Some Fatwas (Religious Opinions) about Ramadan
Since 2012-11-29
Some Fatwas (Religious Opinions) about Ramadan
The verdict about the one who fasts but does not pray
Q. Some Muslim scholars discredit the Muslim who fasts but does not pray. What is the relationship between praying and fasting? I want to fast to be among those who enter from the gate of Ar-Rayyan. It is known that from Ramadan to Ramadan expiate what are between them. Please explain, may Allah bless you with success?
A. Those who blame you that you fast but you do not pray are right. Praying is the pillar of Islam without which Islam cannot stand. This who abandons it is infidel and out of the religion of Islam. Allah does not accept from the infidel fasting, alms giving, pilgrimage or any other righteous deeds as Allah Almighty says {And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger (Muhammad SAW); and that they came not to As-Salat (the prayer) except in a lazy state; and that they offer not contributions but unwillingly.} [Surat At-Tawbah 9:54].
Siwak (Arak toothbrush) in Ramadan
Q. There are some people who are cautious of using the siwak in Ramadan, fearing from spoiling the fasting. Is this right? What is the favorable time for using the siwak in Ramadan?
A. Being cautious of using the siwak during the day of Ramadan or on any other days in which one is fasting has no cause. Siwak is from the Sunnah. It is reported in the authentic Hadith that it is purification for the mouth and a way of seeking Allah’s pleasures. It is affirmatively legitimate during ablution, before performing prayers, after waking up from sleep and the first thing to be done upon entering home. It is used during fasting and others. It does not spoil fasting unless the siwak has a taste that affects your saliva. If so, do not swallow the taste. In addition, if, because of using a siwak, there is blood from your gum, do not swallow it. If you are cautious of that, so nothing affects fasting [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
Rinsing the Mouth of a Fasting Person
Q. If a fasting person rinses his mouth or washes his nose, so water enters his throat unintentionally, is his fasting spoiled?
A. If a fasting person rinses his mouth or inhales water to his abdomen, he does not break his fast because he does not do that intentionally, as Allah Almighty has said, {And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb 33:5]
The Verdict of Using a Toothbrush
Q. After starting fasting can I clean my teeth with toothpaste? If it is allowed, is the little blood coming from teeth during using the toothbrush breaks fasting?
A. There is nothing wrong in rubbing teeth with water, siwak or toothbrush after starting fasting. Some hate using a siwak for a fasting person after the noon as it removes the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person, while it cleans the teeth and mouth from odors, bad breath and food waste. As for using the toothpaste, the more apparent opinion is that it is undesirable because it has a smell and a taste that may be mixed with saliva and it is not ensured that it will not be swallowed. This who needs it can use it after the sahur (the last light meal before dawn) and before the starting time of fasting. If he uses it in the morning and be cautious of not swallowing anything of it, so there is nothing wrong in that if there is need. If there is a little blood coming out from the teeth during rubbing them with the brush or the siwak, it does not cause breaking of the fast. Allah knows best [Sheikh Ibn Jibrin].
The Verdict of Drawing Blood from a Fasting Person
Q. What is the verdict of drawing a blood sampling from a fasting person during Ramadan for test from his right hand with a volume of about medium frame?
A. Such test does not spoil fasting. It is, rather, forgiven as it is necessary and it is not among the types of the fasting violators known from the purified religion. [Sheikh ibn Baz].
Do Eye Drops Violate Fasting?
Q. Does using eye drops during the day in Ramadan violate fasting or not?
A. The right opinion is that the drops do not violate fasting although scholars disagree in that. Some say that if their taste reaches the throat, they violate fasting. The right is that they never violate fasting; as eyes are not passageways (for food). However, there is nothing wrong if this who feels their taste in the throat makes up for it (fast another day after Ramadan) for caution and to be away from the disagreement of the scholars. Otherwise, the right thing is that drops do not violate fasting, whether on eyes or ears [Sheikh ibn Baz].
