Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it is significant for Muslims because Holy Quran began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH during this month.
Keeping this in mind and prophetic traditions many muslim believers fast from dawn until dusk, abstaining from food, water, and other physical needs as a means of purifying their souls and becoming closer to God. For them, it is an act of worship and devotion to Allah.
However, the act of fasting during the whole of month of Ramadan as well as certain other rituals, ceremonies and practices (such as special Tarawih Prayers consisting of 8 to 20 rakats) also leads to intense scholarly debates every year on their efficacy, authenticity and whether or not they are compulsary for all Muslims.
In this article, we have succinctly covered above issues by referring to Quran and Sunnah. Read this on till the end to learn more.
Fasting in Islam
To begin with one must note, that the practice of fasting is not new or something that has been initiated by Prophet Muhammad PBUH. All major religions including Judaism, Christinaity, Brahmanism, Jainism, etc stress on intermittent and periodic fasting with varied rationale and spritual significance.
Thus, religion prescribes fasting and as Quran says religion is just one i.e. submission to God and not to self desires, selfishness and personal instincts. Islam only affirms and authenticates that one true religion, its core principles and practices which used to get corrupted over a period of time due to selfish interet of priestly, elite and other classes.
إِنَّ ٱلدِّينَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمُ ۗ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعِلْمُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ ١٩
Indeed, the religion in the sight of God is Islam (Submission to God). And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allāh, then indeed, Allāh is swift in [taking] account. 3:19
Also Read-
- Status of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and Quran: A Seal and Touchstone
- Bhagavad Gita on God, Deities & Rituals: Commonalities with Quran & Granth Sahib
Having said that, we will now move on to rationale and basis of fasting, etc.
Fastinng in General: Rationale and Significance
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was for those before you so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah. Holy Quran 2:183
˹It is the believers˺ who repent, who are devoted to worship, who praise ˹their Lord˺, who fast, who bow down and prostrate themselves, who encourage good and forbid evil, and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give good news to the believers. Holy Quran 9:112
Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. Holy Quran 33:35
Allah will not call you to account for your thoughtless oaths, but He will hold you accountable for deliberate oaths. The penalty for a broken oath is to feed ten poor people from what you normally feed your own family, or to clothe them, or to free a bondsperson. But if none of this is affordable, then you must fast three days. This is the penalty for breaking your oaths. So be mindful of your oaths. This is how Allah makes things clear to you, so perhaps you will be grateful. Holy Quran 5:89
It is not lawful for a believer to kill another except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer unintentionally must free a believing slave and pay blood-money to the victim’s family—unless they waive it charitably. But if the victim is a believer from a hostile people, then a believing slave must be freed. And if the victim is from a people bound with you in a treaty, then blood-money must be paid to the family along with freeing a believing slave. Those who are unable, let them fast two consecutive months—as a means of repentance to Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Holy Quran 4:92
Fasting in Ramadan: Quran was Revealed in this Month
Fast a prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, an equal number of days [later]. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew. Holy Quran 2:184
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful. Holy Quran 2:185
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” Sahih al-Bukhari 38
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” Riyad as-Salihin 1219
Fasting during Ramadan is also one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam along with the testimony of faith, the establishment of prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage.
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
- To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
- To offer the prayers dutifully and perfectly.
- To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
- To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
Exceptions to Fasting: Illness, Journey, Difficulty
Holy Quran istelf mentions some of the exceptions to fasting i.e. when one is not obliged to fast.
أَيَّامًۭا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ١٨٤
Fast a prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew. Holy Quran 2:184
It was narrated from Abu Qilabah that a man said: “I came to the Prophet to discuss something and he was eating breakfast. He said: ‘Come and eat.’ I said: ‘I am fasting.’ He said: ‘Come and I will tell you about fasting. Allah has waived half of prayer and fasting from the traveler, and he has granted a concession to pregnant women and the sick.”‘ Sunan an-Nasa’i 2277 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
It was narrated from Abu Qilabah that Abu Umayyah Ad-Damri told him that: he came to the Messenger of Allah from a journey and he was fasting. The Messenger of Allah said to him, “Won’t you come and have meal for the breakfast?” He said: “I am fasting.” The Messenger of Allah said: “Come and I will tell you about fasting. Allah, the mighty and sublime, has waived fasting and half of the prayer from the traveler.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2272
Test of Extreme Difficulty: When to not Fast
Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-As: The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, “I have been informed that you pray all the nights and observe fast all the days; is this true?” I replied, “Yes.” He said, “If you do so, your eyes will become weak and you will get bored. So fast three days a month, for this will be the fasting of a whole year, or equal to the fasting of a whole year.” I said, “I find myself able to fast more.” He said, “Then fast like the fasting of (the Prophet) David who used to fast on alternate days and would not flee on facing the enemy.” Sahih al-Bukhari 3419
Compensation of not Fasting: Feed a Needy Person
أَيَّامًۭا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ١٨٤
Fast a prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, an equal number of days [later]. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew. Holy Quran 2:184
Humaid b. ‘Abd al-Rahman reported that Abu Huraira had narrated to him that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded the person (who) broke the fast in Ramadan to free a slave or observe fasts for two (consecutive) months or feed sixty poor persons. Sahih Muslim 1111e
More Simpler Fasts with Great Rewards: 3 Days Equal to Lifetime
أَخْبَرَنَا مَخْلَدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَبِي أُنَيْسَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ جَرِيرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ صِيَامُ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ صِيَامُ الدَّهْرِ وَأَيَّامُ الْبِيضِ صَبِيحَةَ ثَلاَثَ عَشْرَةَ وَأَرْبَعَ عَشْرَةَ وَخَمْسَ عَشْرَةَ ”
