The Pillars of Ṣawm: Understanding the Ruling of Fasting in Ramaḍān

The Essential Pillars and Ruling of Fasting During Ramaḍhān

Pillars of Ṣawm: 

The act of fasting is built on one fundamental pillar, that is: Al-Imsāk (abstinence) – to abstain from everything that nullifies the fast (such as eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, etc.) from dawn till dusk, as previously mentioned in the definition of Ṣawm (lesson 1). 

The proof for this is the statement of Allāh (translated meaning): “You may now have sexual relations with them, and seek that which Allāh has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till nightfall.” [Sūrah Baqarah: 187]  

Note: some scholars have stated that Ṣawm has two pillars, with the inclusion of An-Niyyah (intention), however, what’s correct is that An-Niyyah is a condition for Ṣawm to be valid and not a pillar, because it precedes the act, just like wuḍhū is a condition of prayer because it takes place before the actual prayer – not during. This (the Niyyah being a condition of Ṣawm) is the view of the majority of scholars. [Al-Mawsū’ah al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaitiyyah (42/62)] 

Ruling on fasting Ramaḍhān 

Allāh the Exalted has made fasting the month of Ramaḍān Wājib, and the Prophet ﷺ stated that it is one of the five pillars of Islām. 

Evidences from the Qur’ān:

1. “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah: 183]

2. “Ramaḍhān is the month in which the Qur’ān was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, must observe fast.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah: 185]

Evidences from the Sunnah:

1. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islām is built on five [pillars]: Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh and that Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, establishing Ṣalāh, giving Zakāh, fasting Ramaḍhān, and pilgrimage to the sanctified House of Allāh for whoever is able.” [Bukhāri & Muslim] 

2. A Bedouin came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: “O Messenger of Allāh! Inform me what Allāh has made obligatory upon me with regards to fasting.” So he ﷺ said: “The month of Ramaḍhān.” The man asked: “Is there anything else upon me?” so he ﷺ said: “No, unless you do it voluntarily.” [Bukhāri & Muslim] 

Moreover, Muslims are unanimously agreed that fasting the month of Ramaḍhān is obligatory and a pillar from the pillars of Islām.  

Thus, the obligation of fasting Ramaḍhān is proven by Qur’ān, Sunnah and Ijmā’ (concensus), so whoever denies its obligation is a disbeliever who leaves the fold of Islām – even if he prays, fasts etc. 

Some of the wisdoms behind its obligation 

Allāh has legislated different acts of worship to test us and give us more opportunities to draw closer to Him. If worship was all one type, it may not be a test for everyone; for example, a rich person may find it easy to spend thousands in charity, but he is unable to go hungry for a single day. Similarly, another person may find it easy to give up food and drink, but he is very reluctant to donate even a penny in charity. 

As for fasting, scholars have mentioned several wisdoms behind its legislation. From them:

1. Fasting is a means of attaining Taqwā (fear of Allāh) because it teaches you self-control. 

2. It purifies the soul by cleansing and refining it from bad manners and evil conduct. 

3. It makes a person refrain from overindulging in worldly pleasures and helps him focus more on the Hereafter.

4. When a person experiences the difficulties of hunger and thirst, this makes him pity those who are less fortunate. Thus, the rich spend on the poor and brotherhood is established by way of this.