Understanding the Fiqh of Ramadan is essential for every Muslim seeking to observe the fast correctly. This guide summarizes the fundamental rules regarding the commencement of the month, the necessity of intention, and the actions that nullify the fast.
1. Establishing the Start of Ramadan
The fast of Ramadan becomes obligatory upon the occurrence of one of two events:
- Completion of Sha’ban: When thirty days of the preceding month, Sha’ban, have passed.
- Moon Sighting: The sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). This is established by the testimony of a trustworthy witness (or two, according to some scholars).
Traveler’s Note: If you travel to a location where the moon has already been sighted, it is best to conform to the local community’s fasting schedule. If you arrive in a place celebrating Eid while you still owe a day of fasting, celebrate with them and make up the missed day later.
2. The Necessity of Intention (Niyyah)
Location of Intention: The intention is made in the heart. It is the internal resolve to fast for the sake of Allah. While some scholars provide a verbal formulation for clarity, it is the heart’s commitment that matters.
Timing: The intention should be formulated each night before the break of dawn (Fajr).
Purpose: To observe the specific duty of fasting the month of Ramadan this year.
3. What Breaks the Fast? (Nullifiers)
To maintain a valid fast, one must avoid introducing substances into the “interior” of the body from dawn until sunset.
Physical Nullifiers:
- Eating and Drinking: Intentionally consuming any substance.
- Medical Injections/Drops: According to the soundest opinions, nasal drops or substances introduced via the urethra break the fast. However, absorption through pores (like skin oils) or using kohl (even if tasted in the throat) does not invalidate the fast.
- Vomiting: Intentionally inducing vomiting breaks the fast.
- Sexual Intercourse: Deliberate intercourse invalidates the fast and requires heavy atonement.
Common Questions on Saliva and Food:
- Saliva: Swallowing your own saliva does not break the fast. However, if saliva leaves the mouth and is brought back in, or if you swallow excess water remaining after wudu (ablution), the fast is broken.
- Food Between Teeth: Small remnants of food dislodged by saliva do not break the fast unless swallowed intentionally.
- Forgetfulness: If you eat or drink because you truly forgot you were fasting, your fast remains valid.
4. Making Up Fasts (Qada’) and Expiation (Fidya)
Certain groups are permitted to break their fast but must rectify it later.
| Group | Requirement |
| Sick or Travelers | Must make up the missed days (Qada’). |
| Menstruating Women | Must make up the missed days. |
| Unconscious Persons | If unconscious for the entire day, the day must be made up. |
| Pregnant/Nursing (Own Health) | Must make up the days later. |
| Pregnant/Nursing (Child’s Health) | Must make up the days and pay Fidya (a day’s food for the needy). |
5. Major Atonement (Kaffara)
Deliberately breaking the fast through sexual intercourse carries a heavy penalty:
- The person must fast for 60 consecutive days.
- If unable to fast, they must provide 60 days’ worth of provisions to the poor.
- This obligation remains a debt until fulfilled and cannot be paid to one’s own family.
