The etiquette of fasting in Islam

The Etiquette of Fasting in Islam: A Comprehensive Guide

Fasting, particularly during the month of Ramadan, is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it holds a central place in the lives of Muslims. However, fasting is not simply about abstaining from food and drink; it also includes a set of etiquettes (Adab) that guide the behavior, actions, and thoughts of a fasting person. Observing these etiquettes ensures that the fast is performed in the most spiritually beneficial way, enhancing the reward and fulfilling the deeper purpose of fasting.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the etiquettes of fasting in Islam, discussing the actions, thoughts, and intentions that enhance the quality of one’s fast. We will also draw on Quranic verses and Hadiths (Prophetic traditions) to understand how these etiquettes are grounded in Islamic teachings and how they help Muslims gain the maximum spiritual benefit from their fasts.

The Definition and Importance of Etiquette in Islam

In Islam, etiquette refers to the set of moral and ethical guidelines that govern how one should act, think, and interact with others. The importance of etiquette in Islam cannot be overstated, as it is tied to the core values of respect, humility, and sincerity before Allah (SWT).

The etiquettes of fasting go beyond mere physical abstention. They encompass the purification of one’s thoughts, actions, and character. A fasting person is encouraged to act with kindness, patience, humility, and gratitude. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the connection between the external act of fasting and the internal state of a believer’s heart and mind.

The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting

Before delving into the etiquettes, it is essential to understand the deeper spiritual purpose of fasting. Allah (SWT) mentions the purpose of fasting in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
سورة البقرة – 2:183

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

The ultimate goal of fasting is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness), which is the awareness of Allah in every aspect of life. Fasting teaches restraint, discipline, and humility, helping a Muslim draw closer to their Creator and become more conscious of their actions, speech, and thoughts.

The Etiquette of Fasting in Islam

Now, let’s explore the key etiquettes that a fasting person should observe during Ramadan or any other fast, drawing on Quranic verses and Hadith for guidance.

Having the Right Intention (Niyyah)

One of the fundamental etiquettes of fasting is having the right intention (niyyah). A fasting person should ensure that their fast is performed for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone, seeking His pleasure and rewards.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of intention:

إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى

“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended.”
رواه البخاري

This Hadith highlights that the intention behind any act of worship, including fasting, is crucial. It is not enough to just refrain from eating and drinking; the heart must be focused on pleasing Allah and fulfilling His command.

The intention must be made before dawn (Fajr) every day of fasting during Ramadan or at the time of starting a voluntary fast. For obligatory fasting, the intention must be made for the purpose of fasting for the sake of Allah.

Eating Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

One of the key etiquettes of fasting is to eat suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged this practice, as it provides strength for the day ahead and is a source of blessing.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً

“Partake in Suhoor, for indeed there is a blessing in it.”
رواه البخاري ومسلم

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of eating suhoor, which is not only beneficial for the body but also a source of barakah (blessing). Suhoor is an act that differentiates Muslims from others who do not fast, and it is an opportunity to increase in worship by engaging in dua or dhikr before the fast begins.

Breaking the Fast with Dates and Water (Iftar)

The etiquette of breaking the fast (iftar) also holds great importance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us the best way to break our fast, which is to begin with dates and water, if available. This practice is based on the Hadith:

إِذَا أَفْطَرَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَى تَمْرٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَى مَاءٍ فَإِنَّهُ طَهُورٌ

“When any one of you fasts, let him break his fast with dates; and if he does not have any, then with water, for it is pure.”
رواه أبو داود

Breaking the fast with dates and water is not only a sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) but also a practical and beneficial way to replenish the body. The dates provide natural sugars to restore energy, while water rehydrates the body.

While dates and water are the preferred food items, it is also permissible to break the fast with any other food or drink if dates are not available. However, one should ensure to make dua (supplication) before eating.

Maintaining Good Character and Avoiding Sinful Behavior

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it also requires one to guard their tongue, eyes, ears, and hands. A fasting person should avoid sinful behavior, such as lying, gossiping, arguing, or engaging in any immoral acts. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

مَنْ نَسِيَ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ فَأَكَلَ أَوْ شَرِبَ فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ

“If someone eats or drinks forgetfully, then let him complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah.”
رواه البخاري

This Hadith shows that even though a person may forget to fast due to hunger or thirst, their fast remains valid. However, this is a reminder that we must avoid deliberately engaging in sinful acts during fasting, as it nullifies the spiritual purpose of fasting.

A fasting person should focus on increasing their worship through prayer (salah), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and dua. They should also avoid arguments and quarrels, as these actions diminish the reward of fasting.

Making Dua and Engaging in Dhikr

As fasting makes a person spiritually sensitive, it is an ideal time to engage in dua and dhikr. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ: الصَّائِمُ حَتَّى يُفْطِرَ، وَالإِمَامُ العَادِلُ، وَدَعْوَةُ المَظْلُومِ

“There are three whose dua is not rejected: the fasting person until he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the one who is oppressed.”
رواه الترمذي

The fasting person is encouraged to make dua throughout the day, especially at the time of breaking the fast. It is also an excellent time to engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), as it purifies the heart and soul, providing peace and tranquility.

Avoiding Excessive Eating and Drinking

While it is allowed to eat and drink during the night, a fasting person should avoid overeating. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised moderation in eating:

مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ، فَإِنْ كَانَ لَا مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ

“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going.”
رواه الترمذي

Excessive eating after breaking the fast can lead to physical discomfort and a decrease in the reward of fasting. It is recommended to eat in moderation, focusing on healthy and nutritious foods that will sustain the body throughout the day.

The Importance of Gratitude and Patience

Fasting is an act that teaches gratitude and patience. During Ramadan, Muslims are reminded of their blessings, and fasting helps them appreciate the food and drink they often take for granted. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hoping for the reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
رواه البخاري

Fasting is a powerful reminder to show patience in the face of challenges and gratitude for Allah’s bounties. It allows Muslims to develop empathy for those less fortunate and strengthens their sense of humility and thankfulness.

Conclusion

The etiquettes of fasting in Islam go beyond the physical act of refraining from food and drink; they are designed to purify the heart, mind, and soul. By observing these etiquettes—such as having the right intention, eating suhoor, breaking the fast with dates, guarding one’s character, and engaging in dua and dhikr—a fasting person can maximize the spiritual benefits of fasting.

Ramadan is not merely a time to fulfill an obligation; it is an opportunity to enhance one’s relationship with Allah, to purify the soul, and to increase in worship and gratitude. By following the Quranic guidelines and Prophetic traditions, a Muslim can experience the true essence of fasting and reap the immense rewards that come with it.

May Allah (SWT) accept our fasts, purify our hearts, and grant us the ability to observe the etiquettes of fasting in the best manner. Ameen.