The Verdict of Using Medical Treatment Needles during the Day in Ramadan
Q. Do treatment needles and syringes during the day in Ramadan affect fasting?
A. treatment needles are divided into two categories: one is with the intention of feeding with which one does without eating and drinking; so it has the same meaning. It then violates fasting as the religious texts show that if the meaning is found in any form, such form has the same verdict of the text. The second category is the needles that do not feed; i.e. by them one cannot do without eating and drinking. They do not violate fasting as they are not included in the texts verbally or in meaning. They are not eating or drinking and do not have the meaning of eating and drinking. The origin is the validity of fasting until there is a religious evidence for the spoiling of fasting [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen].
The Verdict of Eating by Mistake
Q. What is the verdict of this who eats or drinks by mistake? Is it a must for this who sees him eat or drink by mistake to remind him of his fasting?
A. The fasting of this who eats or drinks by mistake is right. But, if he remembers, he has to stop even if the morsel or the gulp of drink is in his mouth. He has to spit it out. The evidence of the completeness of his fasting is the saying of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in the proven Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fasting, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah”. [Reported by: Bukhari]
As, for this who sees him, he has to remind him as it is a changing for what is wrong. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart”. [Reported by: Muslim]
A Young Does not have to fast but He is to be ordered to do it
Q. I have a young child who insists on fasting Ramadan, although fasting harms him due to his young age and ill health. Can I use cruelty to make him break his fasting?
A. If he is still young and has not reached the age of puberty, he does not have to fast. However, if he can without hardship, he is to be ordered to do it. The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to make their children fast. When the young of them cried, they gave him toys to amuse himself with. But, if it is proven that fasting harms him, he is to be prevented from performing it. Allah Almighty has prevented us from giving children their money in fear of spoiling, so the fear of harming the bodies is a worthier reason for preventing them from it. Prevention, however, is done by any way other than cruelty, as cruelty must not be used in raising children. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen].
The Verdict of This Who Eats During the Adhân (Call to pray) or After a While
Q. Allah Almighty has said, {and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night),} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:187].
A. If the person who is mentioned in the question knew that this was before the appearance of the morning, so he does not have to make up for this day (by fasting another day). If he knew that this was after the appearance of the morning, so he has to make up for this day. If he does not know whether his eating and drinking was after the appearance of the morning or not, so he does not have to make up for this day as the origin is the continuity of the night. However, a believer must be cautious for his fasting and refrains from the violators of fasting if he hears the call to pray unless if he knows that this call to pray is before the dawn of the morning. [The Standing Committee].
This Who Has a Wet Dream during the Day of Ramadan
Q. If a fasting person has a wet dream during the day of Ramadan, is his fasting spoiled? Has he to hasten in having a purifying bath?
A. Having a wet dream does not spoil the fasting because it is not done by the choice of the fasting person, and he has to have a purification bath. If he has a wet dream after the dawn prayer and he delays the purification until the time of noon prayer, there is nothing wrong in that. In addition, if he has sexual intercourse with his wife at night and does not have a bath before dawn, there is nothing wrong in that. It is proved that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was getting up ceremonially impure from sexual intercourse then he was having a bath and became fasting. In addition, a woman in menses and a woman in childbed, if they become purified at night and do not take a bath until dawn, they are not wrong and their fasting is right. But neither they nor the ceremonially impure are allowed to delay taking the bath or praying to be after sunrise. All must hasten to wash from the ceremonial impurity before the dawn prayer to be able to pray in congregation. May Allah help us to succeed. [Sheikh ibn Baz].
Verdict of Using Cream
Q. Does the moisturizing cream affect fasting if it does not prevent water to reach the skin?
A. There is nothing wrong in creaming the body during fasting when needed. The cream only moistures the surface of the skin and does not penetrate into the body. In addition, if it enters the pores, it does not violate fasting. [Sheikh Ibn Jibrin].
The Verdict of Fasting during Traveling
Q. Is it necessary to license to a traveler to break the fast during Ramadan to be traveling on foot or on the back of an animal; or is there any difference between traveling on foot and the passenger on an animal or on board of a car or a plane? Is it necessary that the traveling is tiring that the fasting traveler cannot bear it? Is it better for a traveler to fast if he can or is it better for him to break the fast?
A. The traveler in a travel in which he can shorten prayers is allowed to break his fast whether he is traveling on foot or on board, whether by car, plane or other, and whether he is tired in a way in which he cannot bear fasting or not, and whether he is hungry and thirsty or not. Religion gives a license to travelers in the travel in which they can shorten prayers to break their fast and shorten their prayers. It is not confined to a kind of the vehicle used or to the fear of being tired, hungry or thirsty. The companions of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, were traveling with him in a holy battle in Ramadan. Some were fasting and some were breaking their fast. None of them found fault with each other. However, it is definite for a traveler to break his fast in Ramadan if fasting is hard for him due to a hot weather, rugged way, far distance or continuous walking.
The Fasting of Vehicle Drivers
Q. Is the verdict of travelers is applied to car and vehicle drivers due to their continuous working outside cities during the days of Ramadan?
A. Yes, the verdict of traveling is applied to them. They can shorten and gather prayers and break their fasting. If one says, “When can they fast while their working is continuous?” We say, “They can fast during winter days as such days are short and cold”. As for the drivers inside the cities, the verdict of travelers is not applied to them and they have to fast. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
What is the Traveling that Justifies Fast Braking?
Q. What is the Traveling Distance that Justifies Fast Braking?
A. The traveling that justifies fast breaking and prayer shortening is about 83 km. some scholars do not specify a travel distance. Whatever people consider as traveling is traveling. When the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was traveling for a distance of three leagues he was used to shortening prayers. Forbidden traveling does not justify fast breaking or prayer shortening, as a license does not suite a disobeying travel. Some scholars do not differentiate between obeying and disobeying traveling for the generalized evidence. Allah knows best. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
The Verdict of Taking Pills to Prevent Menstruation
Q. Some women deliberately take pills to prevent menstruation in order not to make up for fasting after that (women break their fast during menstruation). Is that permissible and are there any limits for women to consider?
A. What I see in this matter is that a woman does not do that and let what Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has destined upon women be. Allah Almighty has His wisdom in creating such menstruation. Such wisdom suits the nature of women, so if they are prevented from such period, no doubt that there will be a reaction that affects the woman’s body. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “No harm and do not cause harm”. [Authenticated by: Albani]
Tarawîh Prayer is a Confirmed Sunnah
Q. Is tarawîh prayer just a Sunnah or a confirmed Sunnah? How do we perform it?
A. It is a confirmed Sunnah for which the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, urged by saying, “He who establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by: Bukhari]
A Woman Going out for Praying Without her Husband’s Permission
Q. If a woman goes out to pray the tarawîh prayer in the mosque and her husband is not pleased with her and says to her to pray at home as this is more rewarding for you. What is the authenticity of such saying, may Allah bless you?
A. We first say to the husband, “Do not prevent your wife from getting out to the mosque, as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said about that, “And do not prevent the female slave of Allah from the mosques of Allah.” [Reported by: Bukhari]
We say to the wife, “If your husband prevents you, obey him as he prevents you only for a benefit or for fearing from seduction. As he said, your praying in your house is better than your praying in the mosque as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “And their houses are better for them.” [Reported by: Ibn Uthaymeen]
Q. Some Muslim scholars discredit the Muslim who fasts but does not pray. What is the relationship between praying and fasting? I want to fast to be among those who enter from the gate of Ar-Rayyan. It is known that from Ramadan to Ramadan expiate what are between them. Please explain, may Allah bless you with success?
A. Those who blame you that you fast but you do not pray are right. Praying is the pillar of Islam without which Islam cannot stand. This who abandons it is infidel and out of the religion of Islam. Allah does not accept from the infidel fasting, alms giving, pilgrimage or any other righteous deeds as Allah Almighty says {And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger (Muhammad SAW); and that they came not to As-Salat (the prayer) except in a lazy state; and that they offer not contributions but unwillingly.} [Surat At-Tawbah 9:54].
