What is fasting?
The Arabic word “Sawm” means “to abstain”, whereas in the terminology of Shariah, fasting is defined as refraining from eating, drinking, and intimacy from true dawn (Subh Sadiq) until sunset with the intention of fasting.
Fasting of ramadan
“Ramdan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In this month, Allah Almighty made fasting (Roza) obligatory for Muslims. In this month, the Holy Quran was revealed to Muslims. Allah Almighty says in the Quran about this month:”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَحِيدَةٍ أُخَرَةٍ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon whom?
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on every Muslim who is of sound mind, adult, male, and female.”
Who is exempt from fasting in Ramadan?
A person who is elderly and, due to old age, will not be able to fast in the future is exempt. For such a person, instead of fasting each day, they should give one Sadaqah al-Fitr. The value of one Sadaqah al-Fitr is the equivalent of 2 kilograms minus 40 grams of wheat or its flour.”
Who can skip fasting in Ramadan?
A breastfeeding woman who fears for her own or her child’s life can skip fasting in Ramadan, but she must make up for the missed fasts later. Similarly, a traveler, meaning a person who has left their home with the intention of traveling at least 92 km, can also skip fasting. Likewise, a sick person is also permitted to skip fasting, but all these individuals must make up for the missed fasts after Ramadan.”
Which things break the fast?
- Delivering anything to the stomach or brain, whether as medicine or food and drink, through the nose or mouth.
- Instilling any kind of medicinal drops into the eyes.
- Deliberately inhaling steam through the nose.
- or any kind of smoke, such as from cigarettes,
- Engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Intentionally vomiting, and it is mouthful.
In all these cases, the fast is broken.If the fast is deliberately broken, expiation (kaffarah) is obligatory.
Expiation of the fast
In the case of deliberately breaking the fast, expiation (kaffarah) is obligatory. The expiation for one fast is to observe 60 consecutive fasts. If there is a gap, then the 60 fasts must be started again from the beginning, or feeding 60 needy people. This is the expiation for breaking one fast. If someone does not fast due to any reason or out of laziness, then after Ramadan, a compensatory fast (qada) must be observed for each missed fast.
What things do not break the fast?
- Forgetfully eating or drinking does not break the fast.
- Applying oil to the head or body does not break the fast.
- Bathing does not break the fast, but care should be taken that while rinsing the mouth or putting water into the nose, the water does not go inside.
- Lying, backbiting, not offering salah, and using obscene language do not break the fast, but they take away its spiritual light.
- After rinsing the mouth, swallowing the remaining water does not break the fast.
- Vomiting, no matter how much, if it happens on its own, does not break the fast.
- Applying surma (kohl) does not break the fast, but if anything other than surma, such as kajal, is applied, the fast will be broken.
- Using a miswak does not break the fast, as long as excessive particles do not enter the throat.
- Placing something on the tongue and then taking it out does not break the fast, but doing so is disliked (makruh).
Ramadan fasting benefits
The arrival of Ramadan is a source of joy for Muslims and brings countless blessings. This sacred month is a great opportunity to get closer to Allah and seek His pleasure. It not only purifies the soul but also promotes physical health and helps in overcoming various illnesses. Fasting strengthens both the body and the spirit, instilling piety while also bringing peace and tranquility to the mind. Today, I will describe to you the amazing spiritual and health benefits of fasting so that as the month of Ramadan passes, its benefits remain engraved in our minds.
Health benefits of fasting
Fasting has many health benefits, but here I will mention five major benefits.
1.Blood Sugar Control
Fasting can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity. It may also lower the chances of heart disease and stroke by reducing metabolic syndrome risks. However, more research is needed to compare its effects with calorie restriction.
2.Inflammation and Heart Disease
Some studies have found that fasting can reduce inflammation levels and improve overall health. A 2022 review of 18 studies revealed that intermittent fasting significantly lowers C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. In a smaller study, it was found that people who practiced intermittent fasting for a year experienced a reduction in inflammation and certain heart disease risks, while these effects were less significant in the control group.
3.Fasting and Heart Health
Some studies have shown that fasting can be particularly beneficial for heart health. One review found that alternate-day fasting reduced total cholesterol and various heart disease risk factors in overweight individuals. Another review revealed that alternate-day fasting could significantly lower blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
4 Fasting and Brain Health
Animal studies suggest that fasting can improve brain function, increase nerve cell production, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, more research is needed to understand its effects on humans.
5.Fasting and Cancer Treatment
A review published by the American Cancer Society suggests that intermittent fasting could help in cancer treatment and prevention by reducing tumor growth and chemotherapy toxicity in some cases. However, it is recommended that fasting be done only as part of a clinical trial for those undergoing cancer treatment, as it could have negative effects in certain situations. Other studies in test tubes and animals suggest fasting may also reduce tumor progression and improve chemotherapy effectiveness. More research is needed to understand fasting’s impact on cancer development and treatment in humans.
spritual benefits of ramadan
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
English Translation:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Attain taqwa
The verse indicates that fasting is not a new form of worship, but rather it is a step of worship that was also made obligatory for the previous nations. The purpose of fasting being made obligatory is to attain taqwa (righteousness or piety).
