Fasting in Ramadan becomes obligatory upon sighting the crescent of Ramadan by a trustworthy person, or upon the completion of the month of Shabân (as thirty days). It is thirty days of fasting so far the crescent of Shawwâl is not sighted before it completes. When the people of a town sight the crescent, it becomes obligatory on the rest of the towns within the range. It is obligatory upon the person that wants to fast to make an intention (for fasting) before the appearance of Fajr.
- Al-Imaam Ash-Shaukaanee,
Ad-Daraaree Al-Mudeeyah, Book of Fasting, p.202
What Nullifies the Fasting
Fasting will become spoiled with eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and intentional act of vomiting. It is forbidden to join fasts together. It is upon whoever breaks his fast intentionally to carry out expiation similar to that of a person guilty of Dhihaar (the act of likening one's wife to one's mother in terms of conjugal rights). It is recommended to hasten the breaking of fast and to delay Sahuur (the pre-dawn meal).
- Al-Imaam Ash-Shaukaanee,
Ad-Daraaree Al-Mudeeyah, Spoilers of Fasting, p.206
Protect Your Fasting
On the authority of Abû Hurairah (may Allâh be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allâh (salaLlâhu alayhi wa sallam) said:رُبَّ صَائِمٍ لَيْسَ لَهُ مِنْ صِيَامِهِ إِلَّا الْجُوعُ وَرُبَّ قَائِمٍ لَيْسَ لَهُ مِنْ قِيَامِهِ إِلَّا السَّهَرُ
‘How many people would fast but no reward for them except hunger; how many people stand in the night and no reward for them except vigil.’ Ibn Mâjah. [Authenticated in al-Mishkât].
Do you know why?
Failing to shun prohibited acts such as gossiping, backbiting, etc, in Ramadan.
Also on the authority of Abû Hurairah (may Allâh be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allâh (salaLlâhu alayhi wa sallam) said:
مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْجَهْلَ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَا حَاجَةَ لِلَّهِ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ
‘Whoever does not abandon falsehood and acting with it, Allâh has no need of his abandoning his food and drink.’ Ibn Mâjah [Authenticated in Sahîh Abî Dâwud].
