Muslims worldwide observe fasting during Ramadan. This religious obligation has been followed for hundreds of years and is a pillar of Islam. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan and their religious obligations in light of the Holy Quran and Hadiths.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and is a must-do thing for every Muslim. The majority of Muslims are divided into two major sects, Shia and Sunni; both have this pillar in their version of Islam and observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahadah (Unity of God—Allah)
- Salah (Prayer)
- Zakat (Donation)
- Sawm (Fasting)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Why do Muslims Fast in Ramadan— according to the Quran
As mentioned above, Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, and a Muslim fasts during the holy month of Ramadan to attain Allah’s mercy and blessings. Here are a few references from the Quran that will define the reasons Muslims fast during Ramadan.
To have Allah’s mercy
Muslims fast during Ramadan because it is ordered by Allah. The Quran says in Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 183, O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.
In Verse 185, the Quran says that Ramadan was the month in which the Quran was completed; therefore, whoever finds Ramadan must fast, but if you are ill or traveling, then you can fast for an equal number of days in the coming months. The moral of the story is that you must fast because Allah has commanded it.
To have rewards
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan to collect rewards from Allah which he has promised in the Quran Surah Al-Ahzab Verse 35, “the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).”
To find the Big Night (Night of Qadr)
The Night of Qarar is the night the Holy Quran was completed. It is believed to be the most sacred night in Islam and is hidden during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is believed to be the best time to pray, ask for forgiveness, do charity, recite the Holy Quran, etc.
In Surah Al-Qadar Verse 1, Allah says, We have sent it (the Qur’ān) down in the Night of Qadr. In Verse 3, it is said that The Night of Qadr is much better than one thousand months.
The Quran states that fasting is mandatory during Ramadan. Fasting has its own benefits and rewards, such as Paradise. The Quran was completed during the month of Ramadan, so it’s necessary to collect all the benefits from the month, especially on the night of Qadar.
Why do Muslims Fast in Ramadan— according to Hadiths
There are various references to fasting in Ramadan in the Hadiths. Here are a few references and reasons to fast in Ramadan.
To avoid Hell and it’s fire
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan to avoid Hell’s fire. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Indeed your Lord said: ‘Every good deed is rewarded with ten of the same up to seven hundred times over. Fasting is for Me, and I shall reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield from the Fire.” Trimidhi 764
The Hadith clearly mentions that Allah has promised that he will protect anyone who fasts during Ramadan because the fast is for him. Therefore, Muslims fast during Ramadan and never skip a single day.
Getting control over hunger and anger
Everything feels different when you are hungry and thirsty and have to follow your daily routine. A true Muslim is one who feels the meaning of fasting during Ramadan and performs his daily duties, avoiding clashes with others.
The point is you have to get control over your emotions and needs. However, it’s hard to control anger when you are hungry and thirsty and have a sleepless night (in some cases), but you have to control your emotions because you are fasting for yourself on the will of Allah.
A Hadith can define this correctly; the Prophet (PBUH) said, Fast is a shield; when one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor foolishly. If a man fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting. Abi Dawud 2363
A month of forgiveness
Ramadan is considered to be the best time for forgiveness. The last ten days are the best time to ask for forgiveness for previously committed sins. However you can pray every night in Ramadan and ask Allah’s forgiveness.
Abu Huraira (RA) said I heard Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Bukhari 2008
Removing previous sins
There is a Hadith that states that if you pray five times a day, from one Friday to another, and fast from one Ramadan to the next, all your sins in between will be forgiven, except the major sins.
Sahih Muslim 233c, “Verily the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: The five (daily) prayers and from one Friday prayer to the (next) Friday prayer, and from Ramadhan to Ramadhan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals) provided one shuns the major sins.”
Conclusion
From the Quran and Hadith, we can conclude that fasting in Ramadan is highly rewarded and is the best way to collect Allah’s closeness and blessings. However, there are certain limitations to fasting, which we will mention later in this blog.
Do Muslims fast only in Ramadan?
The majority of Muslims fast during Ramadan, but fasting in Islam is not limited to Ramadan only. Although it is an obligation to fast during Ramadan, Muslims are also seen fasting in other months and on specific dates.
Several Muslims fast in Shawal and on Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram). Fasting in the month of Shawal was practiced by the Holy Prophet. In a Hadith from Riyad-al-Salihin 1254, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.”
