Is it correct to make a verbal intention for fasting?
VERDICT: Intention is compulsory for anything that we do, whether praying or fasting. But, intention is linked with the heart and mind; there are no specific words to pronounce verbally. If there were, then surely there would be evidence in the ahadith, as there is for other dua such as for breaking the fast. If one breaks his fast before the correct time, due to misunderstanding, what should he do?
VERDICT: If one unknowingly breaks the fast before time, he need not pay anything in compensation or fast again. Allah has said, "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error." (Q2:286) If a person is old-and weak, unable to fast and also too poor to pay fidyah, what should he do?
VERDICT: If one is weak, old and poor, he can miss fasting for being old and weak and need not pay anything in compensation if poor. Instead, he should pray to Allah for forgiveness. Allah's principle is that He does not burden anyone more than their ability to do something. What if someone sleeps after sahur, without praying fajr?
VERDICT: For one who eats sahur and does not pray . fajr, technically his fast will be considered. But he will be sinful for missing an obligatory prayer. We should refrain from such evil deeds, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan. Is it allowed not to eat at sahur time, and instead, eat before going to sleep and keep a fast?
VERDICT: It is sunnah to wake up for sahur and eat, even if it be little. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The difference between our fasting and that of the Jews and Christians is the eating sahur at its time." (Muslim) He (peace be upon him) also said, "We should eat sahur as it is a blessing". (Bukhari) Is it allowed to use a toothbrush or miswaak (chewing stick) while fasting?
VERDICT: While fasting, it is permissible to use miswaak; fresh or old, dry or wet. Similarly, toothpaste can be used for brushing the teeth, as the taste of a fresh miswaak is often stronger than toothpaste. (Note: Several Scholars warn that it is better to avoid the use of toothpaste) Therefore, if a fresh miswaak has been allowed, there is no harm in brushing. However, we must be careful not to swallow anything. My health is poor and I am on regular medication. If I dont take the medicine regularly, it can worsen my health. If I do take the medicine, it means I cannot fast. What should I do?
VERDICT: An ill person may leave fasting as Allah says, "If someone is ill or a traveller (in Ramadan), he should fast on other days (after Ramadan)." (Q2:185) So, one who misses a fast in the month of Ramadan, he should make up for it after Ramadan. But, if one has a regular illness that does not allow him to fast, then he must pay fidyah to the poor. A traveller can miss his fast- does this depend on the nature of the journey, as nowadays, we travel in luxury transport, should we still leave our fast?
VERDICT: A traveller has the allowance according to the Quran and sunnah, to miss his fast while travelling and make up for it after Ramadan. There is no restriction about the nature of the journey; whether you travel by air, train, car, camel or foot. This allowance is for being a traveller and not for the source of transport. As Allah says, "Fasting is for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number should be made up on other days... "(Q2:184)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited