Islam 312: 16 Things That Invalidate Sawm

1. Sexual intercourse: Whenever the fasting person has sexual intercourse, his fast is invalidated. Subsequently, he is required to make up the fast for that day in which he had sexual intercourse in addition to paying a penalty (kaffaarah) which is to free a slave. If he is unable to find a slave or funds that are equal to that, then he is required to fast consecutively for two months. If he is unable to fast for two months, due to an Islamically acceptable reason, he is to feed 60 poor people half a saa' each from the food common in that land.

2. Excretion of semen as a result of kissing, touching with desire, masturbation or persistently looking at that which arouses the desire. In this case, the fast is invalidated and he is required to make up for that day without paying a penalty (kaffaarah), since paying a penalty is specific to having had sexual intercourse.

3. Telling lies about Allah and or His Messenger (pbuh)

5. Pouring oil into the ears.

6. As for extracting blood via cupping or opening a vein or donating blood for medical reasons, then all of this invalidates the fast. As regards giving a small blood sample for testing purposes, then this does not affect the fast. Likewise, this applies to the unintentional flow of blood resulting from a nose bleed, injury or having a tooth removed. All of these do not affect the fast.

7. Intentionally eating and drinking, due to that which Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says:

{...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Sawm (fast) till the nightfall}, [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 187]

As for he who eats and drinks out of forgetfulness, then this does not affect his fast as is mentioned in the following hadeeth:

((Whoever forgetfully eats or drinks, then he should complete his fast, for indeed it was Allaah who provided him the food and drink))

And from that which breaks the fast is water and other such substances to pass his throat via his nose. This is known as as-Sa'oof. Likewise, taking a nutritional injection directly into the vein and taking a blood transfusion whilst fasting. All of these invalidate the fast, as it constitutes nutrition for the body.

As regards a non-nutritional injection, then it is better for one who is fasting to avoid this so as to protect his fast. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Leave that which you are doubtful (about) for that which are not doubtful (about)))

And as such delay it until after having broken the fast at the time of Maghrib.

A. The fasting person should not exert himself whilst gargling and sniffing water up his nose (when making wudhoo.) because it is quite possible the water may pass his throat and thereby enter his stomach. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

(((Whilst making wudhoo.) exert yourself in sniffing water up the nose except if you are fasting)).

B. Also, Eating deliberately after having eaten mistakenly (Eating by mistake) does not break the fast.

8. Inhaling smoke by one's own action, e.g. inhaling the smoke of incence, etc.

9. Smoking

10. Swallowing any substance or object which is not normally consumed as food or medicine, e.g. pebbles, paper, a coin, etc.

11. Masturbation. In addition to it nullifying the Saum, it is an immoral and a sinful act. The perpetrator has been cursed by Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). [more on this in the next article]

12. Intentional vomiting also invalidates the fast. However, the fast is not affected if he is overcome and is forced to vomit without intending so. This is based upon the statement of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

((Whoever is overcome (and forced) to vomit, then he is not required to make up (the fast for that day) and whoever intentionally vomits then he must make up (the fast for that day))).

13. Applying drops of medicine into the nostrils.

14. It is obligatory for the fasting person to refrain from lying, backbiting and swearing, even if someone was to swear at him. If this is the case, he should say:

(((indeed), I am fasting))

Certainly, some people find it easy to abstain from food and drink but find it difficult to abandon that which has become a habit for them from evil speech and actions. This is why some of the Pious Predecessors have said:

((The easiest (type of) fast is abstaining from food and drink)).

So it is upon the Muslim to fear Allaah and be aware of Him and His Greatness and the fact that He Sees all that we do, such that absolutely nothing remains hidden from him. In doing this, he should protect his fast from all that invalidates it or reduces it's reward so that his fast remains correct and, inshaa-Allaah, is accepted by Allaah.

It is befitting for the fasting person to busy himself in the remembrance of Allaah, reciting the Qur.aan and increasing in the performance of naafilah (voluntary) prayers.

It used to be that when the Pious Predecessors would fast, they would sit in the masaajid and they would say:

((We shall protect our fast and not backbite anyone)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Whoever does not abandon evil speech and actions, then Allaah is not in need of him having left his food and drink (i.e. fasting))).

This is because seeking nearness to Allaah is not complete simply by leaving our personal desires (of eating and drinking, etc). Rather, it is by leaving that which Allaah has prohibited at all times in terms of lying, oppression and the like. In a narration, Abu Hurayrah said:

((The fast is accepted as worship so long as no Muslim has been backbitten or harmed)).

And it is narrated by Anas, who said:

((The one who has backbitten the people whilst fasting has not really fasted)).

Other things that break the fast are only considered to do so, if the following three conditions apply:

1. If a person knows that it breaks the fast and is not ignorant

2: If he is aware of what he is doing and has not forgotten that he is fasting

3. If he does it from his own free will and is not forced to do it

Remember sins should always be avoided, but especially if you are fasting

In the next article, I'll tell you about the things that don't break fasts... Till then, stay blessed!

