Kitaabus Saum

BOOK ON FASTING

ACCORDING TO THE SHAAFI’EE

MADHAB

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher

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 ِ ِ ْْ ُُ ََ ‫الس ََل ُم َع ٰل‬ َّ ‫بِ ْس ِم اهللِ َو ا ْلـ َح ْمدُ هللِ َو‬
َّ ‫الص ََل ُة َو‬
، ‫اهللِ و َع ٰل ٰالِه َو َا ْص َحابِه َو َب ْعد‬

INTRODUCTION

The literal meaning of Saum or Siyaam means ‘to abstain’.

According to Shari’ah, Saum means abstaining from eating,
drinking, sexual relations and all those factors prohibited during
fasting from dawn to dusk with an intention.

The compulsory (Fardh) fast takes place in Ramadhaan, the

ninth month of the Islamic calendar, for the entire month.

Allah Ta’aala says in the Qur’aan:

O YOU WHO BELIEVE! FASTING IS PRESCRIBED FOR

YOU AS IT WAS PRESCRIBED FOR THOSE BEFORE YOU
THAT YOU MAY BECOME PIOUS, (FASTING) FOR A
FIXED NUMBER OF DAYS. (Surah Baqarah)

Fasting also has rules and regulations which are compulsory to

learn and abide by so that the fast can be valid and accepted by
Allah.

Besides the compulsory fast of Ramadhaan, there are optional

fasts during the rest of the year and observing them brings great
reward and proximity unto Allah.

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The virtues, rules and laws of fasting are explained in this
treatise.

May Allah Ta’aala grant us the guidance to practise and through

His grace, may He accept all our Ibaadah, Aameen.

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 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ ii
VIRTUES OF FASTING AND RAMADHAAN ............................ 2
SIGHTING OF THE NEW MOON ................................................. 6
CONDITIONS FOR A FAST TO BE VALID ................................. 6
ON WHOM IS FASTING COMPULSORY .................................... 7
ARKAAN (FARAA’IDH) OF FASTING ........................................ 8
NAWAAQIDH OF SAUM .............................................................. 9
MUSTAHABB FACTORS OF FASTING .................................... 11
MAKROOH ACTS WHILE FASTING ......................................... 14
OCCASIONS WHEN THE FAST OF RAMADHAAN CAN BE
OMITTED................................................................................. 15
QADHAA, KAFFAARAH AND FIDYAH ................................... 16
WHEN DOES FIDYAH BECOME COMPULSORY ................... 19
MASNOON (NAFL) FASTS ......................................................... 21
FORBIDDEN DAYS FOR FASTING ........................................... 22
MAKROOH DAYS .................................................................... 23
SADAQATUL FITR (FITRAH) .................................................... 23
I’ITIKAAF ...................................................................................... 25
THE I’ITIKAAF OF RAMADHAAN ....................................... 26
RULES OF THIS I’ITIKAAF .................................................... 27
PREFERRED ACTS DURING I’ITIKAAF .............................. 28

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 VIRTUES OF FASTING AND RAMADHAAN

Rasulullah  said:

* THE MONTH OF FASTING HAS ARRIVED. IT IS A

MONTH OF BLESSING. IN IT LIES TREMENDOUS GOOD.
ALLAH ENVELOPES YOU (WITH GOODNESS), SENDS
HIS MERCY UPON YOU AND WIPES OUT SINS. DU’AAS
ARE ACCEPTED IN THIS MONTH. ALLAH LOOKS AT
YOU COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER IN GOOD DEEDS
THEN HE BOASTS ABOUT YOU TO HIS ANGELS. SO
SHOW ALLAH GOODNESS FROM YOUR SIDE.
UNDOUBTEDLY, THE WRETCHED ONE IS HE WHO IS
DEPRIVED OF THE MERCY OF ALLAH THE ALMIGHTY
IN THIS MONTH. (Musnad Al Shaamiyyeen Tabraani)

* IT (RAMADHAAN) IS SUCH A MONTH ALLAH HAS

MADE COMPULSORY UPON YOU ITS FASTING AND I
HAVE MADE SUNNAH UPON YOU ITS NIGHTLY
SALAAH (TARAAWEEH). SO WHOEVER OBSERVES ITS
FASTS AND ITS NIGHTLY SALAAH WITH FAITH AND
HOPE FOR REWARD SHALL EMERGE FROM HIS SINS
LIKE THE DAY HIS MOTHER GAVE BIRTH TO HIM. (Ibni
Maajah)

This Hadeeth means that if a person fasts and performs

Taraaweeh Salaah in the month of Ramadhaan, he will be
purified from his sins and he will be just like a new-born baby.
A new-born baby has no sins on its name.

