Conditions (شُرُوط) of fast
The conditions of a valid fast are as follows:
- the intention (النِّيَّة)
- abstaining from actions that invalidate the fast
The intention (النية) to fast should indeed be made each day. For obligatory fasts, two additional conditions apply:
- Specificity (التعيين): The intention should be specific to the fast being observed, whether it’s Ramadan or another obligatory fast.
- Night timing (التَّبْيِيت): The intention must be made before dawn (fajr) for obligatory fasts.
For non-obligatory fasts, one can make the intention to fast before noon.
The intention should be made in the heart. Verbalizing it is a recommended practice (sunnah) but not obligatory. Merely partaking in the predawn meal (sahoor) is not sufficient to constitute the intention unless one also mentally visualizes the qualities of fasting that should be observed.
If there is doubt regarding whether the intention occurred before fajr or after fajr, it can invalidate the intention. Therefore, clarity in timing is essential when making the intention for fasting.
The complete intention for fasting, ideally made in one’s heart, is as follows:
“I intend to fast tomorrow, as an obligatory fast of this year’s Ramadan, in its rightful time, for the sake of Allah, the Most High.”
Indeed, it is recommended (sunnah) to articulate the above intention (niyyah) in Arabic as follows:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السنَةَ للهِ تَعَالَى
Intention on the Night of Doubt:
The 30th day of Sha’aban is known as the Day of Doubt. On this night, the intention to fast is valid if one intends to fast based on the statement of a trustworthy person (although not acceptable as a witness) who claims to have sighted the new moon, and the following day is confirmed to be the first day of Ramadan. However, if one intends to fast without any basis, their intention is not considered valid.
Difference between 30th day of Sha’aban and 30th day of Ramadan
The default assumption regarding the 30th day of Sha’aban is that it will indeed be the 30th day of Sha’aban. Therefore, an intention made on the night of doubt to fast the following day is not considered valid.
Conversely, the default assumption regarding the 30th day of Ramadan is that it will be the 30th day of Ramadan. Hence, an intention made on the night preceding the 30th day of Ramadan to fast the following day is valid.
Actions that do not break the fast
Things that do not invalidate the fast include:
- Unintentional vomiting.
- Having a wet dream or ejaculation due to thoughts or visual stimuli.
- Some water entering the body cavity due to moderate rinsing or inhaling during ablution. However, if excessive water is used leading to entry into the body cavity, the fast will be rendered void.
- Some water entering the body cavity during any required bathing, such as janaba or Friday. However, if water enters due to immersion during the bath, it is not considered an excuse..
- Swallowing saliva that is mixed with food remnants between the teeth and cannot be distinguished from them, making it difficult to spit out,Top of Form
- Swallowing saliva that is mixed with food remnants between the teeth and cannot be distinguished from them, making it difficult to spit out
- Swallowing saliva gathered in the mouth.
- Coughing up phlegm from the throat and spitting it out.
- Spitting out food found in the mouth at dawn.
- Immediately ceasing sexual intercourse at dawn.
- Sleeping all day, provided the intention was made the previous night.
- Losing consciousness all day, as long as consciousness is regained for even a brief moment during the day.
- Ejaculation occurring without physical contact.
- Eating or drinking without remembering that one is fasting.
- Eating or drinking without knowing that it breaks the fast.
- Eating or drinking under coercion.
- Swallowing the residual effect of mouth rinsing water. It means one is not obliged to dry the mouth after rinsing.
Invalidators (مُبْطلات) of fast
Things that invalidate the fast include:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Inhaling substances into the nostrils
- Taking vaginal or anal suppositories
- Pouring water into the ears until it reaches the brain
- Inserting a finger or any other item into the anus or vagina beyond the area disclosed when a woman sits on her leg
- Any substance entering the body cavity from an open inlet, whether through piercing or medication
- Voluntarily inducing vomiting
- Sexual intercourse
- Masturbation leading to ejaculation
- Arrival of water into the stomach during nasal or mouth rinsing if a large amount of water is used
- Swallowing spittle that has left the mouth or has become altered or impure by contact with filth
- Swallowing phlegm that could have been spat out when it reaches the visible area of the mouth
- Continuing sexual intercourse after the dawn has arrived, even for a moment
- Entering water into the body cavity during non-obligatory or non-recommended bathing
- Insanity, even for a moment
- Unconsciousness for the entire day
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding
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When the fast becomes invalid?
By engaging in activities that invalidate the fast, one’s fast is not invalidated unless they occur under the following three circumstances:
- If the individual deliberately performs the action while being aware that he/she is fasting.
- If the individual is aware that the action is forbidden (haram) and will invalidate the fast.
- If individual is not coerced or forced to perform the action.
What should one do if his/her fast becomes invalidated during the day?
Certain actions can invalidate a that fast, such as deliberately eating or drinking with the knowledge it is sinful on a fasting day. If one’s fast becomes invalid, he/she must continue to refrain from eating or drinking for the remainder of the day. Additionally, after Ramadan, he/she is obligated to make up for the invalidated day by fasting on another day.