FRIDAY SERMON: Fasting in Islam
“Its Obligation, Wisdom, Categories, and the Spiritual Grandeur of Ramadan”
(With Special Emphasis on Voluntary Fasts, Charity, and Laylatul Qadr)
Mohammad younis Bhat (Zahid)
Fasting (Ṣawm) is one of the most profound acts of worship in Islam. It is not merely abstaining from food and drink, but a comprehensive spiritual discipline aimed at purifying the soul, strengthening self-control, developing patience, and attaining closeness to Allah.
Islam is built upon five fundamental pillars, and fasting of Ramadan is the third pillar, highlighting its immense importance in a Muslim’s life.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Islam is built upon five pillars…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Thus, fasting is not optional spirituality; it is a core obligation and identity of a believer.
The Obligation of Fasting in the Light of the Qur’an
Allah Almighty declares:
“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (piety).”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:183)
This verse clearly establishes that the primary objective of fasting is the development of taqwa, a deep consciousness of Allah that governs one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions.
The Month of Ramadan: A Divinely Chosen Time
Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting; it is:
The month of the Qur’an
The month of mercy
The month of forgiveness
The month of salvation from Hellfire
Whoever witnesses this month must fast, unless excused by Shariah.
Who Is Obligated to Fast?
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon every:
Muslim
Adult (Baligh)
Sane person
Resident (not traveling)
Physically capable
Who Is Exempted from Fasting?
Islam is a religion of mercy and ease. The following individuals are exempted:
- Children (before puberty)
- Insane or mentally incapacitated persons
- Travelers (may fast later)
- Severely ill persons
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women (if harm is feared)
- Very elderly individuals (who give fidyah instead)
Allah says:
“Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
Categories of Fasting in Islam
Islamic jurisprudence classifies fasting into six categories:
- Obligatory (Farḍ) Fasts
The complete fasting of Ramadan
- Necessary (Wājib) Fasts
Fasts vowed through a pledge (Nazr)
Fasts to compensate for broken obligatory fasts
- Sunnah Fasts
The fast of Ashura (10th of Muharram)
The fast of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)
Mondays and Thursdays
Ayyam al-Beed (13th, 14th, 15th of every lunar month)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.”
(Tirmidhi)
- Voluntary (Nafl) Fasts
Six fasts of Shawwal
Frequent fasting in Sha‘ban
Any voluntary fast seeking Allah’s pleasure
Sayyidah Aishah (RA) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ would fast so much in Sha‘ban that it seemed he fasted the whole month.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
- Disliked (Makruh) Fasts
A woman fasting voluntarily without her husband’s permission
- Prohibited (Haram) Fasts
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha
The three days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)
Suhoor: A Blessed Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Eat Suhoor, for indeed there is blessing in Suhoor.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Suhoor is not just food; it is obedience, blessing, and distinction between Muslim fasting and other traditions.
The Reward of Providing Iftar
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever provides iftar to a fasting person will receive the same reward as the fasting person, without decreasing the latter’s reward.”
(Tirmidhi)
This turns Ramadan into a collective act of worship, fostering generosity and unity.
Actions That Break the Fast
A fast is invalidated by:
- Eating or drinking intentionally
- Sexual intercourse
- Intentional vomiting
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding
- Smoking or deliberate intake through mouth or nose
Charity, Zakat, and Sadaqah in Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan.
Charity in Ramadan:
Multiplies rewards
Softens hearts
Removes sins
Sadaqat al-Fitr
Purifies the fast
Helps the poor
Ensures dignity on Eid
A Special Message for Women
Ramadan should not be reduced to: Cooking
Cleaning
Kitchen duties
Women are equally commanded to: Recite Qur’an
Engage in dhikr
Make du‘a
Seek forgiveness
This month may not return — every soul must prepare.
The Last Ten Nights of Ramadan
The last ten nights are the heart of Ramadan.
The Prophet ﷺ:
Performed I‘tikaf
Stayed awake at night
Awakened his family
Increased worship intensely
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Laylatul Qadr: The Night Better Than a Thousand Months
Allah says:
“Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah al-Qadr 97:3)
One night equals over 83 years of worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and sincerity, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Most Powerful Du‘a of Laylatul Qadr
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Tirmidhi)
Conclusion
Fasting:
Purifies the soul
Builds discipline
Strengthens faith
Reforms society
Ramadan is not guaranteed to return.
Success belongs to those who understand its value and live its spirit.
And Allah knows best.
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