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* WHEN RAMADHAAN BEGINS, THE DOORS OF
JANNAH ARE OPENED, THE DOORS OF JAHANNAM
ARE CLOSED AND THE REBELLIOUS SHAYAATEEN
ARE IMPRISONED. (Nasa’i)

* ONE WHO MAKES THE THIKR OF ALLAH IN

RAMADHAAN IS FORGIVEN AND ONE WHO ASKS
FROM ALLAH THEREIN (RAMADHAAN) IS NOT
DEPRIVED. (Tabraani fil Awsat)

* INDEED ALLAH TA’AALA FREES SIX HUNDRED

THOUSAND (PEOPLE) FROM THE FIRE (OF JAHANNAM)
EVERY NIGHT IN RAMADHAAN. WHEN IT IS THE LAST
NIGHT, ALLAH FREES THE SAME AMOUNT THAT WAS
FREED DURING THE PAST (NIGHTS). (Shu’abul Imaan)

* RASULULLAH  SAID TO THE SAHAABAH: “COME

CLOSER TO THE MIMBAR”, SO WE CAME CLOSER.
WHEN HE () CLIMBED THE FIRST STEP, HE SAID
‘AAMEEN’. WHEN HE CLIMBED THE SECOND STEP HE
SAID ‘AAMEEN’. WHEN HE CLIMBED THE THIRD STEP
HE SAID ‘AAMEEN’.

WHEN HE DESCENDED WE SAID: “O RASOOL OF

ALLAH, WE HAVE HEARD SOMETHING FROM YOU
TODAY THAT WE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.” HE ()
SAID: “JIBRA’EEL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) CAME TO ME
AND SAID: WOE TO THAT PERSON WHO WITNESSED
RAMADHAAN BUT DID NOT SECURE FORGIVENESS
AND I SAID AAMEEN. WHEN I CLIMBED THE SECOND
STEP HE SAID WOE TO THAT PERSON IN WHOSE

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PRESENCE MY NAME IS MENTIONED AND HE DOES
NOT RECITE SALAWAAT UPON ME AND I SAID
AAMEEN. WHEN I CLIMBED THE THIRD STEP HE SAID
WOE TO THAT PERSON WHO HAD HIS PARENTS IN
THEIR OLD AGE AND WAS UNABLE TO ENTER
JANNAH THROUGH THEM AND I SAID AAMEEN”. (Al
Mustadrak)

A person who attains the month of Ramadhaan but is neglectful

and does not perform the actions necessary to secure the
forgiveness of Allah is at a great loss. Ramadhaan is the
opportune time to secure the forgiveness and mercy of Allah.

* FASTING IS A SHIELD AS LONG AS HE DOES NOT

TEAR IT. (Nasa’i)

The shield is torn by committing sins while fasting.

* WHOEVER MISSES (OR BREAKS) A FAST IN

RAMADHAAN WITHOUT A CONCESSION (LIKE
TRAVEL) OR SICKNESS, A LIFETIME OF FASTING WILL
NOT COMPENSATE FOR IT, EVEN IF HE DOES FAST
THAT LONG. (Tirmidhi)

This is a severe warning from Rasulullah  for those who are

neglectful of the fast of Ramadhaan.

* THE LEADER OF THE MONTHS IS RAMADHAAN AND

THE LEADER OF THE DAYS IS THE DAY OF FRIDAY.
(Tabraani fil Kabeer)

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The month with the most virtues and blessings in the Islamic
calendar is the noble month of Ramadhaan and the most
virtuous day of the week is a Friday.

* FOR A FASTING PERSON AT THE TIME OF IFTAAR

THERE IS AN ACCEPTED DU’AA. (Shu’abul Imaan)

A person should spend the last few minutes before Iftaar in

making Du’aa. As can be learnt from this Hadeeth, Du’aas are
accepted at that auspicious time.

May Allah Ta’aala grant us all the full benefits of fasting, both
in this world and in the hereafter, Aameen.

