Fasting

Fasting in Islam

Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing, fighting, and having lustful thoughts. Therefore, fasting strengthens control of impulses and helps develop good behavior. During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul harmonizes the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Overindulgence in food is discouraged and eating only enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged. Muslims believe they should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty. On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be good moral character and habits.

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Ramadan 

The month of Ramadan is a month devoted to fasting. It is a month circulating around obligatory fasting, as it is a pillar of Islam. Do you ever wonder why Ramadan is considered such a holy month? It is because fasting is an incredible act of worship that is very much loved by Allah (s.w.t).

It is said that Allah (s.w.t) considers fasting as a deed dedicated to Him as opposed to the individual. Therefore, it is no surprise that fasting is a beloved action of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). So much so, that there were days that he would fast outside of the month of Ramadan:

Sunnah fasting (voluntary fasting). Because as it was such a strong act of worship that was greatly loved by the Creator (Allah (s.w.t)), then it made sense that this act be voluntarily practiced throughout the rest of the year. And on these occasions, they carry more reward and more blessings from Allah

Fasting is obligatory for every Muslim one month in the year, during Ramadan. Each day, the fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. During this time Muslims are asked to remember those who are less fortunate than themselves as well as bringing them closer to God. Non obligatory fasts are two days a week as well as the middle of the month, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad.

Although fasting at Ramadan is fard (obligatory), exceptions are made for persons in particular circumstances:

 Prepubescent children; though some parents will encourage their children to fast earlier for shorter periods, so the children get used to fasting.
  Unconditional vomiting because the food leaves through an unintentional part of the gut.
 Serious illness; the days lost to illness will have to be made up after recovery.
    If one is traveling but one must make up any days missed upon arriving at one's destination.
    A woman during her menstrual period; although she must count the days she missed and make them up later.
    A woman till forty days after giving birth to child or miscarriage. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan or they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.
    A woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan or they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.
    An ill person or old person who is not physically able to fast. They should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed if they are financially capable.
    A mentally ill person.
    For elders who will not be able to fast, a lunch meal (or an equivalent amount of money) is to be donated to the poor or needy for each day of missed fasting. 

Sunna days

Muslims are suggested to do sunnah fasting on particular days:

    Arafah fasting; to do fasting on the ninth of Dhū al-Ḥijjah month for those who are not performing hajj.
    On the first nine day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah month.
    Tasu'a fasting; to do fasting on the ninth of Muḥarram month to start off the next day fasting so they can differ themselves from the Christian and the Jews.
    Ashura fasting; optional fasting on the tenth of Muḥarram month.
    Shawwāl fasting; to do fasting 6 days on any day of Shawwāl month.
    Monday-Thursday fasting; to do fasting every Monday and Thursday, except for the forbidden days.
    Daud (David) fasting; to do fasting and not to do the fasting the next day, everyday.

Forbidden days

Fasting is forbidden on these days:
    Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal)
    Tashriq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhu al-Hijjah) in accordance with Sunni Islam.