RAMADAN 2023: Everything You Need to Know About Fasting || Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan || AMAU | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Fasting in Islam is an act of worship where believers refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset. It is intended to develop taqwa (fear of Allah), destroy desires, remind believers of their blessings, and cultivate self-discipline.

Key Insights

• 💨 Fasting is an act of worship and a way to develop taqwa (fear of Allah).
• ⏬ Fasting destroys desires and promotes self-discipline.
• 🍳 It is recommended to break your fast with dates or water, and using a siwak (toothbrush) and toothpaste is allowed during fasting.
• 👻 Continual fasting (sahara) is allowed but not recommended, especially for the purpose of distinguishing from the practices of Christians and Jews.
• ⏬ Islamic fasting is different from the fasting practices of other religions.
• 🍳 Sleeping, swimming, and showering do not break the fast, and it is important to control the urges of the nafs (desires) during fasting.
• ⏬ If you forget you are fasting and eat or drink, your fast is still valid.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Is fasting only about refraining from eating and drinking?

No, fasting also includes refraining from actions that break the fast, such as sexual intercourse and vulgar speech.

Q: Do I have to make an intention every day during Ramadan?

Some scholars believe one intention at the beginning of Ramadan is enough, while others believe you should make an intention daily.

Q: Is losing weight a valid intention for fasting?

No, the intention for fasting should be purely for the sake of worship and seeking closeness to Allah. Using fasting as a weight loss method is not considered a valid intention.

Q: Can I eat or drink by accident and still have a valid fast?

Yes, if you eat or drink by accident, your fast is still valid. However, if you do it deliberately, your fast would be broken.

Q: Is fasting only about refraining from eating and drinking?

No, fasting also includes refraining from actions that break the fast, such as sexual intercourse and vulgar speech.

More Insights

• Fasting is an act of worship and a way to develop taqwa (fear of Allah).

• Fasting destroys desires and promotes self-discipline.

• It is recommended to break your fast with dates or water, and using a siwak (toothbrush) and toothpaste is allowed during fasting.

• Continual fasting (sahara) is allowed but not recommended, especially for the purpose of distinguishing from the practices of Christians and Jews.

• Islamic fasting is different from the fasting practices of other religions.

• Sleeping, swimming, and showering do not break the fast, and it is important to control the urges of the nafs (desires) during fasting.

• If you forget you are fasting and eat or drink, your fast is still valid.

• Injections and inhalers may or may not break the fast, depending on the contents and moistness. It is best to consult with scholars for specific cases.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fasting in Islam is an act of worship and a way to worship Allah.

• The definition of fasting includes refraining from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse from Fajr (dawn) until Maghrib (sunset).

• The key elements of fasting are intention, refraining from actions that break the fast, and following the timing guidelines.