FIQH OF FASTING 1

Fasting in Islam

Recommended Fasting Practices

• Best Form of Fasting:

  • Fasting one day followed by breaking fast on the next day is considered the best according to Islamic teachings.

Women and Fasting

• Conditions for Women:

  • A woman cannot fast while her husband is present unless she has his permission.

  • Sources: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that a woman should not fast even a single day without her husband’s consent, unless during Ramadan (reported by Ahmad, Bukhari, and Muslim).

  • This rule emphasizes the importance of the husband’s role in family matters.

  • If the husband is not present, she may fast without needing permission.

  • If he is ill or unable to have intimate relations, the woman can fast without seeking permission.

Fasting Misconceptions

• Husbands' Rights:

  • Husbands should not misuse their authority concerning their wives’ fasting—especially for personal convenience or preference.

Prohibition of Al-Wisal

• Al-Wisal Defined:

  • Al-Wisal is a practice where one fasts continuously from one day into the next without breaking fast overnight.

• Prophetic Guidance:

  • Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade this practice, stating that it is disliked, and he himself was able to do it due to divine sustenance.

  • If someone insists on this practice, it should not exceed the pre-dawn meal (Suhur).

Breaking Fast

• Immediate Break of Fast:

  • Upon sunset, fasting should be broken immediately. Delaying it, even by a few minutes, is not recommended.

  • Different local times may apply for individuals in varying elevations (like skyscrapers) regarding when they see sunset.

Voluntary Fasting

• Highly Recommended Days:

  • Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan.

  • Fasting the first ten days of the month of Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah, is highly encouraged (expiates sins for two years).

  • Fasting during the month of Muharram, particularly on the Day of Ashura, is also encouraged (expiates sins of the preceding year).

• Abu Yib al-Asari's Teachings:

  • Fasting the six days of Shawwal after Ramadan equals the reward of fasting the entire year.

• Preferred Methods for Ashura:

  • Options available include fasting the 10th alone, the 9th and 10th, or the 9th, 10th, and 11th for maximum reward.

Special Notes on Shaban

• Significance of Shaban:

  • The Prophet (PBUH) fasted most of Shaban as it's a neglected month where deeds are elevated to Allah.

  • Importance of preparation for Ramadan during this month.

• Misunderstood Traditions:

  • There are no specific practices around the 15th of Shaban that are mandated or supported by evidence in Islamic teachings.

Fasting in Islam

Recommended Fasting Practices

• Best Form of Fasting: Fasting one day followed by breaking fast on the next day is considered the best according to Islamic teachings.

Conditions for Women

• A woman cannot fast while her husband is present unless she has his permission. If the husband is absent, she may fast without permission, and if he is ill, she can also fast freely.

Fasting Misconceptions

• Husbands' Rights: Husbands should not misuse their authority over their wives regarding fasting for personal convenience.

Prohibition of Al-Wisal

• Al-Wisal Defined: Fasting continuously from one day into the next overnight is prohibited by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), though permissible until the pre-dawn meal (Suhur).

Breaking Fast

• Immediate breaking of the fast at sunset is advised; delays are discouraged even for a few minutes.

Voluntary Fasting**

• Highly Recommended Days: Fasting six days of Shawwal, the first ten days of Hijjah, and Muharram, especially Ashura, which expiates sins for preceding years.

Special Notes on Shaban

• Significance: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of fasting in Shaban as deeds are elevated to Allah, preparing for Ramadan. No specific practices for the 15th of Shaban are mandated.