What fasting in Ramadan is, its time and intention, who it is for, and what the Qur’an and hadith say about it.
AI-generated English narration.
Sawm (fasting) means abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, with the intention of worshipping Allah. The obligatory fast is the fast of the month of Ramadan.
What the sources say
- The Qur’an says fasting was prescribed for the believers as it was for those before them, so that they may become mindful of Allah (2:183), and that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed (2:185).
- Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet ﷺ said Islam is based on five principles, the last of which is to observe the fast of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 8).
- In a report where the Prophet ﷺ speaks of what Allah has said, fasting is singled out: all the deeds of Adam’s children are for them except fasting, which is for Allah, who will give its reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904).
- The Prophet ﷺ also said that fasting is a shield, and that a fasting person should avoid foolish talk and quarrelling, and if someone abuses or fights him, say “I am fasting” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1894).
The basics
- Time: from the true dawn (the start of Fajr) until sunset. The Qur’an describes eating and drinking until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct, then completing the fast until night (2:187).
- Intention (niyyah): it is made in the heart and does not need to be spoken.
- Who must fast: a Muslim who is adult, of sound mind, and able, and not travelling or ill. The next lesson series covers what breaks the fast and who is excused.
Key points
- Sawm is abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, with the intention of worshipping Allah.
- Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the Qur’an prescribes it so that believers may become mindful of Allah.
- The Prophet ﷺ said fasting is a shield: it includes guarding the tongue and behaviour, not only staying away from food and drink.
- Scholars differ on how the start of Ramadan is determined and on when the intention must be made.
Qur’an
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2) — 2:183
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2) — 2:185
Hadith
Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 8 .
Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.' Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hands my soul is' The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1904 .
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
Scholarly notes
The start of Ramadan: Muslims and scholars differ on whether the month begins by local moon sighting, sighting anywhere in the world, or astronomical calculation. Follow the announcement of your local mosque or community. The intention: the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools require the intention for an obligatory fast to be made before dawn each night; the Maliki school accepts a single intention at the start of the month; the Hanafi school allows the intention for a Ramadan fast to be made up to before midday if nothing has been eaten. Follow your school or local teacher.
FAQ
Do I have to say the intention out loud?
No. The intention is in the heart. Deciding that you will fast tomorrow, or getting up for suhoor to fast, shows the intention.
Do children have to fast?
Fasting becomes obligatory at adulthood. Many families introduce it gradually so children learn it with ease.
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Lesson 24 of 31 in New Muslim: First Steps