Ramadan Rules for Fasting: So Ramadan has started and everyone is trying to make up for the previous Ramadan as this time, we’re quarantined at home and have so much time on our hands. Previously, we were busy with other rituals and caught up in other chores but this Ramadan feels like it’s very special as Allah gave us so much time. Fasting was prescribed not just for this Muslim Ummah (nation) of Prophet Muhammad SAWW but also for the people before us, as Qur’an says:
“O’ you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may achieve Taqwaa (righteousness, God-fearing).” [Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 183]
Only Ramadan Rules for Fasting
We can clearly see that fasting is solely done to gain Taqwa; fear of Allah. All the other reasons we so commonly hear are true somewhat like, some people say it is done just so we feel what poor people go through, so we feel their hunger and thirst and help them out throughout the year. That, too, is true but the main purpose here is to live a life fearing Allah and hoping for rewards from him not just in this world but the world hereafter, too.
And so, Prophet Muhammad said:
“Whoever observes the fast during the month of Ramadan, (while) believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, will have his past sins forgiven.” [Reported by Imaam Bukhaari, Muslim]
There are Ramadan Rules for Fasting given by Prophet Muhammad SAWW himself which we’ll discuss below.
1- Can u kiss during Ramadan?
The simple and clear answer to the question is BIG NO!!
2) Make your intention
We now know one reason why Prophet SAWW said: “Take Suhoor for there’s a blessing in it.” (Al-Bukhari) because of every morning when we get up to eat Suhoor, we’ll intend to fast for Allah SWT only. This is very important as Prophet SAWW said:
“Actions are (judged) by motives (Niyyah), so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration (Hijrah) was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated.”
[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
2) No eating or drinking
One main Ramadan rule for fasting which even kids know today is that drinking or eating anything even your medicine nullifies the fast. However, if you accidentally eat or drink something, that is given to you by Allah so you shouldn’t think your fast has been broken.
Prophet Muhammad SAWW said, “Whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, then he still completes his fast. It is only Allah who fed him and gave him drink.” [Bukhari]
In another narration, the Prophet SAWW said, “If a fasting person eats forgetfully, it is only provisioned Allah put forth to him and there is no makeup upon him.” [Bukhari]
3) Intentionally vomiting
If somehow you unintentionally vomit, your fast remains. But intentionally vomiting breaks your fast.
“Whoever cannot help vomiting does not have to do anything but whoever makes himself vomit deliberately has to make up that day.” (Hadith of Prophet SAWW narrated by Abu Dawood)
4) Getting your monthly
Menstrual bleeding or childbirth nullifies your fast even if you got your period a few minutes before sunset. You will have to make up for it after Ramadan for however many days you miss it for. Your fast become invalid after childbirth, too.
5) Intentional Intercourse
Another important Ramadan rule for fasting is not to have intercourse with your spouse as this act will also make your fast invalid. However, there’s Kaffarah (which expiates your sin of breaking your fast) and Fidyah (giving money) which also expiates your sin. But if you’re young and able to fast some other day for your broken fast, do so after Ramadan.
Fidyah can be given by an ill person who knows he/ she won’t be able to fast during Ramadan or even afterwards, so they can give money for each missed fast to the poor and needy or give ration.
Ramadan rule for fasting for someone who misses a fast for some reason (i.e being ill of fever or some other type of sickness) but is healthy enough to fast and make up for the missed days during Ramadan, they have to fast after Ramadan in order to ‘pay’ and make up for their fasts.
Some things that you can do that don’t nullify your fast:
- Taking a shower
- Using Siwaak to clean your mouth (scholars have included brushing your teeth for as long as you don’t swallow your toothpaste)
- Applying Kohl/ kajal/ eyeliner/ makeup (at home)
- Taking shots/ injections through your body (not through nose or mouth)
- Accidental consuming of food or drinking of water
- Kissing or hugging your spouse
There’re a lot more details and you could consult a scholar for that. Hope you like this blog and come back to read more!