References:

www.islamway.com

www.tauheed-sunnat.com

Islam 312: The Ultimate Guide to Sawm (Fasting)

   Source: Reuters

What is Sawm?

Fasting During Ramadan:

Sawm (fasting), commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to humanity during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. During Ramadan, all adult Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse during daylight hours. Exceptions are made for travelers, soldiers, menstruating women, and the ill, although such persons are expected to fast later when they become able. Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world.

In addition to being a time of fasting, Ramadan is an opportunity for increased prayer and devotion. During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, some Muslims retreat to a mosque for even more intensive study and contemplation. One of these nights, usually the 27th of Ramadan (the night is never known and may not be the same every year), is the "Night of Power," the holiest day of the year. To spend that night in worship is equivalent to a thousand months of worship, (i.e. Allah's reward for it is very great.)

The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. Being hungry and thirsty during the fast helps us experience what those who have little or nothing feel, and so it enables is to sympathise with them and remember them. The experience then reminds us not to place too much value in this world, but to aim towards attaining paradise. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice. 

Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him. Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits. Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking. Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Observance begins and ends upon the first official sighting of the new moon. The observance of Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast), a major Islamic holiday.

The noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) gave an impressive sermon welcoming the month of Ramadhan. He said:

“O people! The month of Allah with its blessings, mercy and forgiveness has come upon you. It is the most preferred of all the months with Allah; its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, and its hours are the best of hours. It is a month in which you have been invited as guests of Allah and have been placed among those honoured by Allah. Your breathing in it is [like] an act of praising [Allah], your sleep an act of worship; your good deeds are accepted, and your prayers answered. Therefore, ask Allah with sincere intentions and pure hearts to help you in fasting and recitating His Book during this [month]. Indeed damned is he who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness during this august month.

“O people! The gates of Paradise are wide open during this month; therefore, ask your Lord not to close them in your face. The gates of Hell-Fire are locked; therefore, ask your Lord not to open them for you. Satans are chained; therefore, ask your Lord not to unfetter them upon you.

“O people! Whosoever among you improves his character during this month, he shall have the pass [to cross] over the Bridge (sirat) on the day when [people’s] feet shall slip. Whosoever is lenient with his slaves during this month, Allah will be lenient with him in the reckoning of his [deeds on the Day of Judgement]. Whosoever checks his evil deeds during this month, Allah shall withhold His anger from him on the day he meets Him. Whosoever honours an orphan during this month, Allah shall honour him on the day he meets Him. Whosoever maintains, during this month, contact with his relations, Allah will maintain His mercy for him on the day he meets Him. Whosoever recites a verse from the Qur’an during this month, his reward will be like one who has completed the recitation of the Qur’an during the other months.”

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) said, “There are some who fast but will gain nothing from their fasting except thirst; and there are some who pray but will gain nothing from their prayer except tiredness.”

Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “When you fast, your ears, eyes, hair, skin, and all your limbs should also fast.” He also said, “Fasting is not only [abstaining] from food and drink alone. When you fast, protect your tongue from lying; lower your eye-glances from what Allah has forbidden [you to see]; do not fight with one another; do not be jealous of one another; do not backbite one another; do not abuse one another; and do not be unjust to one another.

Refrain from false accusation, lying, fighting, suspicion, backbiting, and slandering. Be those who look forward to the hereafter, and wait for your days, waiting for what Allah has promised for those who have prepared to meet Allah. You must have tranquility, sobriety, humility, servility, and submissiveness of a slave who fears his master; and be fearful [of Allah’s chastisement] as well as hopeful [in His forgiveness].”

Who Is Permitted Not To Fast?

Exempted from the fast are the very old, the insane, those who are sick, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant, or nursing are permitted to break the fast, but must make up an equal number of days later in the year. If physically unable to do so, they must feed a needy person for each day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.

More On Fasting:

There are other fast days throughout the year. Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, Mondays and Thursdays, and the ninth and tenth, or tenth and eleventh of Muharram, the first month of the year. The tenth day, called Ashurah, is also a fast day for the Jews (Yom Kippur), and Allah commanded the Muslims to fast two days to distinguish themselves from the People of the Book.

While fasting per se is encouraged, constant fasting, as well as monasticism, celibacy, and otherwise retreating from the real world, are condemned in Islam. Fasting on the two festival days, 'Id al-Fitr and 'Id al-Adha, the feast of the Hajj, is strictly forbidden.

In the next article, we'll talk about the do's and dont's of fasting...

Islam 312: Introduction To: Sawm (Fasting)

I believe you now know all about salat (prayer, Salah, namaz) from the previous posts, so we are now moving into the third pillar of Islam, which is Sawm. Sawm means fasting (especially during the month of Ramadan), but we won't be dealing with Ramadan alone, I will also talk about voluntary salats. I will tell you about merits of fasting and the Sunnah things to do while fasting, and things that will invalidate your fast.

We'll start in the next post! Watch out for it!