BASIC RULES OF RAMADHAN UNDER SHARI’AH LAW

What does Ramadhan mean?

The term Ramadhan was taken from its root word “ramad”, it is an Arabic term, which means “be burnt or scorched”. Technically, Ramadhan refers to (29) Twenty-Nine or (30) Thirty days of fasting by which, it is attributed to the burning of sins, or forgiveness of all sins upon perseverance and repentance to Allah. 

Ramadhan is the 9^th month of Hijri Calendar, while fasting during this month is called Sawm.  

 Is Sawm or fasting during Ramadhan mandatory?

Under the law (Surah Al Baqara: 183), Fasting was prescribed upon all Muslims. “O believers, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed those before you…” Hence, fasting during the month of Ramadhan is wajib; it means obligatory.

 Who is required to observe Sawm or fasting?

·       All competent Muslims of either gender, male or female;

·       Children upon reaching at the age of puberty;

·       Insane person upon recovery of his sound mind.

 Is there an exception to not observe fasting?

Under the law, (Surah Al Baqara: 185), the principle of Rukhsa as an exception to the rule may be applied. A Rukhsa principle is when the Lawgiver has enjoined His servant, He corollary grants the facility of bringing easiness out of difficulties, “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…”

 Exception to the exception

Under the law, the applicability of the principle of Rukhsa is valid only in times of adversities, and when it ceases to exist, the obligatory duties must be complied with. Thus, a traveler is only allowed to break his fasting while on journey, but the concessionary principle ceases upon reaching his destination, and those days he missed up by him during the month of Ramadhan must be fulfilled in any days after the month of Ramadhan, except during Fridays.  

 Who may exercise the Rukhsa Principle?

Among the recognized exceptions under the law are the following:

·       Insane;

·       Pregnant or Breastfeeding woman;

·       Menstruation;

·       Illness or sick person;

·       Travelers;

·       Elderly person;

·       Individuals who are experiencing extreme hunger or thirst that could harm his health.

 What are prohibited acts while fasting?

Under the law, among others, the prohibited acts are as follows:

·       Intentional eating or drinking of any kinds of consumable items before sunset;

·       Sexual Intercourse at daytimes;

·       Gossips, and all other forms of slander;

·       Adult talks and lewd conversation;

·       Fighting or Grudges;

·       Unnecessary and excessive arguments;

·       and others

 What is the penalty of having sexual intercourse at daytimes during Ramadhan?

Under the law, (Hadith Sahih Bukhari, No. 1835), the following are the penalties, either of these may compensate such offense:

·       Freeing a slave (Muslim slave);

·       Fasting for two consecutive months, if he does not own a slave or incapable of getting one;

·       Feeding sixty (60) indigent people.

 Is declaration of intention at evening or dawn required?

Under the law (Hadith: Mutafaqun Alayhi; Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), the declaration of Niyyah or Intention is important. “Indeed, deeds are (judged) by intentions. Every man will be rewarded only for what they intended”.

 The intention or niyyah is an action by heart. No need to utter something to that effect.

 Is sohoor or eating at dawn mandatory?

Under the law (Hadith: Mutafaqun Alayhi; Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim),

The sohoor or eating before dawn is Sunnah. This is not mandatory for fasting, but the sohoor or eating before dawn, there is a blessing in it.

 What is the best time to break fasting?

Taking an Iftar (break-fast) should be immediate after sunset, or as soon as the Adhan for Maghrib was pronounced in the locality.