It was narrated from Jarir bin ‘Abdullah that the Prophet said: “Fasting THREE DAYS of each month is fasting for a LIFETIME, and the shining days of Al-Bid, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2420 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) DIRECTED us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month. [Abu Dawud] Riyad as-Salihin 1263
Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah (Single Day Fast). He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year“. Riyad as-Salihin 1250
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month’s fasting.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 1260
It was narrated from ‘Aishah, the mother of the Believers, that the Prophet used to come to her when he was fasting and say: “Do you have anything this morning that you can give me to eat?” we would say no, and he would say: “I am fasting.” Then after that he came and she said: “I have been given a gift.” He said: “What is it?” she said: “Hais.” He said: “I started the day fasting,” but then he ate. Sunan an-Nasa’i 2326 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would enter upon me and say: ‘Do you have anything (any food)?’ If we said: ‘No,’ he would say: ‘Then I am fasting.’ So he would continue fasting, then it we were given some food, he would break his fast.” She said: “Sometimes he would fast and (then) break fast (i.e., combine fasting and breaking fast in one day).” I said: “How is that?” She said: “Like the one who goes out with charity (i.e., something to give in charity),and he gives some away and keeps some.” Sunan Ibn Majah 1701
Same Reward as Fasting: Feed a Fasting Person
Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani narrated that: The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Jami`at-Tirmidhi 807
Criticising non-Fasting Person is Forbidden in Islam
Narrated Anas bin Malik: We used to travel with the Prophet (ﷺ) and neither did the fasting persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were not fasting criticize the fasting ones. Sahih al-Bukhari 1947
Abu Saeed said: “We were traveling in Ramadan and among us were some who were fasting and some who were not. Those who were fasting did not criticize those who were not, and those who were not fasting did not criticize those who were.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2309 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Rules of Fasting in Ramadan: Time, Manners and Etiquettes
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast. and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days. Sahih Muslim 1081a
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Do not fast one day or two days just before Ramadan except in the case of a man who has been in the habit or observing a fast (on that day); and do not fast until you sight it (the moon). Then fast until you sight it. If a cloud appears on that day (i.e. 29th of Ramadan) then complete the number thirty (days) and then end the fasting: a month consists of twenty-nine days. Sunan Abi Dawud 2327
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: Fast is a shield ; When one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor foolishly. If a man fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting. Sunan Abi Dawud 2363 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 1242
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: If any one of you is invited to a meal when he is fasting, he should say:” I am fasting.” Sahih Muslim 1150
Tarawih Prayer: Compulsory or Optional
Prophet did not make it obligatory
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (ﷺ) said, “Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.” [Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 1188
Narrated ‘Aishah, wife of Prophet (ﷺ): That the Prophet (ﷺ) once offered (tarawih) prayer in the mosque and the people also prayed along with him. He then prayed on the following night, and the people gathered in large numbers. They gathered on the third night too, but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not come out to them. When the morning came, he said: I witnessed what you did, and nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared that this (prayer) might be prescribed to you. That was in Ramadan. Sunan Abi Dawud 1373 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
How much Prophet PBUH prayed on his own?
Narrated Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman: that he askedAisha “How was the prayer of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray fourrakat let alone their beauty and length and then he would pray four let alone their beauty and length and then he would pray three rakat (witr)." She added, "I asked, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Do you sleep before praying the witr?' He replied, 'OAisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2013
When Prophet got angry over Tarawih
Narrated Zaid bin Thabit: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) made a small room (with a palm leaf mat). Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came out (of his house) and prayed in it. Some men came and joined him in his prayer. Then again the next night they came for the prayer, but Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) delayed and did not come out to them. So they raised their voices and knocked the door with small stones. He came out to them in a state of ANGER, saying, “You are still insisting (on your deed, i.e. Tarawih prayer in the mosque) that I thought that this prayer (Tarawih) might become obligatory on you. So you people, offer this prayer at your homes, for the BEST PRAYER OF A PERSON is the one which he offers AT HOME, EXCEPT the COMPULSARY prayer.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6113
When Umar made Tarawih Congregational
‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, ‘Umar said, ‘In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)’. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka’b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, ‘Umar remarked, ‘What an excellent Bid’a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.‘ He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2010
Case Umar and Ubayy
Narrated Ubayy ibn Ka’b: Al-Hasan reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the people (in tarawih prayer) behind Ubayy ibn Ka’b (who led them). He used to lead them for twenty days (during Ramadan, and would not recite the supplication except in the second half of it (i.e. Ramadan). When the last ten days remained, he kept away from them, and prayed in his house. They used to say: Ubayy ran away. Abu Dawud said: This tradition shows that whatever has been reported about the recitation of the supplication is not tenable. Moreover, these two traditions from Ubayy b. Ka’b indicate that another tradition which tells that the Prophet (ﷺ) recited the supplication in the witr is weak. Sunan Abi Dawud 1429 Grade: Da’if (Al-Albani)
Conclusion
In conclusion, though Islam encourages fasting, it also provides certain exceptions and relaxations for those who cannot fast easily.
Such people include those who are ill, on jounrey or thse who cannot fast except with great difficulty. Pregnant women and children are also included According to Holy Quran, the compensation of not fasting is either to fast later on or feed a hungry person (2:184).
Further, there are Sahih Hadith that a person who feeds a fasting person gets equal reward as the one who is fasting (Tirmidhi 807). Criticising the non-fasting person is also not a prophetic tradition as per several Hadith.
With regards to tarawih, there are Sahih Hadith that Prophet did not make it a compulsory or congregational prayer but encouraged people to pray voluntarily prayers at home saying that the best prayer of a person is the one which he offers at home, except the compulsory prayers.