Fasting in Islam

An in-depth look at fasting in Islam

-Noor
 Ramadan - The Month of
Fasting

Timing: Ramadan is the Abstinence: Muslims fast

ninth month of the Islamic 02 from dawn (Fajr) until
lunar calendar sunset (Maghrib),
abstaining from food, drink,
smoking, and marital
relations during daylight
01 03 hours

Purpose: Fasting in The pre-dawn meal, called

Ramadan serves multiple Suhoor, and the meal to
purposes, including break the fast at sunset,
spiritual purification,
self-discipline, empathy for
04 called Iftar, hold special
significance
the less fortunate, and
drawing closer to Allah
 The Five Pillars of Islam and
Fasting
Fasting complements the other
Ritual Prayer (Salah)
01 pillars of Islam, forming a
comprehensive framework for
Muslim life.

05
02 Declaration of Faith (Shahada)

Almsgiving (Zakat)
04
03
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 Quranic Guidance on Fasting
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
Ramadan is described as the
month in which the Quran was
01
revealed, and fasting is
prescribed as a means of
guidance for humanity
04
Surah Al-Araf (7:31): Allah
commands believers to eat and
03
drink moderately during the
permitted hours of fasting,
avoiding excess and
extravagance
The Quran addresses fasting in
several verses, providing
guidance, regulations, and
encouragement for believers to
observe this act of worship
02
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183-187):
These verses outline the
obligations and objectives of
fasting, emphasizing
self-restraint, piety, and
gratitude
Voluntary Fasting

● While fasting during Ramadan is obligatory,

Muslims are encouraged to observe voluntary
fasts throughout the year as acts of devotion and
spiritual growth
● These include fasting on Mondays and Thursdays,
the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar
month), and the fast of Ashura (the 10th day of
Muharram)
Mention of fasting in Quran
and
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you
that you may become righteous - [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among
you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up].
And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a
poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best
for if you,you only knew. The month of ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the
quran, 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), verse 183-185

O you who have believed, decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous
(surah baqarah 183)

These verses provide guidance on the obligation to fast during Ramadan, the exceptions for
those who are ill or traveling, and the spiritual significance of fasting as a means of attaining
righteousness and closeness to Allah.
 Fasting, known as "Sawm" in
Fasting serves as a means of
spiritual purification, 01 Arabic, is one of the Five Pillars of
Islam and holds profound
self-discipline, empathy, and
significance in the faith
drawing closer to Allah

05
02 It is observed primarily during
Ramadan but is encouraged at
other times throughout the year

Muslims are guided by the Quran

04
in their fasting practices, 03
emphasizing self-restraint, piety, In addition to obligatory fasting,
and moderation voluntary fasts are observed as
acts of devotion and spiritual
growth
 The Spiritual and Moral
Dimensions of Fasting in
Islam
This presentation explores the holistic practice of fasting in Islam, focusing on its spiritual and moral
dimensions.
1. Introduction

01 It is a holistic practice that encompasses spiritual, moral,

and social dimensions.

02 Fasting in Islam extends beyond mere abstinence from

food and drink.
2. Self-Discipline

● Fasting teaches selfrestraint, patience, and

control over one's desires.
3. Empathy

01 They are reminded of the blessings they have been

bestowed by Allah.

02 By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims develop

empathy for the less fortunate.
4. Charity and Good
Deeds
● Fasting encourages acts of charity, kindness,
and generosity towards others.
● It reinforces the importance of community and
social responsibility.
 5. Conclusion
Fasting in Islam is a
profound act of worship.
01
It serves as a means of
spiritual purification,
self-discipline, and drawing
closer to Allah.
Muslims observe fasting
02 during the month of
Ramadan and engage in
voluntary fasts throughout
the year.
03
It is a practice that fosters
spiritual growth, empathy,
and a deep sense of
04 gratitude for the blessings
of Allah.
Understanding Fasting in
Islam
An overview of the purpose, significance, and practical aspects of fasting in Islam
 Understanding the Purpose
of Fasting

Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting

purifies the soul and brings
one closer to Allah, 01
teaching patience,
self-restraint, and
gratitude.
Submission to Allah: Fasting
symbolizes obedience to
Allah's commandments,
reinforcing the concept of
submission to the divine will.
02 Empathy and Solidarity:
Through experiencing
hunger and thirst,
Muslims develop
empathy for the less
03 fortunate and cultivate a
sense of solidarity with
them.
Quranic Verses on
Fasting
● Surah AlBaqarah (2:183-187): Outlines the
regulations and objectives of fasting,
emphasizing its spiritual and moral dimensions.
● Surah AlMaidah (5:95): Permits exemptions from
fasting for travelers and offers alternatives for
making up missed fasts.
● Surah AlAraf (7:31): Commands believers to eat
and drink moderately during the permitted hours
of fasting, avoiding excess.
● Surah AlBaqarah (2:185): Describes Ramadan as
the month of Quranic revelation and fasting as a
means to attain piety (Taqwa).
Practical Aspects of
Fasting
● Timing: Fasting observed from dawn (Fajr) until
sunset (Maghrib) during Ramadan, abstaining
from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations.
● Intentions (Niyyah): Crucial to have sincere
intentions and devotion to Allah while fasting.
● Exemptions: Certain individuals (sick, elderly,
pregnant women, travelers) are exempt from
fasting but can make up missed fasts later.
● Spiritual Practices: Aside from physical
abstentions, fasting involves increased
devotion, recitation of the Quran, and acts of
charity and kindness.
Thank You