{وَمَا مَنَعَهُمْ أَن تُقْبَلَ مِنْهُمْ نَفَقَاتُهُمْ إِلَّا أَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّـهِ وَبِرَسُولِهِ وَلَا يَأْتُونَ الصَّلَاةَ إِلَّا وَهُمْ كُسَالَىٰ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا وَهُمْ كَارِهُونَ} التوبة: 54
Transliteration: Wama manaAAahum an tuqbala minhum nafaqatuhum illa annahum kafaroo biAllahi wabirasoolihi wala yatoona alssalata illa wahum kusala wala yunfiqoona illa wahum karihoona
Therefore, if you fast but you do not pray, we say to you that your fasting is void; it is not true. It does not benefit you with Allah neither does it bring you close to Him. As for what you imagine that from Ramadan to Ramadan expiate what are between them, we say to you that you do not know the Hadith mentioned about that. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “The five prayers, Friday to Friday and Ramadan to Ramadan expiate what are between them as long as the great sins are avoided”. [Reported by Muslim]
«الصلوات الخمس. والجمعة إلى الجمعة. ورمضان إلى رمضان. مكفرات ما بينهن. إذا اجتنب الكبائر» رواه مسلم
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has stipulated that for the expiation from Ramadan to Ramadan the greater sins should be avoided. You, O man, who fast and do not pray, you do not avoid committing greater sins. Is there a greater sin greater than deserting prayers? However, deserting prayers is infidelity, so how can fasting expiate your sins, and as deserting prayers is infidelity your fasting is not accepted. You, O brother, should return to Allah in repentance. You should perform prayers as enjoined by Allah, and then you fast.
For that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has sent Mu’az to Yemen. He has said to him, “let the first thing you call them to do is to bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And if they obey you to that, tell them know that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night.” [Reported by: Muslim]
«إنك تقدم على قوم أهل الكتاب. فليكن أول ما تدعوهم إليه عبادة الله عز وجل. فإذا عرفوا الله، فأخبرهم أن الله فرض عليهم خمس صلوات في يومهم وليلتهم» رواه مسلم
He started with praying and then the zakat, after testifying the two testimonies. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
Siwak (Arak toothbrush) in Ramadan
Q. There are some people who are cautious of using the siwak in Ramadan, fearing from spoiling the fasting. Is this right? What is the favorable time for using the siwak in Ramadan?
A. Being cautious of using the siwak during the day of Ramadan or on any other days in which one is fasting has no cause. Siwak is from the Sunnah. It is reported in the authentic Hadith that it is purification for the mouth and a way of seeking Allah’s pleasures. It is affirmatively legitimate during ablution, before performing prayers, after waking up from sleep and the first thing to be done upon entering home. It is used during fasting and others. It does not spoil fasting unless the siwak has a taste that affects your saliva. If so, do not swallow the taste. In addition, if, because of using a siwak, there is blood from your gum, do not swallow it. If you are cautious of that, so nothing affects fasting [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
Rinsing the Mouth of a Fasting Person
Q. If a fasting person rinses his mouth or washes his nose, so water enters his throat unintentionally, is his fasting spoiled?
A. If a fasting person rinses his mouth or inhales water to his abdomen, he does not break his fast because he does not do that intentionally, as Allah Almighty has said, {And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb 33:5]
{لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ فِيمَا أَخْطَأْتُم بِهِ وَلَـٰكِن مَّا تَعَمَّدَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ } الأحزاب: 33
Transliteration: walaysa AAalaykum junahun feema akhtatum bihi walakin ma taAAammadat quloobukum
[Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
The Verdict of Using a Toothbrush
Q. After starting fasting can I clean my teeth with toothpaste? If it is allowed, is the little blood coming from teeth during using the toothbrush breaks fasting?
A. There is nothing wrong in rubbing teeth with water, siwak or toothbrush after starting fasting. Some hate using a siwak for a fasting person after the noon as it removes the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person, while it cleans the teeth and mouth from odors, bad breath and food waste. As for using the toothpaste, the more apparent opinion is that it is undesirable because it has a smell and a taste that may be mixed with saliva and it is not ensured that it will not be swallowed. This who needs it can use it after the sahur (the last light meal before dawn) and before the starting time of fasting. If he uses it in the morning and be cautious of not swallowing anything of it, so there is nothing wrong in that if there is need. If there is a little blood coming out from the teeth during rubbing them with the brush or the siwak, it does not cause breaking of the fast. Allah knows best [Sheikh Ibn Jibrin].
The Verdict of Drawing Blood from a Fasting Person
Q. What is the verdict of drawing a blood sampling from a fasting person during Ramadan for test from his right hand with a volume of about medium frame?
A. Such test does not spoil fasting. It is, rather, forgiven as it is necessary and it is not among the types of the fasting violators known from the purified religion. [Sheikh ibn Baz].
