Reality and Facts about Fasting

After Namaaz and Zakaat became obligatory, Fasting in the month of Ramadan became obligatory on the 10th of Sha'baan in the second year of Hijra. In accordance with Shariah (Islamic Law), Fasting is abstaining from eating, drinking and all forms of sensual pleasures from before true dawn until sunset with the sincere intention of Fasting as an act of worship. For a woman it is a requirement to be out of menstruation (Haiz) and bleeding after child birth (Nifaas). A woman will need to keep the missed fasts once she becomes pure.

When fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan it is important upon its observer that he should not merely abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations, but he must not indulge in any sinful activity through speech, action, trade and other daily routine. This is made clear by the Quranic verse: “So that you may become pious” (2: v183). While in the state of fasting a person must not move his hands or feet towards any evil activity. He should not utter anything vulgar, back-bite, swear etc. nor should he allow his ears to hear such obscenities. His eyes too should not fall on anything which is religiously made unlawful. Instead, he must make every effort to become a practical example of piety. If one fasts strictly by observing the above restrictions and conditions, then only he will be able to fill himself with piety at the end of Ramadan.

Sighting of the New Moon

Islam has given great emphasis on sighting of the new moon, which should be proven without any shadow of a doubt, or related by witnesses satisfying religious conditions for it. The testimony of sighting the new moon should be presented to the Muslim Judge (Kazi) or if it is not a Muslim ruled country then to the authoritative Alim (Muslim Scholar) of the town. If the moon is not sighted on the 29th of Sha'baan then 30 days of Sha'baan should be completed. Likewise, if the new moon is not visible on the 29th of Ramadan, and no religiously reliable news about it is obtained, 30 days of Ramadan should be completed and then Eid al-Fitr should be celebrated.

Hazrat Ibn Umar (R.A) reported that the Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) said, “When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see it) then regard the crescent (Month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days, in other words complete 30 days)”. (Bukhari)