Certain Aspects and Rulings Related to Fasting

For the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadhan, it is incumbent on everyone to have intention before the appearance of Fajr.

Fast is performed between the time of true Fajr (that which makes food forbidden for the fasting person, and makes Fajr prayer lawful, as explained by Ibn 'Abbas) and the time as soon it is seen that the sun has set.

The interval between the end of suhur (the pre-dawn meal) and the start of the obligatory prayer is the interval sufficient to recite fifty ayat, as indicated by the Prophet and related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Eating suhur contains many blessings and the Prophet, peace be upon him, ordered us to do take it, forbade us from leaving it and told us to take suhur to make a distinction between our fast and the fast of the People of the Book.

In spite of this, ibn Hajr reports in Fathul-Bari that there is consensus that it is recommended. Allah knows best.

Falsehood, ignorant and indecent speeches are to be avoided as they may render one's fasting futile.

A fasting person can begin fasting while in the state of janabah (major state of impurity that requires bath due to a sexual intercourse).

Use of siwak (tooth-stick) is permitted. Likewise, washing the mouth and nose is permitted, but it should not be done strongly. 

The Prophet forbade a youth to kiss while fasting, while he allowed an old man since he is able to control himself.

Giving blood and injections which do not provide nourishment does not break the fast.

Also, there is no harm in tasting food, provided it does not reach the throat.

Pouring cold water over one's head and taking a bath contain no harm to a fasting person.

It is from the Sunnah of the Prophet and the practice of his companions to break the fast as soon as the Sun sets even if some bright redness remains upon the horizon. Muslims are strongly encouraged to hasten breaking the fast. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: "The deen will not cease to be uppermost as long as the people hasten to break the fast, since the Jews and the Christians delay it." [Reorted by Abu Dawud and ibn Hibban. Hasan]

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to break his fast before praying and he used to break it with fresh dates, if not then with older dates.  And if not with dates, then with some mouthfuls of water. 

The supplication of the fasting person when he breaks his fast is not rejected. The best du'a (supplication) is that reported from Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him. He used to say when breaking the fast, "The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills." [Rported by Abu Dawud, al-Bayhaqi, al-Hakim and others. Hasan].

The Prophet said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward." [Reported by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban. Sahih]. Also, a fasting Muslim should not reject invitation of another Muslim to breakfast.

Deliberate eating and drinking, making oneself vomit, menstruation, after-birth bleeding, injection containing nourishment and sexual intercourse all nullify the fast.

As for Laylatul-Qadr, the Night of Decree, it is better than a thousand months. The Prophet, peace be upon him, told us, "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

That which is the most specific states, "...seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to exert himself greatly during Laylatul-Qadr. He would spend the nights in worship, detaching himself from women and ordering his family with this.

So every Muslim should be eager to stand in prayer during Laylatul-Qadr out of iman and hoping for the great reward. 

The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr out of iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The supplication that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, taught 'Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, to say when seeking the Night of Decree is, "O Allah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me." [Reported by At-Tirmidhi and ibn Majah. Sahih]

It is sunnah to pray tarawih in congregation and the one who knew the best the practice of the Prophet at night, 'Aishah said, "Allah's Messenger did not increase upon eleven rak'ah in Ramadhan, or outside it." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

All who are capable should take advantage of the month of Ramadhan and perform i'tikaf, i.e. fully attach oneself to worshipping in the mosque. One should inquire how the Prophet performed i'tikaf. 

Zakat ul-Fitr is prescribed by Allah as purification for those who fasted from loose and indecent talk, and to feed the poor Muslims as a provision for 'Eid ul-Fitr.

One should inquire further about rulings related to it, especially upon whom it is obligatory and what is its quantity.

The last but not the least, we should strive to constantly improve our worship and obedience of Allah, the Most High, including once the month of Ramadhan is over, if Allah wills.