Do Eye Drops Violate Fasting?
Q. Does using eye drops during the day in Ramadan violate fasting or not?
A. The right opinion is that the drops do not violate fasting although scholars disagree in that. Some say that if their taste reaches the throat, they violate fasting. The right is that they never violate fasting; as eyes are not passageways (for food). However, there is nothing wrong if this who feels their taste in the throat makes up for it (fast another day after Ramadan) for caution and to be away from the disagreement of the scholars. Otherwise, the right thing is that drops do not violate fasting, whether on eyes or ears [Sheikh ibn Baz].
The Verdict of Using Medical Treatment Needles during the Day in Ramadan
Q. Do treatment needles and syringes during the day in Ramadan affect fasting?
A. treatment needles are divided into two categories: one is with the intention of feeding with which one does without eating and drinking; so it has the same meaning. It then violates fasting as the religious texts show that if the meaning is found in any form, such form has the same verdict of the text. The second category is the needles that do not feed; i.e. by them one cannot do without eating and drinking. They do not violate fasting as they are not included in the texts verbally or in meaning. They are not eating or drinking and do not have the meaning of eating and drinking. The origin is the validity of fasting until there is a religious evidence for the spoiling of fasting [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen].
The Verdict of Eating by Mistake
Q. What is the verdict of this who eats or drinks by mistake? Is it a must for this who sees him eat or drink by mistake to remind him of his fasting?
A. The fasting of this who eats or drinks by mistake is right. But, if he remembers, he has to stop even if the morsel or the gulp of drink is in his mouth. He has to spit it out. The evidence of the completeness of his fasting is the saying of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in the proven Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fasting, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah”. [Reported by: Bukhari]
«إذا نسي فأكل وشرب فليتم صومه، فإنما أطعمه الله وسقاه» رواه البخاري
Man is not to be blamed for forgetting in doing prohibited action as Allah Almighty has said, {Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error,} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2: 286];
{رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا} البقرة: 286
Transliteration: rabbana la tuakhithna in naseena aw akhtana
and Allah Almighty has said, “I have done that”
As, for this who sees him, he has to remind him as it is a changing for what is wrong. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart”. [Reported by: Muslim]
«من رأى منكم منكرا فليغيره بيده. فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه. فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه. وذلك أضعف الإيمان» رواه مسلم
There is no doubt that the eating or drinking of a fasting person is wrong, but he is forgiven in case of forgetfulness as there is no blame for the forgetful, but this who sees him has no excuse in not telling him to stop. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
A Young Does not have to fast but He is to be ordered to do it
Q. I have a young child who insists on fasting Ramadan, although fasting harms him due to his young age and ill health. Can I use cruelty to make him break his fasting?
A. If he is still young and has not reached the age of puberty, he does not have to fast. However, if he can without hardship, he is to be ordered to do it. The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to make their children fast. When the young of them cried, they gave him toys to amuse himself with. But, if it is proven that fasting harms him, he is to be prevented from performing it. Allah Almighty has prevented us from giving children their money in fear of spoiling, so the fear of harming the bodies is a worthier reason for preventing them from it. Prevention, however, is done by any way other than cruelty, as cruelty must not be used in raising children. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen].
The Verdict of This Who Eats During the Adhân (Call to pray) or After a While
Q. Allah Almighty has said, {and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night),} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:187].
{وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ } البقرة: 187
Transliteration: wakuloo waishraboo hatta yatabayyana lakumu alkhaytu alabyadu mina alkhayti alaswadi mina alfajri
What is the verdict of this who ate his sahur and drank water during the call for prayer or a quarter of an hour after the dawn call for prayer?
A. If the person who is mentioned in the question knew that this was before the appearance of the morning, so he does not have to make up for this day (by fasting another day). If he knew that this was after the appearance of the morning, so he has to make up for this day. If he does not know whether his eating and drinking was after the appearance of the morning or not, so he does not have to make up for this day as the origin is the continuity of the night. However, a believer must be cautious for his fasting and refrains from the violators of fasting if he hears the call to pray unless if he knows that this call to pray is before the dawn of the morning. [The Standing Committee].
This Who Has a Wet Dream during the Day of Ramadan
Q. If a fasting person has a wet dream during the day of Ramadan, is his fasting spoiled? Has he to hasten in having a purifying bath?