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 SIGHTING OF THE NEW MOON

The Islamic months are linked to the moon. The new moon
heralds a new Islamic month. An Islamic month can either have
29 or 30 days. The new moon will be sought on the 29th of
Sha’baan. If the new moon is seen it will be Ramadhaan and the
next day will be the first fast. If the moon is not seen then
Sha’baan will have thirty days and Ramadhaan will begin
thereafter. An example of this: 29th Sha’baan is a Monday. The
moon will be sought Monday after Maghrib. If it is seen then the
first fast of Ramadhaan will be on Tuesday. If it is not seen then
Sha’baan will have thirty days and the first fast will be on
Wednesday. Taraaweeh Salaah will commence on the night
before the first fast.

CONDITIONS FOR A FAST TO BE VALID

There are five conditions for a fast to be valid:

1. Islam. The fast of a non Muslim is not valid.

2. The person must be sane. The fast of an insane person or a

child without understanding is not valid. The fast of a child, who
has understanding but is not as yet mature (Mukallaf), although
not compulsory on him, nevertheless is valid. When a child is
seven years of age and is able to fast, he should be encouraged
to do so. This issue has been discussed in detail in the book on
Salaah. A child who is unable to fast (due to health reasons) will
not be forced to fast.
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3. A female has to be free from Haidh and Nifaas for her fast to
be valid.

4. The fast must take place on a day on which one is allowed to

fast. The forbidden days will be explained later.

5. The person must be aware as to when the fast begins and

ends, i.e. the times of fasting. Fasting commences at Subuh
Saadiq and ends at sunset.

ON WHOM IS FASTING COMPULSORY

There are four conditions which if found in a person, will have

to fast in the month of Ramadhaan. If any of these conditions
are not found, fasting will not be compulsory on that person.

1. The person is a Muslim.

2. The person is mature (Mukallaf).

3. The person is sane. Fasting is not compulsory upon an insane

person, an unconscious person and a drunken person. If a
person, through his own actions is responsible for his insanity or
drunkenness then he will have to keep Qadhaa later.

A person who was unconscious will also keep Qadhaa later,

whether he was responsible for the unconsciousness or not.

4. The person is able to fast. Examples of valid reasons to omit

the fast: Haidh and Nifaas, sickness, old age, etc. A lady in
Haidh or Nifaas will keep Qadhaa later.

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 ARKAAN (FARAA’IDH) OF FASTING

These factors are necessary for the fast to be valid.

1. Intention. The intention (Niyyah) has to be confirmed any

time before Subuh Saadiq if it is a Fardh or Waajib fast and the
type of fast has to be stipulated e.g. fast of Ramadhaan, Qadhaa,
etc. The intention can be made anytime from after Maghrib till
Subuh Saadiq. If the Niyyah was made in the early evening and
thereafter one ate, drank, slept, etc. the Niyyah will still be intact
and will not be affected in any way. If a Niyyah was not made
during that time or it was made after Subuh Saadiq commenced,
the fast is not valid and has to be repeated as Qadhaa.

If it is a Nafl fast, the intention can be made up to the time of

Zawaal on condition that nothing transpired from Subuh Saadiq
till the Niyyah is made which breaks a fast, e.g. eating, drinking.

A new intention will be made daily during the month of

Ramadhaan. Intention in the heart suffices but it is better to also
say it verbally.

Example of a Niyyah for Ramadhaan:

ِ ‫ن ََْ ْي ُت َص ْْ َم َغ ٍد َع ْن َا َد ِاء َف ْر‬

َ ‫ض ََ َم َض‬
، ‫ان‬

I MAKE THE INTENTION OF FASTING TOMORROW TO

FULFIL THE FARDH OF RAMADHAAN

2. Abstention from all things that break the fast from dawn till
sunset.
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 NAWAAQIDH OF SAUM

The general rule is that anything that enters through a natural

opening in the body will break the fast. The natural openings
are; the mouth, ears, nose and front and rear private parts.

These factors break a fast:

1. To intentionally let anything reach the stomach or head,

whether by eating, drinking, swallowing something, smoking or
inhaling smoke. Swallowing or eating inedible objects also
break the fast, such as sand, grass, coins, etc.

2. If there was a particle of food stuck between the teeth and

one could not avoid swallowing it then the fast does not break.
If one could spit it out but instead swallowed it then the fast will
break.

