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By Dr. Mateen Khan (Trenton, New Jersey) The following is part of Enter the Sunnah’s Fiqh Series, concise posts on various fiqh topics about why we do what we do with proofs from the primary sources in Islam according to the usool of the Hanafis. Eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse will break the fast if not done forgetfully. Fasting literally means to stop. While fasting, one is to stop from three things: eating, drinking and sexual intercourse. These three are allowed before and after the fasting period as specified by the Qur’an, “During the nights of fasting, sexual intercourse is lawful for you…and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn (fajr) becomes distinct from the black thread.”1 If one does any of the three on purpose, his fast is broken, he will have to make it up, and give kaffārah. Kaffārah is an expiation for having broken the fast by actual eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse. It is to fast for sixty days continuously. If one is physically unable to do so, then he or she may feed the equivalent of sixty poor people or give each of them the amount of fidya.2 This ruling comes from the incident in which a man came to the Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) after having broken his fast. He was asked if he could free a slave or fast for sixty days consecutively to which he replied in the negative. He was then asked if he could feed sixty poor people.3 Anything entering the gastrointestinal tract at any point4 will break the fast and necessitate a make-up fast because it is similar to eating and drinking.5 If one is forced to take some nourishment or medicine, such as an asthma puffer to preserve one’s health, or to take something providing no nourishment to the body, such as a stone, one will not have to give kaffārah. Intentionally inducing vomit to the extent that greater than a mouthful is vomited will break the fast and necessitate a make-up fast. If one vomits unintentionally, his fast will not break due to our Nabi’s (Allah bless and give him peace) statement, “There is no make-up fast for the one who vomits.”6 However, if he unintentionally vomits more than a mouthful and then swallows it, his fast will break since it is similar to eating and drinking. He will have to make that day up. If one intentionally induces vomiting to the extent that greater than a mouthful is vomited, the fast will break and he will have to make it up due to our Nabi’s (Allah bless and give him peace) statement, “If he vomits intentionally, he will make up the fast.”7 Neither of these situations necessitate a kaffārah. Ejaculation that occurs from a purposeful action other than sexual intercourse such as from thoughts, kissing or masturbation break the fast and require a make-up because it is similar to intercourse. A kaffārah is not required because it is not actually intercourse. Non-purposeful ejaculation such as while asleep or unconscious does not break the fast. Note: There are many situations not clearly fitting into the outline above. For those situations, contact a scholar for the appropriate ruling. Click “Follow” to automatically receive the next post in the Fiqh Series, which will discuss those things that do not break the fast, Insha’Allah. _____ 1 Al-Baqara 187 2 Sahīh al-Bukhārī 1937 3 From the esophagus to the anus and everything in between. 4 Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzāq 7574: According to the Companion Ibn ‘Abbās (May Allah have mercy on him), fidya is to feed a poor person at least the equivalent of 3.5 pounds of wheat per day of missed fast. One may give money equivalent to its cost instead. 5 What is meant here is other than eating or drinking, something that nourishes the body or medicine. 6 Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2380 7 Ibid

By Dr. Mateen Khan (Trenton, New Jersey) The following is part of Enter the Sunnah’s Fiqh Series, concise posts on various fiqh topics about why we do what we do with proofs from the primary sources in Islam according to the usool of the Hanafis. In our last post, we discussed what breaks the fast. Now, we’ll look at the other side of things—what doesn’t break the fast? Eating, drinking, sexual intercourse or anything similar to these three if done while forgetting that one is fasting The Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) said, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drank, has been given to him by Allah.”1 According to the Tabi’ūn2 al-Hasan and Mujāhid, if someone were to have sexual intercourse while forgetting that he or she was fasting, it would not break his or her fast.3 In all three situations, they should continue to fast as if it did not happen. Medicines or fluids entering the body in a place other than the gastrointestinal tract The Qur’an outlines that fasting is refraining from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse.4 Intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravaginal medicines and fluids and eardrops are not from among these three. Eye drops do not break the fast as suggested by the Prophet’s wife ‘Aisha’s (May Allah be pleased with her) statement, “Sometimes the Prophet would apply kohl5 while he was fasting.”6 Simply tasting something or using toothpaste without swallowing any of it The Companion Ibn ‘Abbās (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “There is no harm in a fasting person tasting a thing.”7 It is extremely disliked (makrūh tahrīmī) due to the high risk of a person swallowing even a small amount of it and hence, breaking their fast unintentionally. Generally, anything exiting the body such as unintentional vomiting, non-purposeful ejaculation, bleeding or having blood taken from you The Companion Ibn ‘Abbās (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “The fast is broken by those things which enter the body and not by those things that exit the body.8 The exceptions are those that