A. Having a wet dream does not spoil the fasting because it is not done by the choice of the fasting person, and he has to have a purification bath. If he has a wet dream after the dawn prayer and he delays the purification until the time of noon prayer, there is nothing wrong in that. In addition, if he has sexual intercourse with his wife at night and does not have a bath before dawn, there is nothing wrong in that. It is proved that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was getting up ceremonially impure from sexual intercourse then he was having a bath and became fasting. In addition, a woman in menses and a woman in childbed, if they become purified at night and do not take a bath until dawn, they are not wrong and their fasting is right. But neither they nor the ceremonially impure are allowed to delay taking the bath or praying to be after sunrise. All must hasten to wash from the ceremonial impurity before the dawn prayer to be able to pray in congregation. May Allah help us to succeed. [Sheikh ibn Baz].
Verdict of Using Cream
Q. Does the moisturizing cream affect fasting if it does not prevent water to reach the skin?
A. There is nothing wrong in creaming the body during fasting when needed. The cream only moistures the surface of the skin and does not penetrate into the body. In addition, if it enters the pores, it does not violate fasting. [Sheikh Ibn Jibrin].
The Verdict of Fasting during Traveling
Q. Is it necessary to license to a traveler to break the fast during Ramadan to be traveling on foot or on the back of an animal; or is there any difference between traveling on foot and the passenger on an animal or on board of a car or a plane? Is it necessary that the traveling is tiring that the fasting traveler cannot bear it? Is it better for a traveler to fast if he can or is it better for him to break the fast?
A. The traveler in a travel in which he can shorten prayers is allowed to break his fast whether he is traveling on foot or on board, whether by car, plane or other, and whether he is tired in a way in which he cannot bear fasting or not, and whether he is hungry and thirsty or not. Religion gives a license to travelers in the travel in which they can shorten prayers to break their fast and shorten their prayers. It is not confined to a kind of the vehicle used or to the fear of being tired, hungry or thirsty. The companions of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, were traveling with him in a holy battle in Ramadan. Some were fasting and some were breaking their fast. None of them found fault with each other. However, it is definite for a traveler to break his fast in Ramadan if fasting is hard for him due to a hot weather, rugged way, far distance or continuous walking.
It is reported that Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: we were with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in a travel. Some were fasting and others were fast breaking. The fast breaker girded themselves and did double the work as the fasting persons. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said “The break fasters went today with the reward”. [Reported by: Muslim]
«كنا مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في السفر. فمنا الصائم ومنا المفطر. قال: فنزلنا منزلا في يوم حار. أكثرنا ظلا صاحب الكساء ومنا من يتقي الشمس بيده. قال: فسقط الصوام. وقام المفطرون فضربوا الأبنية وسقوا الركاب. فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم “ ذهب المفطرون اليوم بالأجر”.» رواه مسلم
Fast breaking may be obligatory during travel for an urgent matter that necessitates that as in the Hadith narrated by Abu Sa’îd Al-Khudry, may Allah be pleased with him. He said, “We traveled with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, towards Mecca and we had been observing fast. We halted at a place. There the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: You are nearing your enemy and breaking of fast would give you greater strength, and that was a concession (given to us). But some of us continued to observe the fast and some of us broke it. We then got down at another place and he said: You are going to encounter the enemy in the morning and breaking of the fast would give you strength, so break the fast. As it was a point of stress, we broke the fast. He said, “But subsequently we saw ourselves observing the fast with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, on travel.” [Reported by: Muslim].
«سافرنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إلى مكة ونحن صيام. قال: فنزلنا منزلا. فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إنكم قد دنوتم من عدوكم والفطر أقوى لكم”. فكانت رخصة. فمنا من صام ومنا من أفطر. ثم نزلنا منزلا آخر. فقال: “ إنكم مصبحوا عدوكم. والفطر أقوى لكم، فأفطروا “ وكانت عزمة. فأفطرنا. ثم قال: رأيتنا نصوم ، مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بعد ذلك، في السفر.» رواه مسلم
In addition, in the Hadith narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, that he was with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in a travel. He saw a man around whom people gathered and he was put under a shade. He said, “What is wrong with him?” They said, “A fasting man”. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said, “It is not considered righteousness that you fast during traveling” [Reported by Muslim]
«كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في سفره. فرأى رجلا قد اجتمع الناس عليه. وقد ظلل عليه. فقال: “ماله؟” قالوا: رجل صائم. فقال رسول الله عليه وسلم: “ ليس من البر أن تصوموا في السفر”.» رواه مسلم
[The Standing Committee].
