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IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING FASTING IN RAMADAN

 

Fasting means to refrain from eating, drinking, and cohabiting from dawn (ṣubḥ ṣādiq) to sunset with the intention of the fast.

Fasting is not valid without intention. With respect to the fast of Ramadan, it is better to make the intention the night before. However, it is permissible to make one’s intention at any time before the midpoint between dawn and sunset.

 

SUNNAH ACTS IN THE MONTH OF RAMADĀN

 

It is sunnah for both men and women to perform 20 rak’ahs of Tarawih salah in the month of Ramadan. Likewise, it is sunnah to recite the Holy Qur’ān in abundance during the month whilst observing the rules of Tajwid. Observing i’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan (from the 21st night) is also a great sunnah.

 

MUSTAHAB (DESIRABLE) ACTS IN FASTING

 

It is desirable to eat suḥūr (the meal before subḥ ṣādiq). It is a means of blessings (barakah) and Allah and His Angels send blessings on those who eat suḥūr. It is best to delay it until just before subḥ ṣādiq, but ensuring one finishes at least 5 minutes before the end time.

 

One should break their fast with dates if available, otherwise with water.

When breaking the fast, one should recite the following du’a:

 

اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ

 

O Allah! For You did I fast, in You I believe, and with Your provision I break my fast.

 

THINGS THAT DO NOT BREAK THE FAST

 

  1. Eating, drinking, or indulging in cohabitation out of forgetfulness.
  2. Vomiting unintentionally.
  3. Vomit intentionally less than a mouthful.
  4. Having a wet dream.
  5. Oiling the hair.
  6. Using kohl (surma) in the eyes.
  7. Putting water or medicine in the eyes.
  8. Cleaning the teeth with a wet or dry miswāk
  9. Applying or smelling perfume.
  10. Swallowing a fly, mosquito, smoke, or dust unintentionally.
  11. Swallow one’s saliva or phlegm.
  12. Water entering the ears.
  13. Taking an injection.

 

THINGS THAT BREAK THE FAST

 

  1. Eating, drinking, or engaging in cohabitation intentionally.
  2. Burning incense and inhaling its smoke.
  3. Water going down the throat whilst gargling.
  4. Vomiting a mouthful intentionally.
  5. Swallowing vomit intentionally.
  6. Swallowing something edible which was lodged between the teeth and is equal to or bigger than a chick pea. However, if a person first takes it out of their mouth and then swallows it, the fast will break regardless of the size of what he swallowed.
  7. Putting oil or medicine into the nose.
  8. Swallowing the blood from gums along with the saliva. However, if the blood is less than the saliva and its taste cannot be perceived, the fast will not break.
  9. Using snuff.
  10. Eating and drinking forgetting that one is fasting, but to then eat and drink again on purpose, thinking that the fast has broken.
  11. Smoking.
  12. Placing medicine or an enema in the rectum.
  13. Intentionally swallowing a pebble, piece of paper, or any non-edible item that is not used as food or medicine.

(In all the above cases, a single qaḍā’ fast is necessary per broken fast – besides 1 and 11, where both qaḍā’ and kaffārah are obligatory.)

 

MAKRUH (DETESTABLE) THINGS IN THE FAST

 

  1. Chewing items such as rubber, plastic, etc.
  2. Tasting food or drink and then spitting it out.
  3. Collect one’s saliva in the mouth and then swallowing it.
  4. Clean the teeth or mouth with tooth powder, toothpaste, or mouthwash.
  5. Complaining of hunger or thirst.
  6. To use obscene language or engage in any sins, especially those of the tongue and eyes.