3. If while rinsing the mouth and applying water in the nose

during Wudhu without exaggeration (without over doing it),
water reached the throat or went up the nose, the fast will not
break. If these two acts were exaggerated (over done), then the
fast will break.

4. If phlegm rises to the throat and reaches that place from

where the letter ‘K’ is pronounced from (towards the end of the
palate) and thereafter it is swallowed then the first will break. If
it does not reach that point and it is swallowed then the fast will
not break.

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5. Entering any medicine or liquid through the anal passage also
breaks the fast, e.g. an enema or suppository. The fast will also
break if this is done through the front private part.

6. Vomiting. If a person purposely vomited (forced himself to

vomit) then the fast will break. If one vomited involuntarily then
the fast will not break. The same law applies to burping. If a
person intentionally burps and something comes from the
stomach to the upper part of the throat, the fast will break. On
the other hand, if a person burps involuntarily and something
comes up, the fast will not break.

7. Sexual intercourse breaks the fast, whether there was

ejaculation or not. When the male private part enters the female
private part or enters the anal private part the fast will break
even if ejaculation did not take place. It is best to refrain from
such acts while fasting which increases passion and lust, e.g.
kissing, fondling, etc.

Masturbation also breaks the fast.

If a person forgetfully indulged in sexual intercourse then the

fast will not break.

A wet dream does not break the fast.

8. It is forbidden to fast during Haidh and Nifaas. The fasts of

Ramadhaan missed during Haidh and Nifaas will be kept as
Qadhaa some other time.

9. The fast will break if a person remains unconscious for the

entire day. If he regained consciousness for even a little while
and then relapsed into unconsciousness, the fast will be valid.
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10. If a person becomes insane while fasting then the fast will
break.

MUSTAHABB FACTORS OF FASTING

1. To make Iftaar on time i.e. not to delay it. Iftaar should be

made as soon as the sun sets. It cannot be made before sunset. A
person has to be sure that the sun has set before making Iftaar.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: THIS

UMMAH WILL REMAIN ON GOODNESS AS LONG AS
THEY HASTEN THE IFTAAR AND DELAY THE SUHOOR
(Musnad Ahmad).

In another Hadeeth it is mentioned: ALLAH TA’AALA SAYS

THAT THE MOST BELOVED OF SERVANTS UNTO ME
ARE THOSE WHO HASTEN THE IFTAAR (Tirmidhi).

Iftaar should be made with something sweet. It is best to make

Iftaar with dates and water.

Hadeeth: RASULULLAH (SALLALLAAHU ALAYHI WA

SALLAM) WOULD EAT A FEW FRESH DATES (FOR
IFTAAR) BEFORE THE MAGHRIB SALAAH. IF THERE
WERE NO FRESH DATES THEN DRY DATES. IF THERE
WERE NO DRY DATES, THEN A FEW SIPS OF WATER
(Tirmidhi)

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2. To delay the Suhoor. The Suhoor must be completed before
Subuh Saadiq. If a person ears or drinks after Subuh Saadiq has
commenced, the fast will not be valid.

Hadeeth: PARTAKE IN SUHOOR, FOR INDEED IN

SUHOOR THERE IS BLESSINGS (Bukhaari)

Hadeeth: TAKE HELP (STRENGTH) FROM THE FOOD OF

SUHOOR OVER THE FAST OF THE DAY AND FROM
QAYLOOLAH (A SHORT REST DURING THE DAY) FOR
STANDING IN PRAYER AT NIGHT (Ibni Maajah).

Those people who cannot eat at the time of Suhoor should at

least drink some water.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: PARTAKE OF

SUHOOR EVEN IF IT IS A SIP OF WATER (Musannaf ibni
Abi Shaybah).

The time for Suhoor starts after half of the night has passed and
lasts till Subuh Saadiq.

3. To abstain from evil and useless talk while fasting. Although

this is forbidden at all times, extra precautions should be taken
while fasting. A person should refrain from all things forbidden
and undesirable. A person who stays away from forbidden
things during the entire month of Ramadhaan will find it easier
to refrain from them during the other eleven months.

Committing sins while fasting decrease the spirituality and

reward of the fast.

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Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: MANY
FASTING PERSONS, THERE IS NOTHING FOR HIM
FROM HIS FAST EXCEPT HUNGER (Ibni Maajah).

