Fasting is one of the most important pillars of Islam. In this detailed guide, you will learn about the types and conditions of Fasting.
Definition of Fasting (Siyaam)
Linguistic definition: To abstain from something.
Islamic definition: Worshipping Allah by abstaining from food, drink and other actions which invalidate a person’s fast, from true dawn to sunset.
The pillars of Fasting
There are two main pillars of Fasting:
1. A sincere intention (Niyyah).
2. Abstaining from anything that invalidates the fast.
Types of fasts and their Niyyah (intention)
So, what are the types of Fasts and what is the intention behind each:
Obligatory fast
This includes the month of Ramadhan, expiations and vows. A person must make an intention the night before he fasts i.e. before the Fajr prayer. It is sufficient for a person to make a single intention for the whole month at the beginning of Ramadhan. The intention is in the heart, and pronouncing it verbally is a Bid’ah (innovation).
Voluntary fast
The intention is made at any time of the day, as long as a person has not eaten or done something which would invalidate the fast. The reward for a voluntary fast is according to how early a person intends and begins his fast.
Conditions for the obligation of a Fast
1. Islaam: Fasting is only accepted from Muslims.
2. Intellect: A person who is mentally disabled does not fast.
3. Puberty: After the age of puberty, fasting is an obligation. However when a young child reaches the age of distinction (Tamyeez) then he is encouraged and trained to fast by the guardian.
4. Residence: Fasting is not obligated upon a traveling person, although it is better to fast as long as there is no difficulty upon him. Why?
a. The Prophet ﷺ often fasted whilst on a journey.
b. The fast need not be made up at a later date.
c. It is easier to fast during Ramadhan.
d. A person gains the virtue of the month of Ramadhan.
5. Health: An ill or weak person does not need to fast.
6. Purity: From menstruation and post-natal bleeding. Wudhu is not a condition for Fasting.
Fasting for the ill
The conditions of fasting during illness are:
Chronic illness
A weak or old person also falls under this category. There is no obligation to fast in this state. However, a poor person must be fed for each day missed. Each poor person must be given staple food of the locality such as wheat or rice to the measure a half a Saa’ (approx. 1.5kg). It is also encouraged to give a condiment of meat and sauce. If this cannot be afforded, nothing is obligated.
Temporary illness
A menstruating woman, a woman suffering from post-natal bleeding, a breastfeeding woman all fall under this category. They must make up the missed fasts at a later date according to the number of days