have been explained in the our previous post, such as intentional vomiting and purposeful ejaculation. The Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) said, “A person should continue fasting if he unintentionally vomits, ejaculates while sleeping (wet-dream), or has cupping done9.”10 Swallowing smoke, dust, insects or a small amount of food stuck in the teeth unintentionally The scholars have agreed that to avoid these is impractical and a hardship (haraj). A “small amount” is considered less than the size of a small raisin or chickpea. False speech and backbiting The Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) said, “Whoever does not leave false speech, and acting according to it, then Allah is not in any need of him leaving his food and his drink.” Hence, the fast is still valid, but its reward is lessened or lost. Using a miswāk is commendable One of the Companions stated, “I cannot count the number of times I saw the Prophet using a miswāk while fasting.”11 Click “Follow” to automatically receive the next post in the Fiqh Series. _____ 1 Sahīh al-Bukhārī 1933 2 Tabi’ūn are the successors to the Companions constituting the second generation of the salaf al-sālīhīn. 3 Sahīh al-Bukhārī, The Chapter on If a Fasting Person Ate or Drank Forgetfully 4 Al-Baqara 187 5 Kohl is a fine powder used as medicine for the eyes and to darken the eyelids. 6 Sunan li al-Bayhaqī 8259; The scholars have also explained that the route requiring fluids to entire the GI system from the eye is circuitous enough to not break the fast. 7 Sunan li al-Bayhaqī 8254 8 Sahīh al-Bukhārī, The Chapter on Cupping and Vomiting While Fasting 9 Cupping is the process of drawing blood from the body with the application of a cupping glass. 10 Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2376 11 Jāmi’ al-Tirmidhī 725

“O Believers, the fast [of Ramadan] has been mandated upon you just as it was upon those before you, so that you may develop taqwa.” (2:183) The Prophet ﷺ said, “Ramadan has come to you, a month containing blessings in which Allah surrounds you [with His Love]. He sends His Mercy, erases your sins and answers your prayers in it. Allah is aware of your competing for good and boasts about you to the angels. So display your best before Allah because the most unfortunate is he who is deprived of Allah’s Mercy in it.” (Al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib) PURPOSE OF FASTING1 Elevation in Spiritual Degree & Closeness to Allah Erasing of Sins & Spiritual Purification Suppression of Desires & Mastery Over the Body Increase in Charity Increase in Obedience to Allah Prevention from Disobedience of Allah Gratitude to Allah RAMADAN GOALS Make sure you clear up time for these. Make the House of Allah your home. Attend the masjid for as many prayers as possible. Perform all of the sunnah prayers and the extra nawafil prayers through the day. Wake up a little before suhur (the pre-dawn meal) to pray tahajjud (2-8 raka`at). Pray ishraq (2 or 4 raka`at) after the sun has risen, duha (4 raka`at) after mid-morning and awwabeen (4 or 6 raka`at) after Maghrib. Recite Qur’an every chance you get whether you understand it or not. Recitation, in and of itself, is rewarding. There is no such thing as reciting too much. In all other moments, remember Allah often and send salat on the Prophet ﷺ. A few of the Sunnah remembrances are: سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ الْعَظِيْم subhanAllahi wa bihamdihi subhanAllah il-azeem سُبْحَانَ اللّه وَالْحَمْدُ اللّه وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلا اللّه وَاللّهُ أَكْبَر subhanAllah walhamdulillah wa la ilaha illallah wAllahu akbar اللّهُمَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ الْنَّبِى الْأُمِّى وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلِّم Allahumma salli `ala Muhammad innabiy ilummi wa `ala aalihi wa sahbihi wa sallim Make du`a. A lot! The Prophet ﷺ and those who inherited knowledge from him prayed for everything they needed in this world and the next. The Prophetic du`as are the best, but do not be deterred from asking and speaking to Allah in your own words as well. AVOID IN RAMADAN Be mindful of your thoughts and actions Sins of the tongue: lying, backbiting, arguing and foul language Sins of the eyes and ears from harmful sights and sounds Taking sinful income Ingesting haram foods Harming another individual—by action or by word THE FAST An Islamic fast is to refrain from eating, drinking, and intercourse from dawn2 to sunset seeking only Allah’s pleasure. The intention to fast for Ramadan is made preferably before dawn and by mid-day at the latest. The pre-dawn meal (suhur): It is a Prophetic Sunnah to eat and drink something even if just water. Be certain that you are done before dawn. The sunset breakfast (iftar): Once certain of the sun setting, do not delay in eating or drinking something. It is a Prophetic Sunnah to break the fast with dates and the following du`a: اللّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ O Allah, I have fasted for You, and I break my fast with what You have given me. LAYLAT AL-QADR The reward of a thousand months Max out your worship in the odd nights of the last 10 days especially the 27th night. The Prophet ﷺ recommended the following du`a for these nights: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي O Allah, You are Forgiving, Generous. You love to forgive. So forgive me. ' FIQH OF FASTING What Breaks the Fast The fast is broken when one intentionally and knowingly consumes food or drink or engages in intercourse. The fast has to be made up and kaffarah3 is given. The fast is also broken when one consumes anything unintentionally, e.g., something present in the mouth is swallowed by accident. If one is forced to take some nourishment or medicine, such as an asthma puffer to preserve one’s health, or to take something providing no nourishment to the body, such as a stone, one will not have to give kaffarah. A make-up fast is still obligated. Intentionally