This means that by committing sins the person has destroyed the
rewards of the fast and there is no reward for him. He has gained
nothing from his fast besides experiencing hunger; to no avail.

4. To recite the Qur’aan and to listen to it being recited.

5. It is recommended to perform Ghusl at night if one is in the

condition of Janaabah so that the fast can be commenced in a
state of purity. If one did not perform the Ghusl at night and at
the time of commencing the fast one was in the state of
Janaabah, the first will be commenced and Ghusl taken
thereafter. Taking a Ghusl at night before the fast commences is
recommended and not compulsory.

6. To give charity in abundance in the month of Ramadhaan.

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was most generous in the
month of Ramadhaan. It is also very rewarding to give a fasting
person something to eat and/or drink to break his fast.

7. To make Du’aa prior to Iftaar.

8. To read the Du’aa of Iftaar. The following Du’aa can be

recited when making Iftaar:

، ُُ ‫له َّم َل َك ُص ْم ُت َو َع ٰل َِ ْْ ِِ َك َا ْف ََ ْر‬

ُ ‫َال‬

O ALLAH, FOR YOU HAVE I FASTED AND WITH YOUR

PROVISION (FOOD) DO I BREAK MY FAST.

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9. To sit in I’itikaaf. This will be explained later.

MAKROOH ACTS WHILE FASTING

1. Bad language and evil actions. This has been explained

above.

2. To look at things that one derives pleasure from, e.g. flowers

and trees, etc.

3. To intentionally smell perfumes and other pleasurable

fragrances.

4. To kiss one’s spouse. If kissing will arouse the desires then it

is forbidden.

5. To use the Miswaak after the time of Thuhr has entered. It is

permissible to use the Miswaak till Zawaal and Makrooh
thereafter. The reason for this is to preserve the smell in the
mouth of the fasting person.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: INDEED THE

SMELL FROM THE MOUTH OF A FASTING PERSON IS
MORE FRAGRANT UNTO ALLAH THAN THE SMELL OF
MUSK (Bukhaari)

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 OCCASIONS WHEN THE FAST OF RAMADHAAN
CAN BE OMITTED

1. SICKNESS. If the person is ill and fasting will increase the

sickness or he will become so sick that it will be permissible for
him to make Tayammum then he is exempted from fasting.

* If he is feeling well at the time the Niyyah of fasting has to be

made, then he will make the Niyyah and commence fasting. If
later on he is unwell again then he will break the fast. An
example of this: a person is suffering from bouts of fever. If the
fever is not present at the time when Niyyah should be made, he
will make the Niyyah and commence the fast. If the fever recurs
later on while fasting, he is permitted to break the fast.

* If he strongly feels that by fasting he may lose his life then it

will not be permissible for him to fast.

* If he knows that by fasting, his sickness will not increase and

he will not undergo much difficulty, then it will not be
permissible for him to leave out the fast.

* If the fast was omitted due to sickness, it will have to be kept

later (after Ramadhaan) as Qadhaa. One Qadhaa will be kept for
one missed fast.

2. JOURNEY. If a person is travelling the distance which

qualifies one to become a Musaafir then the fast can be omitted,
whether difficulty will be experienced on the journey or not.

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The conditions for this exemption are:

* It has to be a journey which is for a permissible reason. If the

journey is for something sinful, he will not be exempted and will
have to observe the fast.

* He had set out on the journey before Subuh Saadiq

commenced. If Subuh Saadiq commenced and he had started
fasting prior to that, he will not be permitted to break it because
of the journey.

3. An elderly person who cannot fast.

4. A pregnant lady who is unable to fast.

5. A breastfeeding lady who is unable to fast.

QADHAA, KAFFAARAH AND FIDYAH

Kaffaarah is atonement and compensation for an error

committed.

Besides committing sexual intercourse intentionally, the other

factors that break the fast will make Qadhaa compulsory.
Committing sexual intercourse intentionally while fasting makes
Qadhaa and Kaffaarah compulsory.

Sexual intercourse during the night is permissible.

