In Islam, one needs to be Muslim, of sound mind, and have reached puberty to be deemed accountable. These criteria also apply to fasting. Therefore, in order for an individual to be accountable for Ramadan fasting, they need to be Muslim, of sound mind, and have reached puberty (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 87). While some people possess the necessary qualities to be accountable for acts of worship, they may be excused from fasting due to certain circumstances. Although children who have not reached puberty yet are not held accountable for worship, it is encouraged for them to engage in prayer and fasting to become accustomed to these practices. In this respect, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) recommended that children from seven years of age until ten be made accustomed to performing prayer (Abu Dawud, Salat, 26).
When and how should one make an intention to fast?
To observe fasting, it is essential to express an intention, just as in all other forms of worship. Simply abstaining from food and drink without intending to fast does not constitute fasting. Therefore, articulating the intention for fasting is a prerequisite, regardless of whether the fasting is obligatory (fardh), obligatory as a duty (wajib), or voluntary (nafl). When one decides on something and puts effort to make it happen, then such a person is considered to have made the intention. It is deemed commendable to express this intention verbally. Waking up for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is also considered a means of the same intention. The time frame for intending to fast during Ramadan, for votive fasting (nadhr), and for voluntary fasting starts from sunset and extends until mid-morning, allowing flexibility in making the intention within this period. Islamic scholars, however, have allocated a broader range of time to make the intention. The time to make the intention for Ramadan fasting, votive fast (nadhr), and superorgatory (nafl) fasting starts from sunset and continues until the middle of the morning. However, it is inappropriate to form the intention for fasting before sunset, at noon, or any time between noon and sunset. Making the intention until noon is permissible under the condition that no action invalidating the fast is performed from dawn until the time of intention. Since each day of fasting in Ramadan constitutes a separate act of worship, the intention should be made individually for each day. It is not acceptable to make a single intention encompassing all the days of Ramadan.
What is the importance of the suhoor meal in Islam?
Suhoor is the meal eaten before imsak at night by people intending to fast. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) would wake up for suhoor and encouraged and advised the ummah (Bukhari, Sawm, 19, 20) to do the same. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) expressed that there is a “blessing (barakah)” in the suhoor meal (Bukhari, Sawm, 20) and highlighted suhoor as a distinguishing practice between the fasting of Muslims and the People of the Book (Muslim, Siyam, 46). Based on his hadiths and practices regarding suhoor, Muslim jurists have deemed waking up for suhoor and delaying the suhoor meal as late as possible as sunnah (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 105). Scholars state that suhoor provides strength for fasting and facilitates the attainment of blessings, both materially and spiritually. This is because by waking up for suhoor, people will be awake for the time of dawn and can partake in prayers and seek forgiveness, thereby attaining the virtues associated with the people of paradise (Dhariyat, 51:18). Consequently, starting the fast with such spiritual fervor enhances one’s experience of fasting and brings about a sense of liveliness and spiritual joy. Given the moral and material blessings associated with suhoor, it is imperative not to overlook this time-honored practice.
Can we observe fasting on the days of Eid?
The days of Eid come at the top of the list of days when fasting is prohibited. It is considered makruh tahrimi to fast on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and all four days of Eid al-Adha (Mawsili, al-Ikhtiyar, I, 395-396; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, III, 336). The reason why it is disliked and forbidden to fast on these days is that Eid days are meant for celebration, enjoyment, and communal feasting. Eid al-Fitr is considered “a general iftar feast” offered after one month of fasting performed for the sake of Allah (swt). The first day of Eid al-Fitr is akin to a grand iftar feast, symbolizing the culmination of the fasting period. Fasting on such a day is considered as neglecting to participate in the symbolic feast of Allah (swt), which is obviously disrespectful. Similarly, Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a time when sacrifices are made for the sake of Allah (swt). These days are also regarded as days of feasting and celebration. Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated that the days of tashreeq (the three days following Eid al-Adha) are for eating, drinking, and praising Allah (swt) (Bukhari, Sawm, 66-67; Abu Dawud, Sawm, 49).
Does eating or drinking something forgetfully invalidate the fast?
Eating or drinking something forgetfully does not invalidate the fast. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah.” (Bukhari, Sawm, 26) A person who eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting should spit that thing and wash his/her mouth immediately, and then continue fasting. If something is swallowed after remembering that one was fasting, it invalidates fasting (Marghinani, al-Hidayahh, II, 253-254).