The Fasting of Vehicle Drivers
Q. Is the verdict of travelers is applied to car and vehicle drivers due to their continuous working outside cities during the days of Ramadan?
A. Yes, the verdict of traveling is applied to them. They can shorten and gather prayers and break their fasting. If one says, “When can they fast while their working is continuous?” We say, “They can fast during winter days as such days are short and cold”. As for the drivers inside the cities, the verdict of travelers is not applied to them and they have to fast. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
What is the Traveling that Justifies Fast Braking?
Q. What is the Traveling Distance that Justifies Fast Braking?
A. The traveling that justifies fast breaking and prayer shortening is about 83 km. some scholars do not specify a travel distance. Whatever people consider as traveling is traveling. When the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was traveling for a distance of three leagues he was used to shortening prayers. Forbidden traveling does not justify fast breaking or prayer shortening, as a license does not suite a disobeying travel. Some scholars do not differentiate between obeying and disobeying traveling for the generalized evidence. Allah knows best. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
The Verdict of Taking Pills to Prevent Menstruation
Q. Some women deliberately take pills to prevent menstruation in order not to make up for fasting after that (women break their fast during menstruation). Is that permissible and are there any limits for women to consider?
A. What I see in this matter is that a woman does not do that and let what Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has destined upon women be. Allah Almighty has His wisdom in creating such menstruation. Such wisdom suits the nature of women, so if they are prevented from such period, no doubt that there will be a reaction that affects the woman’s body. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “No harm and do not cause harm”. [Authenticated by: Albani]
«لا ضرر ولا ضرار» صححه الألباني
This is regardless to the harmful effects of such pills to the womb as mentioned by the physicians. So what I see in this matter is that a woman does not use such pills. Praise be to Allah for His destiny and wisdom, as if a woman get her menses, she neither fasts nor prays, and when she becomes purified she continuous praying and fasting. When Ramadan ends, she makes up for the days in which she did not fast. [Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
Tarawîh Prayer is a Confirmed Sunnah
Q. Is tarawîh prayer just a Sunnah or a confirmed Sunnah? How do we perform it?
A. It is a confirmed Sunnah for which the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, urged by saying, “He who establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by: Bukhari]
«من قام رمضان، إيمانا واحتسابا، غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.» رواه البخاري
It is proved that he prayed it with his companions for several nights, and then he was afraid that it might be ordained upon them. He awakened their desire to pray it by themselves. A man was praying alone and two and three persons were praying together in congregations. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, saw to gather them with one imam, as this includes gathering in praying and listening to the Quran. Muslims have continued for that until the present day. It was prayed in such time in twenty three rak’ahs (prayer units); and they used to prolong in reciting, that they were reading Surat Al-Baqarah in twelve prayer units and sometimes in eight prayer units. As the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, did not limit it to a specific number, so the matter is broad. If a person wishes, he can lessens the prayer units and lengthen the pillars of the prayers and if he wishes, he can increase the number of the prayer units [Sheikh Ibn Jibrin].
A Woman Going out for Praying Without her Husband’s Permission
Q. If a woman goes out to pray the tarawîh prayer in the mosque and her husband is not pleased with her and says to her to pray at home as this is more rewarding for you. What is the authenticity of such saying, may Allah bless you?
A. We first say to the husband, “Do not prevent your wife from getting out to the mosque, as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said about that, “And do not prevent the female slave of Allah from the mosques of Allah.” [Reported by: Bukhari]
«لا تمنعوا إماء الله مساجد الله.» رواه البخاري
We say to the wife, “If your husband prevents you, obey him as he prevents you only for a benefit or for fearing from seduction. As he said, your praying in your house is better than your praying in the mosque as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “And their houses are better for them.” [Reported by: Ibn Uthaymeen]
«وبيوتهن خير لهن» بن عثيمين
[Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen]
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