men and women forgo fasting?
Q13: Should a Shaikh-e-Faanee observe fasts in winter in lieu of summer or give Fidyah?
Q14: What injunction is there for the one who can not observe fasts owing to weakness?
Q15: What injunction is there for the one who collapses because of hunger and thirst?
Q16: Can a fasting man break his fast before time or not under duress?
Q17: What injunction is there for a "Muqeem" fasting man who is under duress?
Q18: Can a fasting man break his fast or not if stung by a snake?
Q19: Is Qada compulsory or not for those who break their fast before time due to some valid excuse?
Q20: Should Qada fasts be observed serially or not?
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Q11: Can a menstruating woman forms Niyat of fast or not if she becomes free from it before the dawn of Fajr?
A. If a woman who has Haiz-o-Nifaas becomes free from it after full ten days at such a time that night has run out leaving not even a few moments in which she could say "Al-Laahu Akbar" once, in such case observance of fast is Waajib. She should make intention of the fast and take bath as early as possible. And in case, she becomes free from Haiz-o-Nifaas before ten days but there is so enough time in finishing the night that she can take bath and say "Al-Laahu Akbar" before the dawn of Fajr then the observance of fast is Fard. (She should better take bath before dawn. If can not, then make intention of fast and take bath later but before Fajr prayer). But if the time left (in finishing the night) is not enough then fast will not be Fard. However, she should spend the day as a fasting woman and should not do such things that are opposed to fasting like eating and drinking.

Q12: At what stage of their life can old men and women forgo fasting?
A. It is permissible for such old men and women who are called "Shaikh-e-Faanee" by the Shari'ah (i.e. who are so emaciated by the old age that they can not observe fasts and there is also no hope of improvement) to forgo fasting. But it is compulsory for them to pay "Fidyah" (payment or feedig an indigent to relieve oneself of the obligation) for each fast.

Q13: Should a Shaikh-e-Faanee observe fasts in winter in lieu of summer or give Fidyah?
A. If an old man or woman can not observe fasts in summer but can in winter then he/she can forgo fasting in summer for observing in winter. He/She can not pay Fidyah in such case.

Q14: What injunction is there for the one who can not observe fasts owing to weakness?
A. "Real weakness" must be distinguished from that of "lack of courage". The first thing to this effect is that sometimes devil inveigles one into believing that he can not do such and such work. If he attempts to, he will be putting his life in peril. But when he takes courage to do the work seeking Allah's grace then he comes through with flying colours without the slightest damage to oneself. "Lack of courage" is nothing but a deception of Satan. Some people are there who do observe fasts even after 75 years of age and contrary to this some people who are under 70 can not do it because of weakness. Therefore, reality and unreality must be distinguished well from each other to save oneself from the devilish subterfuges. Secondly, some people (faced with weakness) can not observe fasts in summer but can in winter. Such people can not pay Fidyah for their fasts but they should forgo fasts in summer and observe their Qada in winter. Thirdly, some weak people can not observe fasts of the whole month (of Ramadaan) continuously but can do intermittently. Such people should observe as many fasts as they can in Ramadaan and observe Qada of the unobserved ones in winter. Fourthly, a young or old who is so weakened by some disease that he can not observe fasts, can not pay Fidyah for his fasts but should wait for recovery. If he dies before recovery he should, when death is nigh, make a will for the payment of Fidyah. In brief, Fidyah can be paid for fasts only when one can fast neither in summer nor in winter and neither continuously nor intermittently and that the excuse,reason due to which he can not observe fast must be genuine like old age which is an irreversible phenomenon. Some naive people think that every that person can pay Fidyah for his fasts who feels a difficulty in observance of fasts. It is not so at all. The facility of Fidyah is meant for Shaikh-e-Faanee only as expounded above.

Q15: What injunction is there for the one who collapses because of hunger and thirst?
A. If a fasting man collapses due to hunger and thirst and his life or the senses are in peril, in such case he can break his fast before time. No Kaffaarah will be due but he will have to observe Qada fast.

Q16: Can a fasting man break his fast before time or not under duress?
A. A fasting man can break his fast before time under duress. For example, he is threatened with death or amputation of any limb of the body or severe beating and he is sure that the threateners will do what they say if he does not break the fast, in such situation he must break his fast before time. If he does not and is killed by the threateners then he will be sinner, for, in such dire situations breaking fast before time even (God forbid!) drinking wine or blood and eating carrion or pork is as much permissible as these things are "Mubaah" (permissible) for the one who faces the pangs of hunger and is under compulsion. However, this injunction applies to only travelers and the sick who observed fast despite the leave (granted to them by the Shari'ah in this regard) and are now faced with duress.

Q17: What injunction is there for a "Muqeem" fasting man who is under duress?
A. If a fasting man who is "Muqeem" (resident) or healthy, is forced to break his fast before time can break fast if he wills. However, it is better for him not to break his fast and face torture with patience. If dies in this condition, he will be greatly rewarded in the hereafter.

