The Basics of Fasting For All Muslims
The Basics of Fasting according to the Shafi’i School
(An abridged and edited version of a pamphlet written in Arabic by Shaykh Amjad Rasheed.)
- The Ruling of Fasting Ramadan
- Integrals
- Recommended Measures
- Excuses that permit one not to fast
- Making up Missed Fasts
- Payment
- Expiation
Allah is praised, Lord of the Worlds. Blessings and peace on our master Muhammad and his folk and companions, one and all.
The following rulings about the fast should be known, applied, and taught to one’s family and whoever does not know them.
- The Ruling of Fasting Ramadan
Fasting Ramadan is personally obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty is sane and can fast. It is not obligatory for a non-Muslim, a child, an insane person, or someone unable to fast (such as someone of advanced years or someone who is continuously [muzmin] sick).
- Integrals of the fast
Fasting has only two integrals: (1) the intention and (2) abstention from the nullifiers of the fast.
- Recommended Measures while Fasting
- Warning: Let the fasting Muslim who is avid for his religion and the pleasure of his Master beware lest he concludes his day of fasting by breaking it with smoking, having finished off his good work with an unlawful act that Allah is not pleased with. Whoever prefers Allah, Allah will prefer him.
- Warning: Let the fasting Muslim who is avid for his religion and the pleasure of his Master beware lest he concludes his day of fasting by breaking it with smoking, having finished off his good work with an unlawful act that Allah is not pleased with. Whoever prefers Allah, Allah will prefer him.
- Excuses that Permit one not to Fast
- Making up Missed Fasts
- Payment [fidya]
- Expiation [kaffara]