• Islamic Roza (Fasting)
• By: gatewaytoquran

What is Fasting?

Fasting in Islam means to abstain from eating, drinking, and marital relations from early dawn (Subh Sadiq) until sunset, with the intention (Niyyat) of observing the fast. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds great significance for every Muslim.

The Importance of Fasting in Ramadan

1. A Command from Allah: Fasting in the month of Ramadan is Farz (obligatory) for every Muslim who is mature and sane.
2. Great Rewards: Allah promises immense rewards for those who fast, while severe punishment is in store for those who deliberately neglect this duty.
3. Spiritual Growth: Fasting teaches self-discipline, increases piety (Taqwa), and strengthens the bond with Allah.
4. Moral and Physical Benefits: It helps in controlling desires, developing patience, and detoxifying the body.

The Intention (Niyyat) of Fasting

• Making Niyyat (intention) is necessary for the fast to be valid.
• The intention does not have to be spoken aloud; it is sufficient to intend it in the heart.
• For Farz Mu’ayyan (obligatory fasts like Ramadan), Sunnah, and Mustahab fasts, the Niyyat can be made until midday.
• For Farz Ghair Mu’ayyan and Wajib Ghair Mu’ayyan (such as missed fasts or vows), the Niyyat must be made before dawn.

Du’a for Breaking the Fast

At the time of breaking the fast, it is recommended to recite: Allaahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘ala rizq-ika aftarthu
(O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You, and I break my fast with Your sustenance.)

Mustahab (Recommended) Actions in Fasting

1. Eating Sehri (pre-dawn meal).
2. Delaying Sehri until just before dawn.
3. Breaking the fast immediately after sunset.
4. Breaking the fast with dates or, if unavailable, with water.
5. Making the Niyyat at night before fasting.

Good Deeds to Perform While Fasting

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is also a time to increase in good deeds and worship. Some beneficial acts include:

1. Reciting the Quran daily and understanding its meaning.
2. Performing extra prayers (Nafl Salah, Taraweeh, and Tahajjud).
3. Giving charity to the poor and needy.
4. Helping others by being kind, patient, and forgiving.
5. Making lots of Du’a and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
6. Avoiding sins such as lying, backbiting, and arguing.
7. Engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) throughout the day.

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Makrooh (Disliked) Acts While Fasting

1. Chewing gum, rubber, or plastic items.
2. Tasting food unnecessarily and spitting it out.
3. Swallowing saliva deliberately to quench thirst.
4. Delaying a required bath (Ghusl) until after dawn.
5. Using toothpaste or tooth powder (Miswaak is allowed).
6. Complaining about hunger or thirst.
7. Excessively rinsing the mouth or nose.
8. Quarreling, arguing, or using indecent language.
9. Backbiting, lying, or swearing, as they are sinful even when not fasting.

What Breaks the Fast?

If a fast is broken, it requires either Qaza (makeup fast) or Kaffarah (expiation).

Qaza (Makeup Fast)

If a fast is broken accidentally or for a valid reason, one must fast another day to make up for it.

Kaffarah (Expiation for Breaking Fast Deliberately)

If someone breaks the fast intentionally without a valid reason, they must:

1. Fast continuously for 60 days, or if unable, then:
2. Feed 60 poor people two full meals, or
3. Feed one poor person two meals a day for 60 days, or
4. Give 1.6 kg of wheat (or its value in cash) to 60 poor people, or
5. Give the same amount of wheat, rice, or food grains to one poor person for 60 days.

Conclusion

Fasting in Ramadan is not just a duty but a means of spiritual and personal growth. It teaches discipline, patience, and gratitude while bringing Muslims closer to Allah. By observing the rules and etiquettes of fasting, one can attain both worldly and eternal benefits.