Q18: Can a fasting man break his fast or not if stung by a snake?
A. If a snake stings a fasting man endangering his life he can break his fast before time.

Q19: Is Qada compulsory or not for those who break their fast before time due to some valid excuse?
A. It is compulsory for those who broke their fasts before time due to Shar'ee reason (valid excuse) to observe Qada fasts.

Q20: Should Qada fasts be observed serially or not?
A. It is not compulsory to observe Qada fasts serially. If one observes Nafil fasts before Qada fasts those will be deemed to have been observed. But the injunction to this effect is that Qada fasts should be observed soon after the excuse (the disability because of which the fasts were forgone,omitted) is over and before the coming of next Ramadaan. There is in a Hadees that fasts of one of the current Ramadaan will not be accepted who owes Qada (fasts) of the previous Ramadaan. However, if one could not observe Qada and in the meanwhile second Ramadaan approached then he should observe fasts of this Ramadaan and observe Qada fasts later.

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Conditions in which one can forgo fasting (Part1)

Under what circumstances can one forgo fasting?
Q.2: What is meant by journey?
Q.3: Can one forgo fast or not if he plans to travel in the day?
Q.4: What injunction is there if a traveler stays somewhere before noon?
Q.5: What injunction is there for a traveller who reaches his home after meridian?
Q.6: In which condition can one forgo his fast for illness?
Q,7: Can one forgo his fast or not for just a doubt of aggravation of disease?
Q.8: What injunction is there if a woman has "Haiz-o-Nifaas" during fast?
Q.9: Will fast of a menstruating woman who becomes free from it in the day be in order or not if she makes intention of fast?
Q10: How should a menstruating woman spend remaining part of the day if she becomes free from it?

Q.1: Under what circumstances can one forgo fasting?
One can forgo fasting in the following conditions without incurring a sin: Journey, pregnancy, breast-feeding of a child, severe sickness, old age, fear of being killed, duress, fear of loss of the senses and "Jehaad" (religious war, holy crusade).

Q.2: What is meant by journey?
A. Journey means Shar'ee travel i.e. to set off on a journey for such a distant place,destination that is covered in three days if one walks on foot irrespective of adopting whatever mode of travel like plane etc. However, it is better for the traveller and his companions to fast during journey if it does not harm them otherwise non-observance of fast is better.

Q.3: Can one forgo fast or not if he plans to travel in the day?
A. If one plans to undertake a journey any time in the day he can not forgo fast of that day, for, it is not a valid excuse. He should observe fast. In case, he fasted and broke it before time during journey, in such situation Kaffaarah would not be due but he would be sinner and if he fasted and broke it before time prior to undertaking travel and then set off on a journey then Kaffaarah would also become due. Likewise, if he travelled in the day and came back home to collect something which he had forgotten to carry with him and broke his fast before time at home, in such situation too Kaffaarah would be due.

Q.4: What injunction is there if a traveler stays somewhere before noon?
A. If a traveler makes intention of staying somewhere before meridian Shar'ee (the time by which intention of fast has to be made) and he ate or drank nothing by that time then he must intend for and observe fast as his journey is finished before the ceiling time of forming "Niyat" of fast.

Q.5: What injunction is there for a traveller who reaches his home after meridian?
A. If a traveller intends to stay somewhere or reaches his home after meridian Shar'ee and ate or drank nothing by that time, in such case he can not observe fast as the ceiling time of making intention has expired. However, he must spend the remaining part of the day as a fasting man.

Q.6: In which condition can one forgo his fast for illness?
A. If a sick man is sure that observance of fast will aggravate his disease or delay the recovery or a healthy man is certain that fast will make him sick or a servant/maid is sure that observance of fast will weaken him/her badly, in such cases fast of that day can be forgone.

Q,7: Can one forgo his fast or not for just a doubt of aggravation of disease?
A. A mere doubt or apprehension that observance of fast will worsen the condition of the sick is no excuse to forgo fast. One must be sure of it.
For example,
(1).there are some symptoms which lead to believe that observance of fast will aggravate his disease or
(2).he has experienced such thing in the past or
(3).an experienced Muslim doctor who is not involved in "Fisq-o-Fujoor" (sinfulness and debauchery) has advised to forgo fast otherwise his condition is sure to worsen. If one broke his fast before time without facing any of these conditions on the advice of a doctor who is an unbeliever or "Faasiq" (sinner,transgressor) then Kaffaarah would also become due and in case, he forwent a fast then he would be sinner. Unfortunately, nowadays doctors advise their patients to forgo fast for just an ordinary disease without taking into consideration whether his disease warrants such advice or not. Advice of such doctors is not credible.

Q.8: What injunction is there if a woman has "Haiz-o-Nifaas" during fast?
A. If a woman has "Haiz-o-Nifaas" (menstruation or discharge of blood of childbirth) during fasting her fast would be spoilt and she will have to observe Qada thereof. Qada of obligatory fast is "Fard" and "Waajib" of Nafil fast.

