Rules Relating To Fasting In Ramadan

The ummah (Community of believers) is agreed hat fasting the month of Ramadan is obligatory, it is a pillar from the pillars of Islam and the evidence for this ruling comes from the Qur’aan, sunnah and Ijmaa’ (consensus o the scholars).

Evidence from Qur’aan

The statement of Allah:

“O Ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may become Al Muttaqoon (pious, God fearing) (Albaqarah 183)

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month……” ( Al Baqarah 185)

Evidence From Sunnah

The statement of the Prophet (PBUH)

1. from the hadeeth of ibn Umar (R ): “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is his Messenger, the establighment of salaat, the giving of Zakaah, the pilgrimage to Makka and the fast of Ramadan” (Agreed Upon – Bukhari & Muslim)
   
   
2. from the hadeeth of Talha bin ubaidilah (R ):

“… The Bedouin further asked, Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for m as regards fasting. “ He replied, you have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as mawaafil (supererogatory)….” (Agreed upon and the words are from Bukhari)

IJMAA’ (Consensus of the scholars)

The scholars are unanimous on the compulsion of fasting in Ramadan and anyone rejecting it (compulsion of fasting in Ramadan) is a kaafir who has deserted Islam.

How is The Month Confirmed

The start of the month is confirmed by sighting the crescent even by one Aadil (Just) individual or by completion of 30 days in Sha’baan.