Kaffaarah means to free a slave (Muslim male or female slave)

and if this is not possible then to fast for sixty days
consecutively and if this is not possible then to feed sixty needy
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people. This sequence has to be followed. In other words, where
it is possible to free a slave, this has to be carried out without a
choice. Where this is not possible, (in the current situation
where there are no slaves and proper Islamic countries), the
second option is fasting for sixty days consecutively. It is not
permissible for a person who can fast to feed people. If he
cannot fast because of old age, sickness, etc. then only he will
be permitted to feed sixty needy people. It is not necessary that
cooked food be given.

The amount that should be given is approximately six hundred

grams of grain or flour from the staple diet of the locality. Either
the grain or flour or the value of it can be given to the needy.
Giving in cash or kind is referred to as Fidyah. When Fidyah has
to be given, find out the current value from an Aalim in your
locality.

If a sick person started feeding people as Kaffaarah and during

the process he recovered from his sickness, he has to
compulsorily fast the sixty days, notwithstanding that he had
commenced feeding. What he had fed thus far will go down as
Nafl.

It is necessary that the sixty days of fasting be kept

consecutively. If a person missed a day then he has to restart the
Kaffaarah, even if he missed the 59th day.

One more day (besides the sixty) will be kept as Qadhaa.

Kaffaarah is compulsory on the doer and not on the one it is

being done with. A Qadhaa will become compulsory on the one
it is being done with.

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If a person intentionally had sexual intercourse while fasting on
two days then two Kaffaarahs will be compulsory, on three days
then three Kaffaarahs, and so forth.

Kaffaarah will become compulsory if certain conditions are

found. If any one of them is not found then Kaffaarah will not
be compulsory and only Qadhaa will be made.

The conditions are:

1. It has to be sexual intercourse. Other Nawaaqidh do not make

Kaffaarah compulsory.

2. When the glans of the penis (head of the penis) enters, the fast
will break, even if there was no ejaculation, Qadhaa and
Kaffaarah will become compulsory.

3. It has to be a fast of Ramadhaan. Sexual intercourse during

any other fast will not make Kaffaarah compulsory.

4. The person had to be in the state of fasting when committing

the act and the Niyyah for fasting was made before Subuh
Saadiq.

5. It was committed intentionally, i.e. the person was aware that

he was fasting and knew that it is impermissible to do so. If the
person forgot that he was fasting or was not aware of the
prohibition, Kaffaarah will not be compulsory.

6. The person done it out of his own free will and was not
forced. If he was forced then the fast will not break.

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7. It was committed in one of the two private parts (front or
anal), whether male or female. It must be remembered that to
commit a sexual act anally with a female or male to male is
totally prohibited at all times.

8. The person has to be Mukallaf (matured).

WHEN DOES FIDYAH BECOME COMPULSORY

Fidyah becomes compulsory when:

a) a person who had Qadhaa fasts on him and due to negligence

did not fulfil it and the next Ramadhaan set in. He will still have
to keep the Qadhaa fasts and with it, will have to pay a Fidyah
for each missed fast. If two Ramadhaans go by, he will have to
pay two Fidyahs for each missed fast, and so forth. The Fidyah
is multiplied by the number of years delayed. He will not pay
Fidyah for the delay if the reason for not fasting is still with him,
e.g. the sickness which prevented him from fasting is still with
him.

If a person who had Qadhaa fasts on him died without fulfilling

them then one of two laws will apply:

1) If he died without recovering from the sickness then there is

no sin on him and nothing has to be done.

2) If he died after recovering and due to negligence did not keep

the Qadhaa, Fidyah has to be paid for each day. Otherwise one
of his family members can fast on his behalf. If a stranger (a

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person not related to him) wishes to fast on his behalf then he
can do so after obtaining permission from the family.

b) If no one volunteers to fast on his behalf, Fidyah will be paid

for each missed fast and this must be taken out from his estate.
If the deceased person did not leave any wealth behind then one
of the family members or even a stranger can pay it on behalf of
the deceased.

c) An old person incapable of fasting will also pay Fidyah for

every fast missed.

d) A sick person who has no hope of recovery will also pay

Fidyah.

e) If a pregnant lady or a lady who is breastfeeding does not fast

because of fear that she will cause harm to herself, she will keep
Qadhaa later and Fidyah will not be paid by her, on condition
that she fulfils the Qadhaa before the next Ramadhaan. If she
delays it till after the next Ramadhaan then with Qadhaa, she
will have to pay Fidyah too.

f) If a pregnant or breastfeeding lady does not fast because of

fear that the baby will be harmed; e.g. she may suffer a
miscarriage, or she will not be able to produce enough milk for
the baby, she will keep Qadhaa later and pay Fidyah.

g) If a person broke his fast to save another person or animal, he

will have to keep a Qadhaa and pay Fidyah.

