The Glorious Qur'an on fasting
Obligation of fasting
"O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew.
Revelation of the Qur'an
and fasting in the month
of Ramadhan
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and
judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in
fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility
for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that
He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
Allah is very close to
His devotees
When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he
calleth on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way.
Nights of the Fasting
month and Timings of
fasting
Permitted to you on the night of the fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments. And ye are their garments.
Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with
them and seek what Allah hath ordained for you and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from
its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in
the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His signs to men that
they may learn self-restraint." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183-187, translated by A.Yusuf Ali]
Hajj and Umrah
(pilgrimage to Makkah)
And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it) send an offering for
sacrifice such as ye may find and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is
ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving) (he should) in compensation either fast or feed the poor or offer
sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again) if anyone wishes to continue the 'Umra on to the Hajj he must make
an offering such as he can afford it he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return making ten days
in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is
strict in punishment. [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196, translated by A.Yusuf Ali]
Punishment for killing a believer
and laws of bloodwite
Never should a believer kill a believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake (compensation is due): if one (so) kills a
believer it is ordained that he should free a believing slave and pay compensation to the deceased's family unless they
remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you and he was a believer the freeing of a believing
slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have a treaty of mutual alliance compensation should be
paid to his family and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means (is prescribed) a fast for
two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom. [Surah An-Nisaa 4:92, translated by A.Yusuf Ali]
Kaffarah (penalty) for breaking
the oath
Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths:
for expiation feed then indigent persons on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a
slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn.
But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs that ye may be grateful. [Surah Al-Maida 5:89, translated by A.Yusuf Ali]
Prohibition of hunting during Hajj
Ihram (wearing pilgrim garb)
and Kaffarah (penalty) for
hunting during Hajj Ihram
"O ye who believe! kill not game while in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally the
compensation is an offering brought to the Ka'ba of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed as adjudged by
two just men among you; or by way of atonement the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: that he may
taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: for repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty: for Allah
is Exalted and Lord of Retribution." [Surah Al-Maida 5:95, translated by A.Yusuf Ali]
If one trusts, obeys, and follows the guidance and commands of Allah and His Messenger (saw), one can be assured of never ever being misled; but if one believes, obeys and follows any other guidance, other than that of Allah and His Messenger (saw), one can be assured of being led astray.
May Allah the Almighty forgive us for our shortcomings and guide us to that which He loves and is pleased with. Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength. Aameen
- The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an, 11th edition 1429 AH / 2008 C.E with Revised English Translation, Commentary and Index by ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali
THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN Explained Virtues of Fasting (Saum) |