Fasting on Ashura (10th of the month of Muharram)
Before fasting for the month of Ramadan was made compulsory, the people, including the Holy Prophet (PBUH), used to fast on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram). However, this practice was abandoned when fasting in Ramadan was made compulsory.
However, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) fasts on the day of Ashura. Ibn Abbas was asked about observing of fast on the day of Ashura, whereupon he said:
Fasting on the day of Arafah (9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah)
Fasting on the day of Arafah is one of the most practiced and popular things in the Muslim world. It has its own benefits and advantages. Here is a Hadith for your reference.
Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” He was also asked about fasting on the day of Ashura (the 10th of the month of Muharram). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Ashura is an expiation for the preceding year.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was also asked about fasting on Monday, and he replied, “This is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent (with the Message of Islam) and the day on which I received revelation.”
However, if you performing Hajj, then fasting on the day of Arafah is not allowed and is prohibited. — Abu Huraira said that God’s messenger prohibited fasting on the day of ‘Arafa at ‘Arafa. Mishkat 2062
When are Muslims allowed to skip fast?
Fasting is a pillar of Islam, and without it, the religion is incomplete. Allah has been ordered to keep fast during Ramadan, but he has shown his mercy to anyone who is traveling or not well.
For travellers
Narrated from Abu Qilabah that Abu Umayyah Ad-Damri told him that: he came to the Messenger of Allah from a journey and he was fasting. The Messenger of Allah said to him, “Won’t you come and have meal for the breakfast?” He said: “I am fasting.” The Messenger of Allah said: “Come and I will tell you about fasting. Allah, the mighty and sublime, has waived fasting and half of the prayer from the traveler.”
For Sick
Those who are sick can skip fast in the month of Ramadan but they have to fast when they are well in any month before the next Ramadan.
Surah al-Baqarah 185, “But the one who is sick, or is on a journey (should fast) as much from other days (as he missed).”
For Women
Women who are on their menstrual period should avoid fasting during Ramadan. However, she has to observe those fasts later that year before the next Ramadan.
What if I eat or drink while I am fasting?
A Muslim who is fasting can only eat or drink at sunset. If you have mistakenly eaten something or drank a glass of water, don’t worry; keep going with your fast because it was unintentional.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting), he should complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink.” Riyad-as-Salihin 1242
Wrap Up
From the Quran and Hadith, we can conclude that fasting is one of the most beloved things a Muslim can give to its creator. Muslims fast during Ramadan because Allah has made it compulsory.
We have presented several verses from the Quran and a few Hadiths to explain why Muslims observe fast during the month of Ramadan. We will be updating this blog with new and relevant information, if there is any.
FAQs
How many days are in Ramadan?
The holy month of Ramadan is 29 or 30 days.
What is the fasting time in Ramadan?
The time of fasting is described from sunrise to sunset. Muslims keep their fast before the morning prayer (Fajar) and break it at sunset after the evening prayer (Maghrib).
What is the duration of fasting during Ramadan?
The time duration of fasting depends on where you live. On average, the fasting time in Ramadan is 14 hours.
Last year, New Zealand and Chile were the countries to have the shortest fasting hours, 12 hours and 42 minutes. However, Greenland and Iceland observed a 17+ hours fasting time last year.
Why do Muslims break fast with dates?
Muslims all over the world prefer breaking fast with dates because it is sunnah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) loved dates and used them to break his fast.
Why do Muslims give charity in Ramadan?
Giving charity is the third pillar of Islam. Zakat can be given in any month, but since every good deed and religious obligation is more rewarding during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims prefer to give it in that month.
What is the reason for fasting in Ramadan?
There are several reasons to fast in Ramadan.
- It is a religious obligation
- It was practiced by the Holy Prophet
- Quran was completed this month
- Others
Why does Allah want us to fast in Ramadan?
Allah does not benefit from your fast, but you do. By keeping your mouth dry and stomach empty, you are submitting to Allah’s will. You are also doing your daily tasks and routine jobs in the state of fasting and avoiding engagement in a fight or sexual activity. Here is a list of sex positions banned in Islam.
All of this is loved by Allah, and he promised to reward the one who observes during Ramadan.
What are the reasons for not fasting during Ramadan?
A person is allowed to skip fasting in Ramadan for the following reasons.
- He is a traveler
- He is sick
- She is on her menstrual cycle or pregnant
- Children under puberty
- On Hajj
Is there a dua to breaking the fast?
Yes there is, Allaahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu. One must say Bismillah before starting his meal and say Alhamdulliah after ending it.
Is there a dua for fasting?
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan.