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 MASNOON (NAFL) FASTS

These are fasts which are not compulsory, but if observed, bring
great reward (Thawaab). The purpose of these fasts is to gain
closeness unto Allah.

1. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah; a day before Eidul Adhaa. Regarding

this fast, it is mentioned in a Hadeeth that a person who
observes this fast, his sins of the previous year and of the
coming year will be forgiven (Muslim). This fast is not Sunnah
for a person performing Haj. Note that sins refer to minor sins.
A person should make Taubah for any major sin committed.

2. Taasu’aa and’Aashuraa. This is the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Sins of the previous year are forgiven by virtue of this fast.

3. Ayyaam Beedh. This is the 13th, 14th and 15th of every Islamic
month. Ayyaam Beedh means the white or brightened days. The
reason for this name is that on these nights there is a full moon
and the nights of these days are brighter than the other nights of
the month. Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu)
narrates that his friend (meaning Rasulullah Sallallaahu Alayhi
wa Sallam) gave him three advices; to fast three days of every
month, to perform two Rakaahs of Dhuhaa Salaah and to
perform the Salaah of Witr before sleeping (Bukhaari).

4. Ayyaam Sood. This is the 28th, 29th and 30th of every Islamic
month. It is advisable to fast on the 27th in case the month has 29
days.

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5. The six fasts of Shawwaal. The Hadeeth mentions that
whoever fasts for the month of Ramadhaan and follows it with
the six fasts of Shawwaal, it is as if he has fasted for the entire
year (Muslim).

It is best to keep these six fasts consecutively after the day of

Eid, but reward will still be gained if they are kept later or
spread through the month of Shawwaal. Note that it has to be
kept in the month of Shawwaal.

6. Mondays and Thursdays. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa

Sallam) said that the actions of a person are presented to Allah
on these two days and he prefers that he is in the condition of
fasting when his actions are presented (Nasa’i).

FORBIDDEN DAYS FOR FASTING

These are five days:

The day of Eidul Fitr

The day of Eidul Adhaa

The three days after Eidul Adhaa.

It is Haraam to fast on these days and if someone does fast on

these forbidden days the fast will not be valid.

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 MAKROOH DAYS

* It is Makrooh to fast only on a Friday. If a person wishes to

fast on a Friday then he should fast on Thursday and Friday or
Friday and Saturday.

* It is also Makrooh to fast only on a Saturday. It will not be

Makrooh to fast on Saturday and Sunday.

* If a person begins a Masnoon or Nafl fast then he should

complete the fast. He should not break it without a reason. If he
does break it; with a reason or without a reason, he will not have
to keep Qadhaa of it later.

* Saumud Dahr. This is perpetual fasting without a break in-

between. This will be Makrooh if by fasting in this manner,
someone’s rights are being neglected, e.g. the right of the wife,
etc. It will not be Makrooh if the rights of others are not
affected.

SADAQATUL FITR (FITRAH)

The purpose of this charity is to compensate for any lapses that

may have taken place during the fast of Ramadhaan. Thus it is a
means of purification.

It is Fardh on every Muslim male, female and child. It is the

duty of the person to give on his own behalf and also on behalf
of his wife and children who are under his care. However, if the

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child has his own wealth, it can be taken out from the wealth of
the child and given. He will also give for those Mukallaf
children who cannot afford it and are still his dependents and for
his parents if they are under his care (if they cannot afford to
give it themselves).

Sadaqatul Fitr is compulsory on a person who has provision or

money for the day and night of Eid for himself and his
dependents. If he has less than this then Sadaqatul Fitr will not
be compulsory on him.

Although Sadaqatul Fitr becomes Waajib (compulsory) at sunset

on the last day of Ramadhaan, it can be given from the
beginning of Ramadhaan. It is best to have already given it
before one proceeds for the Eid Salaah. It is Makrooh to delay it
for after the Eid Salaah till sunset of the day of Eid. It is sinful
and Haraam to delay it for after the day of Eid.

