• A consultative meeting between National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)/Med-View Airlines Ltd (Official National Carrier for 2007 Hajj) and Tour Operators was held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja recently. Photo shows from left, Chairman of the Technical Committee (NAHCON) Alhaji Abdulsalam Galas, The Commissioner, Dr Yunus Lanre Badmus, Chief Executive Officer, Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole and the Secretary of the Technical Committee, Dr Abdulwaasih Gabadeen discussing a technical point. PHOTO: MOSHOOD RAJI

Sunlight of Islam Index

I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built. Allah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them.

Al-Bukhaari (8) and Muslim (16) narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakah; Hajj; and fasting Ramadan."

Whoever does not fast has abandoned one of the pillars of Islam, and is committing a major sin. Indeed some of the pious believers were of the view that he is a kaafir [disbeliever] and apostate – we seek refuge with Allah from that.

Whoever does not fast in Ramadan without being sick or having any other excuse that allows him not to fast is more evil than the adulterer or drunkard, indeed they doubted his Islam and thought that this was heresy.

The brother who asked this question is advised to fear Allah and to beware of His wrath, vengeance and a painful punishment. He should hasten to repent to Allah before the destroyer of pleasures that splits people apart [i.e., death] takes him unawares. Today there is action and no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be the reckoning and no action. Note that whoever repents, Allah will accept his repentance, and whoever draws closer to Allah one hand span, Allah will draw closer to him one cubit. For Allah is Most Generous, Forbearing and Most Merciful.

If you try fasting and find out how easy it is and what comfort it brings and how close it brings you to Allah, you will never give it up.

Think about what Allah says at the end of the verses on fasting: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you"[al-Baqarah 2:185]

The phrase, "so that you may be grateful to Him" shows that fasting is a blessing for which we must give thanks. Hence some of the pious wished that the whole year was Ramadan. We ask Allah to help you and guide you, and to open your heart to that which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory disease in the colon causing ulcers to form in the large intestine. It’s very painful and causes flare-ups all year round. I was unable to fast during the last two Ramadan due to the pain and blood loss. I am worried that this year will be the third year that I may not be able to fast. I would like to know what a person like me should do. I have tried fasting on days when I wasn’t going through a flare-up, but it makes me go to the bathroom more, which causes my colon to bleed again.

How do I repay for my fasts? And is it sinful for me not to fast? And how can a sick person get the same amount of reward of a fasting person in Ramadan?

If one is not able to permanently fast, then only he/she may give Fidyah (compensation for not fasting).
If a person is ill but hopes to get better, then he/she will have to make Qadhaa (pay-back) for the missed fast. Giving Fidyah will not suffice.

I was fasting one day (not in Ramadan). One of my friends was smoking beside me. That time I just forgot that I was fasting. The moment I remembered that I was fasting, then and then I told my friend to stop smoking. After that he stopped smoking. Was my fast valid?
It is not permissible to smoke during fasting. However, breathing the air polluted with smoke does not invalidate the fast.

Does kissing my wife and transferring saliva break the fast?
Kissing does not break the fast. However, if one spouse swallows the saliva of the other, the fast will be nullified. Hence, kissing, that is, mouth to mouth, is Makrooh (disliked).
Can we still fast if we drank alcohol within the 40 days before Ramadan
Fasting is Fardh (compulsory), even on an alcoholic. Make Tawbah (repent) from your drinking and be punctual on your Salaat and fasting.

My wife missed about 20 days during Ramadan 5 years ago due to the imminent birth of our child and due to doctor's advice because it may complicate things. Also, the last 2 years, she did not fast because she was on her menstrual cycle. Does she have to make up all the fasts? She does not mind making them up but she is a weak person and fasting in Ramadan is already difficult for her. Can we pay for the fasts and feed the poor instead? Jazakallah

When a person misses a fardh (obligatory) fast, he/she is required to make this up as soon as possible. (Qadhaa). If he/she is unable to do so presently, he/she may delay the Qadhaa until he/she is able to fulfil it. If he/she has a very limited life expectancy and fears he/she will not be able to recover sufficiently to make these up before his/her death, he/she may pay Fidyah, in lieu of each fast, an amount equivalent to Sadaqatul Fitr. This must be given to someone deserving of Zakaah.

Your wife's situation does not seem to be so serious. We suggest that she make up one fast every week. Furthermore, this may be done in winter when the days are short so as to make it even easier.
(1) While performing ablution I feel some wetness going down the throat. After rinsing the mouth I keep on spitting to make sure nothing is left in the mouth. When washing the face some water enters the mouth and after spiting out the water I feel some moisture going down the throat. Does this invalidate the fast ? I get these feelings every time I perform ablution.

I always try my best to make sure no water goes down the throat. I had the same problem last year and after ramzan I carried on fasting for a few days With the intention of qaza. (2) After using deodorant body spray (non-alcoholic) I felt the spray/fumes down the throat. This was totally unintentional. I just used it as normal on any other day without thinking about the spray going down the throat. The following day before using the spray I closed my mouth tightly and sprayed very slowly. After finishing I opened my mouth after a few seconds and I still felt something go down the throat although it wasn’t as strong as the first day. Now I have decided I am never going to use deodorant during fasting hours. Please tell me if the above broke my fasts ?

Why is it that if somebody eats something by mistake i.e not realising he is fasting the fast is not broken But when a few drops of water go down the throat during ablution, which is totally unintentional, actually breaks the fast.

1. If you are sure that water went down the throat, then the fast is invalidated. However, if you are in doubt whether water went down the throat, then your fast is intact.
2. Your fast is valid. You may use body spray during Ramadan. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah vol.13 pg.128)
3. Shari’ah has excused a person who eats or drinks mistakenly. That is the reason why fast is not broken. However, during Wudhu, it is possible to avoid water from going down the throat.
What exactly did Prophet Muhammad eat in Ramadan for Iftar, Sahur and in between?