SOME IMPORTANT RULES OF FASTING

This work details the spiritual and legal requirements of fasting during the month of Ramadaan. It categorizes fasting into three distinct levels: the common folk, who restrain their stomach and private parts from prohibited acts; the elite, who additionally protect their entire body and senses from sin; and the super elite, who abstain from everything other than the remembrance of Allah. The text provides specific guidance on the timing and nature of niyyat (intention), the rules regarding missed fasts due to illness or menstruation, and the consequences of intentionally breaking a fast.

Spiritual levels of fasting

• Fasting of the common folk involves restraining the stomach and private parts from eating, drinking, and sexual intimacy ▸page 6.
• Fasting of the elite includes the restrictions of the common folk while also protecting the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, feet, and entire body from sinful acts ▸page 6.
• Fasting of the super elite involves abstaining from everything that is not for the sake of Allah and directing one's attention solely toward Him ▸page 7.

Rules of Niyyat

• Permissible time for Niyyat extends from after sunset until Zahwa e Kubra (midday as stipulated by Shariah) ▸page 7.
• Nature of Niyyat is an act of the heart; while it is not a condition to speak it aloud, it is mustahab (desirable) to do so ▸page 7.
• Eating Sehri is considered a valid intention for fasting, provided the person does not simultaneously intend not to fast the next day ▸page 10.
• Frequency of Niyyat must be renewed for every individual day of Ramadaan; an intention made for the entire month on the first day is only valid for that first day ▸page 10.
• Niyyat at night for the following day is performed using the following words:

  Nawaytu An Asooma Ghadan Lillahi Ta’aala Min Fardi Ramadaana Haadha I have made Niyyat that I will keep for Allah, the Fard Fast of this Ramadaan, tomorrow ▸page 8

• Niyyat for the current day is performed using the following words:

  Nawaytu An Asoomu Haadhal Yawma Lillahi Ta’aala Min Fardi Ramadaan I have made Niyyat, that today, for Allah I will keep the Fard Fast of Ramadaan ▸page 8

• Validity of Niyyat during menstruation occurs if a woman makes the intention at night and becomes pure from haidh (menstruation) or nifaas (post-natal bleeding) before Subho Saadiq (True Dawn) ▸page 9.
• Absence of Niyyat results in an invalid fast if a person knows it is Ramadaan but neither makes an intention to fast nor an intention not to fast ▸page 9.

Breaking the fast and missed days

• Intentional breaking of a fast in Ramadaan requires both the qaza (making up) of that day and a kaffarah (compensation) of sixty continuous fasts (▸page 10, ▸page 11).
• Missed fasts due to menstruation must be kept after the month of Ramadaan; failing to do so is considered sinful ▸page 10.
• Missed fasts due to illness must be made up after the month of Ramadaan once the person has recovered and is able to fast ▸page 11.