The amount to be given is 2.5 kg of grain or flour from the

staple diet of the locality. Either the grain or flour or the value of
it can be given to the needy. When Sadaqatul Fitr has to be
given, find out the current value from an Aalim in your locality.

Sadaqatul Fitr can only be given to certain people and these are
the same people that Zakaah can be given to. Details of this will
be explained in the book on Zakaah, Inshaa Allah Ta’aala.

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 I’ITIKAAF

I’itikaaf is another important and valuable Sunnah of

Ramadhaan.

I’itikaaf means to stay in a Masjid with an intention.

It is Mustahabb to make an intention of Nafl I’itikaaf when

entering a Masjid. This I’itikaaf will last as long as one remains
in the Masjid. The I’itikaaf will terminate when one leaves. By
making the Niyyah of Nafl I’itikaaf whenever entering a Masjid,
e.g. when going for Salaah, extra reward will be earned. This
Niyyah can be made in the following words:

، ‫ـم ْس ِج ِد‬ َ ‫اْل ْعتِك‬

َ ‫َاف ِهللِ َع َّز َو َج َّل َما ُد ْم ُت ِف ا ْل‬
ِ ْ ‫نَْي ُت‬
َْ

I MAKE THE NIYYAH OF NAFL I’ITIKAAF FOR ALLAH

AZZA WA JALL, FOR AS LONG AS I REMAIN IN THE
MASJID.

A person should make it a habit of making the Niyyah of Nafl

I’itikaaf whenever he enters the Masjid.

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 THE I’ITIKAAF OF RAMADHAAN

This I’itikaaf is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasised Sunnah). This

I’itikaaf begins on the 20th eve at the time of Maghrib (after the
19th fast) and ends when the moon of Shawwaal is sighted. Thus
the person intending I’itikaaf must be in the Masjid before
sunset on the 20th eve.

The purpose of this I’itikaaf is to seek Laylatul Qadr. Laylatul

Qadr is a night which is worth more than one thousand months
(approximately eighty-three years). A person fortunate enough
to spend this night in worship receives the reward of at least one
thousand months of worship (Ibaadah).

It is mentioned that Laylatul Qadr usually falls on any night

during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan, so seek it in those ten
nights.

Although it is not necessary to sit in I’itikaaf to seek Laylatul

Qadr, it is the best way to do it. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
wa Sallam) also used to sit in I’itikaaf.

A person sitting in I’itikaaf for these ten days frees himself from
worldly activities and engages himself in the remembrance of
Allah through recitation of the Qur’aan, Salaah, Thikr, gaining
knowledge, etc.

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 RULES OF THIS I’ITIKAAF

It has to take place in a Masjid.

The intention (Niyyah) must be made.

The I’itikaaf begins on the 20th eve of Ramadhaan and ends

when the Eid moon is sighted. Thus this I’itikaaf can be for nine
or ten days.

The person intending this I’itikaaf must be in the Masjid before

sunset of the 20th eve.

It is best to make this I’itikaaf in a Masjid wherein Salaatul

Jumu’ah takes place. If Salaatul Jumu’ah does not take place in
the Masjid then the Mu’takif (person in I’itikaaf) will go for
Salaatul Jumu’ah to a Masjid where it takes place and return to
the Masjid of I’itikaaf immediately thereafter.

The person must remain within the boundaries of the Masjid. If

he leaves the boundaries of the Masjid without a valid reason,
the I’itikaaf will break.

If he leaves the boundaries of the Masjid for a valid reason and

returns thereafter, the I’itikaaf is still intact. Examples of valid
reasons: going to toilet, Wudhu, etc. If Ghusl becomes
compulsory during I’itikaaf (because of a wet dream), the
person should hasten in making Ghusl. If a person delays the
Ghusl unnecessarily, the I’itikaaf will break.

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 PREFERRED ACTS DURING I’ITIKAAF

* Recitation of the Qur’aan.

* Thikr.

* Gaining Islamic knowledge.

* Not to speak anything but good. He must refrain from

backbiting, futile talk and actions.

A person unable to sit for the full I’itikaaf of ten days should not
deprive himself completely. Whenever possible he should spend
a night or part thereof in the Masjid, engaged in Ibaadah, with
the intention of Nafl I’itikaaf.

If a lady wishes to make I’itikaaf, she can choose an area in her

house and sit for I’itikaaf in that area.

Rajab 1434 (June 2013)

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