inducing vomit to the extent that greater than a mouthful is vomited will break the fast and necessitate a make-up fast. If one vomits unintentionally, the fast will not break. There is no kaffarah in either situation. What Doesn’t Break the Fast Eating, drinking, sexual intercourse or anything similar to these three if done while forgetting that one is fasting. In all three situations, one should continue to fast as if it did not happen. Tasting food, chewing or using toothpaste without swallowing is disliked. Swallowing smoke, dust, insects or a small amount of food stuck in the teeth unintentionally. Intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravaginal medicines, ear drops and eye drops. Generally, anything exiting the body such as unintentional vomiting, non-purposeful ejaculation, bleeding or having blood taken from you. Using an unflavored miswak is a recommended Prophetic Sunnah. Applying oils, scents, lotions, medications, etc. to the hair, skin and lips. Who Doesn’t Fast (except for #1 & #2 below, each one is required to make-up any missed fasts.) A child less than the age of puberty. It is allowable if done without harm. A sick person whose illness may worsen and who does not expect to overcome his illness. He should give fidya4 daily instead. A sick person whose illness may worsen or whose becoming well may be delayed from fasting. He or she may ascertain this by being reasonably sure based on prior experience or on the advice of a knowledgeable, practicing Muslim physician. One who becomes a musafir5 before dawn of that day. It is recommended to fast despite being a musafir if one can do so easily. One who is pregnant or breast-feeding and there is concern for her well-being or the well-being of the child. A woman with menstrual bleeding or lochia. Make-up Fasts Making up the fasts as soon as possible is better and more cautious. The “deadline” for making up these fasts is before one’s death, and no one is aware of when that might be. To put it off without having any firm intention to make it up is sinful. The intention for a make-up fast must be made before dawn. The make-up fasts can be done any time of the year except for five days: `Id al-Fitr, `Id al-Adha and the three days following it. Note: Content may differ slightly in different schools of fiqh. Please consult your local, trained fiqh scholar. http://www.LanternInitiative.com Click here for a printable version of these Ramadan Essentials. 1 Adopted from Maqasid al-Sawm by Al-`Izz ibn `Abd al-Salam. 2 Dawn is the end of the suhur time and the beginning of Fajr. Mid-day refers to the midpoint from dawn until the sun’s zenith. 3 Kaffarah is an expiation done by fasting for sixty days continuously. If one is physically unable to do so, then he or she may feed the equivalent of sixty poor people or give each of them the amount of fidya. 4 Fidya is to feed a poor person at least the equivalent of 3.5 pounds of wheat per day of missed fast. One may give money equivalent to its cost instead. 5 A musafir is one who intends to travel for a distance greater than 48 miles and intends to return home before 15 days.

By Imam Numaan Cheema (Boston, Massachusetts) Ramadan. It’s a time for all to reconnect spiritually to our Lord. But are we ready for it? We hear the hype: how Ramadan is meant to be a life changing experience and how we’re supposed to come out reformed in Shawwal. But are we ready for it? It tends to simply become a part of our yearly routine. Most of the month (except a few nights here and there) go by pretty similarly to the rest of the year. Every year we tell ourselves this Ramadan is going to be different, and before we know it, it’s Eid time and now we’re more concerned about what clothes we’ll wear. I tried to figure out how I’m supposed to transform into this spiritually ‘high’ version of myself so that I could finally not feel like a complete waste of space by the end of Ramadan. After consulting a few spiritual doctors and mentors who have mastered the art of ramadan-benefitting, I came to one conclusion: Preparation is key! The real key to success in Ramadan is to prepare yourself beforehand. Prepare emotionally, spiritually and even physically. Preparation for Ramadan is ideally supposed to start a minimum of two months prior, but knowing myself and all the procrastinators out there who are realizing right now that Ramadan could be tonight, here are a few simple steps you can take NOW to prep yourself for Ramadan. They worked for me, and Insha’Allah they’ll work for you too. Start Weaning Off Bad Habits Every day give up a habit that you know is counter productive to your spirituality. How do you tell? If it takes you away from Allah and His obedience, it’s a bad habit. Be it binge watching Netflix or reminiscing how Kobe’s retirement is the end of an era, if you find you delay salah, miss congregation, or your mind is too occupied while you pray, these are bad habits that have to go. Pick Up an Extra Small Good Deed Every Day There are a ton of easy good deeds a person can do that will reap immense rewards. The purpose behind this is to start getting you used to worship and servitude to Allah. Why? Because Ramadan won’t magically turn you into a saint. Try reading a little Quran every day, maybe an ayah or two or when driving/walking to school/work. Or, challenge yourself on how many times you can recite Subhan Allah. Here’s a small sheet on easy good deeds you can start performing today. Read About How the Pious Before Us Acted in Ramadan One of the best ways to motivate yourself for Ramadan is to read about those chosen servants of Allah that dedicated their whole lives for His sake. Read how they lived their lives in Ramadan. Read how the Prophet صلّي الله عليه وسلّم used to perform extra ibaadah in Ramadan. Use these stories about our pious predecessors’ servitude to Allah in Ramadan to inspire your spirituality.

Pretty much everything you need to know. Courtesy of Imam Numaan Cheema. Fiqh of Ramadan PDF