The fast of Ramadhan

Gravity of missing a fast of Ramadan without a valid excuse

Fasting is obligatory on a person who has the following three criteria in him:

1. Islam. 2. Puberty and 3. Sanity.

Therefore, fasting is obligatory on a Muslim who is sane and has reached the age of puberty. Without a valid excuse, he will not be allowed to miss even one fast also. Otherwise, it will be a Gunnah Kabeerah (great sin).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The one who has missed a fast of Ramadhan without a valid reason according to the Shari’ah) and without a (grave) sickness, fasting for the entire life will not suffice to replace this fast." (Bukhari, Tirmizi, Abu Dawud. Nasai and Ibn Majah)

Note: In this Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has showed us the gravity of missing a fast that even if a person fasts for his entire life, he will not be able to receive the same amount of Sawaab that he would have received if he would had observed this fast during the month of Ramadhan. Nonetheless, by replacing this missed fast, he will be relieved of his duty and responsibility of Farz, but he will not attain the reward.

As for a lady who is in Haiz (menstruation) or Nifaas (bleeding after childbirth), she is not allowed to fast as long as she does not become pure and she should replace these fasts afterwards when she becomes pure.

The gravity of breaking a fast of Ramadhan without a valid reason

It is even graver to break a fast of Ramadhan without a valid excuse. Leave alone the sin and punishment, the penalty itself is very hard and severe. The penalty is: Fasting for 60 consecutive days (one after the other) along with replacing the fast which was nullified!

[English version of "Roza de Ramadwan" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.3]