Q.9: Will fast of a menstruating woman who becomes free from it in the day be in order or not if she makes intention of fast?
A. Being free from "Haiz-o-Nifaas" (menstruation and discharge of blood of childbirth) is must for a woman to observe fast. If a woman who has Haiz-o-Nifaas becomes free from it in the day before meridian Shar'ee and she forms Niyat of fast, her fast will not be in order irrespective of Fard or Nafil.

Q10: How should a menstruating woman spend remaining part of the day if she becomes free from it?
A. If a woman who has Haiz-o-Nifaas becomes from free it in the day, she should spend the remaining part of the day like a fasting woman.

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Hadees on Fasting

Narrated Abu Huraira(from Sahih Bukhari): Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.'

Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.'

By Him in Whose Hands my soul is' The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.

There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."

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How does one become a Muslim?:

(From 'The Islamic Review')

How does one become a Muslim? Is there any special ceremony for it? Once a Muslim, can one be declared a non-Muslim by anyone?

A: You have asked three questions in one, though very closely related to each other. I will, therefore, answer these three separately.

As to how one becomes a Muslim: When a person is convinced of the truthfulness of Islam and seeks to become a Muslim, all he has to do is to believe in his heart and confess:

"I bear witness that nothing deserves to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

This is known as the 'Two Testimonies', and an English transliteration of the actual Arabic words recited is as follows:

"Ashadu an La Ilaha illa-llah, wa Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah."

There is no special ceremony for this conversion to Islam, except a public declaration of the above.

Once a person becomes a Muslim, he cannot be declared a non-Muslim until he himself renounces Islam in clear terms. There is a verse of the Holy Quran which tells Muslims not to call a person a non-Muslim when he offers you a salutation in the Islamic way, and there are Hadith (Traditions) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which declare that if a person has one out of a hundred reasons to be known as a Muslim and ninety-nine reasons for being a non-Muslim, he should not be called a non-Muslim. Then again there is a Hadith which tells us that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that whosoever prays our way (man salla salaatana) and adheres to our Qibla (wastaqbala qiblatana) and eats our slaughtered meat (wa aqala zabeehatana) he is a Muslim and Allah and Allah’s Messenger vouchsafe for him. Now in the presence of such clear injunctions whosoever calls a Muslim a non-Muslim is clearly violating the Quran and Sunnah and his pronouncements clearly amount to telling us that such a person in fact likes to give preference to his personal views over the injunctions of the Quran and Sunnah. Such an idiocy merits the dislike of all righteous Muslims who believe in the supremacy of the Quran and Sunnah to all other things.

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(Penalty) Kaffarah of Fasting in Ramadan

1. Kaffarah (compensation) is the penalty which is imposed by Shariah for the deliberate and flagrant nullification of the Saum of Ramadan.
2. Kaffarah applies to only the Saum of Ramadan.
3. Kaffarah comes into force only if the Niyyat for fasting was made at night, i.e. before Subah Sadiq. Thus, if Niyyat was made during the night to fast the following day, and then the fast is broken without valid reason, the Kaffarah penalty comes into effect.
4. Kaffarah for flagrantly breaking a fast of Ramadan is to fast 60 consecutive days- sixty days, one after the other, without missing any day in between.
5. The Kaffarah will be rendered invalid if for any reason- be it a valid reason, even a single day is omitted during the 60 day-Kaffarah course. Thus if a person fasted for 59 days and failed to fast on the 60th day due to illness, he will have to start the Kaffarah all over again. The only interruption which will not invalidate the Kaffarah is Haydh (the monthly menses of women).
6. A person who is unable to discharge the Kaffarah because of ill-health or very old age, will have to feed 60 poor persons. Each miskeen (poor) should be given two full meals for the day or the amount in cash which is given as Sadaqah Fitr. This amount is the price of approximately 2 kilograms bread flour. Instead of the cash, the flour may also be given.
7. A single Ramadan, makes Wajib only one Kaffarah irrespective of the number of fasts flagrantly broken during that Ramadan.
8. If fasts were flagrantly nullified in more than one Ramadan, the number of Kaffarah will be equal to the number of Ramadan. So if fasts were flagrantly broken in three different Ramadans, three different Kaffarah will be obligatory.
9. When the Kaffarah is commenced on the 1st day of the Islamic month, then fasting two full Islamic months will suffice for the Kaffarah even if the total number of days in the two months are 58 days (29 day months). If, however, the Kaffarah is started during the course of the month, then it will be necessary to fast full 60 days.

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Ramzan tips

• Start reading Quran daily after Salat al-Fajr
• Keep yourself in a state of Wudu(Ablution) most of the time.
• Find time to pray extra Nawafil prayers and also Tahajjud prayers.
• Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh
• Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.
• Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents.
• Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
• Train yourself to do good, Give free service to others to seek the pleasure of Allah.
• Train yourself to go bed early so that you can wake up early for Salat al-Fajr.
• Avoid watching TV. Instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literature.
• Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.
• Start giving Sadaqah(Charity) daily, no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.
• Associate with Muslim scholars & ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them

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