Fasting is abstaining from taking food, drinks, having sexual relations, bad manners and other things similar to that during the whole (one month) 29 or 30 days every year, from dawn till sunset with the intention of pleasing Allaah SWT, the mighty and exalted.
The Prophet SAW used to place much value on the holy month of Ramadhaan. He is reported to have said:”:
When the month of Ramadhaan sets in, every captive is set free, and every needy one is given what he asks.
And He ( S.A.W) used to advise his companions: Whoever of you refines his behaviour, Allaah helps him to cross the path leading to paradise which others feet slip in it and he also said fasting does not do anyone good if he does not check his ( one’s ) tongue, hearing, sight and sense.
Those that must fast compulsorily
The Fasting of the month of Ramadhaan is compulsory for every Muslim; male or female with the following qualifications:-
1. Mentally or physically fit.
2. Puberty or maturity age (10 and above).
3. Present at their permanent settlement i.e home.
4. Those that are sure the fasting will not cause any harm to them either physically or mentally.
Those exempted from fasting
1. Children under the age of Puberty.
2. The insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds.
3. Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardship.
4. Sick people whose health is likely to be severe and affected by the observance of fast.
5. People in the course of travelling long distances about 50 miles and above.
6. Expectant/ pregnant women and nursing women may also not fast if its observance is likely to endanger their health or that of their infants.
7. Women in the period of childbirth bleeding (An-nifaas) of a maximum of 10 days or 40 days. They are not allowed to fast even if they can and want to.
But if one intentionally breaks the fast, the person will pay it back by observing fasting for 60 consecutive days without a break and a day; This is known as ( Kafaarah andQada’a) fast as this is in accordance to the Sunnah and the opinion of the scholars but some of them said if it is by eating or drinking that there is no atonement (kafaarah) for it but they all agreed and said it is monstrous/ grievous sin from which total repentance to Allaah is necessary.
But if it is not intentional, one will only make up a day for a day i.e make up the days missed.
Wallohu ta’ala A’lam.
AsSaalimiy.
