Manners of Fasting
1. Eating Su’hur (predawn meal), for the Ummah has agreed that it
is a Musta’hab (preferred) act, although many people are unaware of its
reward. The Messenger of Allah said, “Eat
Su’hur, for Su’hur is Barakah (a blessing).” [Al-Bukhari
& Muslim]. The Barakah in the Su’hur
originates from it enabling the person to gain strength and in lessening the
effects of fasting. The Sunnah is to
delay eating the Su’hur as much as possible.
2. Breaking the fast as early as possible, for the Prophet said, “People
will still have some goodness as long as they rush to break the fast.”
[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]. It is better
to break the fast on some dates. The
Messenger of Allah used to break his fast on some Rutab (fresh dates) before he
prays. If Rutab were not available, then
some dried dates before he prays. If
there were no dates, then some sips of water. [Ahmad & Abu Dawood]
3. Using Siwak (middle eastern tree branch used to clean the
teeth), which is encouraged for those who fast, whether during the day or the
night. The Prophet said, “If it
was not for fear that I make it hard for my Ummah, I would order them to use
Siwak before every prayer.” [Al- Bukhari & Muslim].
4. Discouraging exaggeration in Istinshaq (inhaling
water in the nose
and then exhaling it during Wudhu’).
Laqeet ibn Saburah narrated, “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Tell me
about Wudhu.’ He said, ‘Perform it
perfectly, clean between the fingers, and exaggerate in Istinshaq, except when
you are fasting.’” [Ahmad and As-Sunan]. Ibn Qudamah said, “There is no harm if, while
gargling or rinsing the nose for the sake of purifying one’s self, water
reaches the throat unintentionally and without exaggeration.”
5. Swallowing
saliva: No specific ruling was mentioned
with regards to this subject, since no one can avoid doing this. Similarly, no one can avoid breathing the
dust that is in the air. Therefore, such
matters are among the permissible. Imam
Ibn Taymiyyah said, “None of these acts breaks the fast. Fasting is a part of
the religion of Islam, and both the ignorant and the learned need to know its
rules. If the preceding actions were
forbidden by Allah and His Messenger to the fasting person because they would
break his fast, then it would have been obligatory upon the Messenger to inform
us of such.”
Permissible
Acts
1. Pouring water over the head or
the body: Several companions reported
that they saw the Prophet pour water over his head while he was fasting, due to
thirst or extreme heat.
2. Applying Kohl or eye drops to
the eyes: Anas reported that the Prophet
applied Kohl (Middle Eastern eye liner that has some medicinal benefits) while
he was fasting.
3. Kissing the wife for whoever
can control himself: The Prophet’s wife,
‘Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “The Prophet used to kiss and
embrace while he was fasting, for out of all of you, he had the most control
over his desires.” Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
4. The fasting person can eat,
drink and perform sexual intercourse from sunset until Fajr (sunrise): The Prophet said, what translated means, “Bilal
makes the (first) call to prayer while it is still dark. Therefore, eat and drink until he makes the (second)
call to the prayer.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
5. Eating and drinking while
forgetting that you are fasting: The
Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever eats and drinks, forgetting that he is
fasting, then he has to complete his fast (it is not broken), for
it was Allah who fed him and gave him something to drink.” [At-
Tirmithi].
Actions that Void the Fast
Actions that void the fast can be divided into two types:
1. Those which void the
fast and require that the day be made up for later:
a. Intentional
vomiting: The Prophet said, what
translated means, “Whoever is overcome and vomits, does not make up the
day. Whoever vomits intentionally must make up that day.” [Abu Dawood,
At-Tirmithi & An-Nasaii].
b. Ejaculation of sperm: This voids the fast if the sperm gushes forth
and it also comes out through desire while the person is conscious. So if one
masturbates, he will fall into this category. But if it comes out through one
having a wet dream or him carrying a heavy load then his fast would be in
order.
2. Those which void the
fast and require expiation: To break the fast by intentionally eating, drinking or having
sexual intercourse while being aware that they are fasting. Once, a man came to
the Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu Alayhi Wasallam, and said to him, “I am
destroyed, O Messenger of Allah!” The Messenger asked, “What has
destroyed you?” He said, “I had intercourse with my wife during the day
in Ramadan.” The Prophet asked, “Are you able to free a slave?”
He said, “No.” The Prophet asked, “Is it possible for you to fast for two
consecutive months?” He said, “No.” The Prophet asked, “Is it
possible for you to feed sixty poor people?” He said, “No.” The
Messenger of Allah said, “Then sit (and do nothing).”
[Ahmad, At-Tirmithi & An-Nasaii].
May
Allah give us the strength to fast Ramadan days and pray its nights and to
worship Him as He pleases.
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