Fasting inRamadan–A Guide for New Muslims
www.newmuslims.org.uk
What is fasting
• Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam
• Fasting is to abstain from consumption and certain acts between the start of dawn and sunset
• Many other faiths have or had types of fasting prescribed upon them
• Fasting in Islam is an act of worship done solely for the sake of Allah
Virtues of fasting
• The one who fasts will get multiple rewards from Allah
• Fasting is a shield from the fireof Hell
• In the hereafter, fasting will intercede for the one who fasted
• The one who fasts will be allowed to enter paradise through a special gate called Ar-Rayyaan
The Islamic month of Ramadanand its virtues
• The commencement and ending of Ramadan is dependent upon the sighting of the new moon
• It is theninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and can consist of 29 or 30 days
• It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed
• In the month of Ramadan the Shayateen are chained up
• The one who fasts sincerely in Ramadan can have his entire sins forgiven
Upon whom it is obligatory to fastin Ramadan
• It is obligatory for all to fast during the month of Ramadan
• Those who are exempt are
o Menstruating women and post natal
o Childrenbelow the age of puberty
o The insane
o The sick (short term during which fasting would harm health and long term)
o The elderlywho find it difficult to fast
o Pregnant and breastfeeding womenwho fear for themselves or the child
o The travellerwho has difficulty in fasting
Starting of the fast and its manners
• The start time of the fast is calledimsak, suhooror sehri
• This is just before twilight appears at the start of true dawn (Fajr)
• It is recommended to eat a meal called suhoor close to the time of true dawn
• If not a meal, one should at least have a sip of water
An intention to fast should be madebefore the fast