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Fiqh of Fasting (Ahkam al-Siyam)
Comprehensive jurisprudence guide on pillars, valid excuses for breaking fast, and interactive calculators for Qada, Fidyah, Kaffarah, and Zakat al-Fitr.
The Two Essential Pillars (Arkan) of Fasting
A fast is legally invalid if either of these two pillars is absent:
1. Intention (Al-Niyyah)
Determining in the heart to fast for the sake of Allah. For obligatory fasts (Ramadan, Qada, Kaffarah), the majority of scholars require the intention to be made each night before the arrival of true dawn (Fajr).
“Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr has no fast.” (Abu Dawud 2454, Tirmidhi 730)
2. Abstaining from Fast-Breakers (Al-Imsak)
Strict abstention from food, drink, and marital relations from the onset of true dawn (Fajr) until the complete setting of the sun (Maghrib).
“...and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread; then complete the fast until night.” (Quran 2:187)
Key Sunan and Recommended Manners (Adab)
Suhoor Meal (Pre-Dawn)
Eating suhoor and delaying it close to Fajr. Even a few dates or sips of water fulfill the blessing (Sahih Bukhari 1923).
Hastening Iftar (Sunset)
Breaking fast immediately when the sun sets without delay. 'People remain in good as long as they hasten iftar' (Bukhari 1957).
Breaking on Dates or Water
Sunnah to break fast with moist fresh dates (rutab), dry dates (tamr), or plain water (Abu Dawud 2355).
Guarding Speech & Temper
Avoiding falsehood, backbiting, and arguments. 'If someone insults him, let him say: I am fasting' (Bukhari 1894).
Dua at the Time of Iftar
Reciting 'Dhahaba ath-thama'u...' and supplicating, as the prayer of the fasting person at iftar is not rejected (Tirmidhi 3598).
Generosity & Recitation
Increasing Quran recitation and charitable giving, mirroring the Prophet ﷺ who was most generous in Ramadan (Bukhari 6).