Taqwa means to abstain. There are several levels of Taqwa:
The first level is to abstain from disbelief (Kufr),
the second is to abstain from sins,
the third is to abstain from doubtful matters (Shubhat),
and the fourth is to abstain from all worldly desires except necessities.
The greatest benefit of fasting is attaining Taqwa. A person stays away from sins and gains closeness to Allah. In a state of hunger and thirst, when no one is watching, yet he refrains from eating and drinking, thinking that Allah is watching me—in this way, he realizes the closeness of Allah.
The purification of the soul and heart
The purification of the soul and heart is a blessing of fasting. Through fasting, a person’s soul becomes pure, and it serves as a means of cleansing the heart. During fasting, a person tries to keep himself away from sins and suppresses his desires, which softens his heart. Sins harden the heart, whereas good deeds soften it.
Quality of patience
Fasting instills the quality of patience in a person. During fasting, despite experiencing intense hunger and thirst, a person does not drink water, which serves as a practice of patience. When faced with hardships, the person is prepared to endure with patience.
Help needed peoples
The blessings of fasting create a sense of awareness about the hunger and poverty of the poor. Until a person practically experiences these hardships, they do not truly understand the suffering of others. When a person remains hungry and thirsty for an entire day, they develop a realization of the hunger and thirst of the poor, which leads to helping them.
The reward of the Hereafter
The blessings of the Hereafter are prepared for the fasting person. Allah says, “Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” Similarly, there is a gate of Paradise through which only those who fast will enter. When food is placed before a fasting person, even their bones glorify Allah.
Worship and supplications of Ramadan
Each Ashra of Ramadan has a separate supplication, and the supplication of each Ashra should be recited during its respective period.
1st Ashra (First 10 Days) – Ashra of Mercy (رحمت)
اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي وَاغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
Allahumma arhamni waghfir li wa tub ‘alayya innaka anta at-Tawwabur-Raheem.
“O Allah! Have mercy on me, forgive me, and accept my repentance. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
2nd Ashra (Second 10 Days) – Ashra of Forgiveness (مغفرت)
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh.
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, and I turn to Him in repentance.”
3rd Ashra (Last 10 Days) – Ashra of Freedom from Hellfire (نجات)
اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Allahumma ajirni min an-naar.
“O Allah! Save me from the fire (of Hell).”
These are the special supplications for each Ashra (ten days) of Ramadan, helping believers seek mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire.
Recitation of the Quran
Increase your worship as much as possible in Ramadan. The Quran was revealed in this blessed month, so complete its recitation at least once
Taraweeh after Isha prayer
It is Sunnat Mu’akkadah to perform 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh after Isha prayer. Make arrangements to perform 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh daily. Performing Taraweeh daily is Sunnat Mu’akkadah. It is not permissible to pray for 3 or 10 days and then leave it the next day. Taraweeh is established as 20 Rak’ats, not less than 20. Therefore, complete the count of 20.
Giving charity and donations.
The spirit of helping the poor increases even more in the month of Ramadan. We should help the poor, and Zakat is an important means for this. Wealthy people give Zakat from their wealth to the poor, which helps them. Give your Zakat in Ramadan so that you may earn more reward, but remember that if Zakat became obligatory in Sha’ban, then it must be given in Sha’ban itself. Waiting for Ramadan would make one sinful.
Give Sadqa-e-Fitr
Hadees On Sadqa e Fitr
Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ has narrated that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ declared Sadaqa-tul-Fitr to be Wajib for purifying the Siyam [fasts] from useless and immodest talk, and for feeding the Miskeen [needy people]. (Sunan Abi Dawood,
Every person who possesses the Nisab is required to give Sadqa-e-Fitr on the morning of Eid before eid prayer for themselves and their minor children. The amount of Sadqa-e-Fitr changes every year because it is calculated based on wheat, dates, or raisins. If the prices of these items increase, the amount of Sadqa-e-Fitr also increases. Whoever wishes to give according to the value of wheat may do so, and whoever wants to give according to the value of dates may do so. Every individual can give Sadqa-e-Fitr according to their financial capacity.
- Wheat (Gandum) – $5
- Barley (Jau) – $20
- Dates (Khajoor) – $70
- Raisins (Kishmish) – $80
Calculation of zakat
Zakat is applicable on these things.
✅ Cash (in hand, bank accounts, savings, investments)
✅ Gold & Silver (jewelry, bars, coins—calculate at current market value)
✅ Business Inventory (stocks, merchandise)
✅ Investment Profits (rental income, stocks, cryptocurrency, etc.)
✅ Receivable Debts (money owed to you that is likely to be repaid)
Exclude Liabilities
❌ Personal residence, car, furniture, electronics
❌ Daily necessities & personal items
❌ Short-term debts (due within a year)
Check If You Meet the Nisab Threshold
- Gold standard: 87.48 grams (~3 ounces) of gold
- Silver standard: 612.36 grams (~21.6 ounces) of silver
- If your total assets exceed the Nisab, Zakat is due.
Calculate 2.5% of Zakatable Wealth
💰 Formula:
Zakat = Total Zakatable Assets × 2.5%
