Fasting, I’tekaf, Advent of Moon, Fitrah
Some General Rules
If any of the fast abolishers is performed forgetfully then the fast does not become void.
If a fasting person forgetfully commits an act which invalidates fast and thinks that since fast has already become void, intentionally eats or drinks or commits any other act which invalidates fast, his fast will be void now.
If a fasting person is forced for example something is dropped forcibly down the throat or forcefully pushed in water and as a result complete head is immersed even then the fast does not become void.
But
If the fasting person is compelled to break his fast by intimidation, like, given threat to have the meal else will be shot and the fasting person instead of having a bullet have meal by his own hand, then he did an absolutely right act and did not commit a sin, however, his fast will be void and later qadha shall be kept.
Attention:
If in the month of Ramadhan, one invalidates his fast without any reason then:
His fast is void
But it is not permissible to eat or drink till Maghrib.
Neither any other act is permitted which invalidates a fast.
Expiation (Kaffara) For The Month Of Ramadhan
The penalty to be paid for intentionally not fasting in the month of Ramadhan or invalidating a fast is called expiation (Kaffara).
QS # 1 : What is to be done in expiation?
ANS :
To free a slave
Or
To fast for 60 days of which 31 are necessary to be kept continuously.
Or
Feed sixty Momin (Believer) Poor fellows.
Attention: If the fast was invalidated with such a thing that is already prohibited for example by consuming alcohol or adultery, then all of the three expiations will become obligatory.
QS # 2 : Such slaves do not exist today who are entitled as slaves in shariah?
ANS : This is right. Therefore only the other two options would be left to be exercised.
QS # 3 : What is meant by feeding 60 Momin Poor fellows?
ANS :
After preparing meal, feed them to their fill.
Or
Give each of them 750 grams of wheat or rice.
NOTE:
Giving money to these poor will not fulfill the task.
If the money is to be given then they must be restricted to buy wheat etc.
This has to be ensured that they will follow the instructions.
QS # 4 : Is it necessary to complete the figure of 60? Giving 60 expiations to a single poor will do the needful?
ANS : No it is necessary to complete the figure of 60.
QS # 5 : When does expiation become obligatory?
ANS : Fast is not kept or is made void after keeping
ATTENTION:
If it was not known that doing this act would invalidate the fast even then the fast will be considered void and it is obligatory to observe qadha later on but expiation will not be obligatory to be given except that:
FEW MORE POINTS:
Any of the fast abolishers was committed once, fast became void and expiation became obligatory.
QS # 1 : If any of the fast abolishers is performed again then will the expiation also get doubled?
ANS : No. Except sexual intercourse. Means expiation will have to be given as many times sexual relations were established.
QS # 2 : One travelled to another city after making his fast void. Will this terminate the expiation?
ANS : No
QS # 3 : Is it necessary to give the expiation immediately?
ANS : No. But it must not be delayed to the extent as it may be termed as negligence. Means it should not be felt that he does not care to give the expiation.
QS # 4 : One year has passed away. I have not given the expiation. Will the expiation increase because of this delay?
ANS : No.
QS # 5 : Expiation is obligatory on me. But neither can I keep 60 fasts nor can I feed 60 poor. What must I do?
ANS :
Feed as many poor as you can and ask forgiveness from Allah by saying Astaghfirullah
If even a single poor cannot be fed then only seek forgiveness by saying Astaghfirullah
Later on complete this expiation whenever possible.
QS # 6 : Can expiation of a Non-Syed be given to a Syed?
ANS : It is permissible but better is to avoid this.
QS # 7 : Poor Momin means?
ANS : Momin**:** Twelver Shia
Poor: Whose expenses are more than his income with respect to his social status.
Expiation For Invalidating Qadha Fast Of The Month Of Ramadhan
Important Note: Fasts being delayed in current Month of Ramadhan are mandatory to be kept before the next month of Ramadhan**.**
Qadha fast was kept for the month of Ramadhan:
Permissible to break before Zuhr.
But
It is not permissible to break this fast after Zuhr.
In case of invalidating the fast, expiation will also have to be given.
Attention:
As stated, Qadha fast can be broken before Zuhr. This is only allowed in the cases when there is sufficient time left for example 5 delayed fasts are to be kept and 20 days are left in the month of Ramadhan. But
If 5 delayed fasts are to be kept and just 5 days are left in the month of Ramadhan then it is not permitted to invalidate a fast even before Zuhr.
QS # 1 : I am keeping Qadha fasts of a deceased person on payment. Do I have the same order that I can not make a fast void after Zuhr?
ANS : No. you can break a fast even after Zuhr.
QS # 2 : What is the expiation for invalidating a Qadha fast after Zuhr?
ANS :
Feed 10 Momin poor fellows to their fill.
Or
Give each of them 750 grams of wheat or rice etc.
If this is not possible then keep 3 fasts consecutively.
Note:
Giving money to these poor will not suffice.
If the money is to be given then they must be restricted to buy wheat etc.
This has to be ensured that they will follow the instructions.
It is necessary to complete the figure of 10. One person can not be given 10 expiations.
QS # 3 : Poor Momin means?
ANS : Momin**:** Twelver Shia
Poor: Whose expenses are more than his income with respect to his social status.
Expiation For Delaying
As stated earlier, fast delayed in this month of Ramadhan are necessary to be kept before the upcoming month of Ramadhan.
Zaid was ill. He could not keep 5 fasts of the month of Ramadhan. After the month of Ramadhan:
Zaid became alright. But he did not keep the Qadha fast till the next month of Ramadhan came
Or
5 days were left to the next month of Ramadhan. It is obvious that 5 fasts were Qadha. Zaid also wants to fast but he became ill and could not keep.
In both the cases it is necessary for Zaid to give expiation for delay and keep Qadha Fasts.
Attention:
We have discussed the illness of Zaid as just an example. If there is any problem other then illness like travel etc. then the decree will remain the same.
If someone did not fast or made the fast void intentionally then his responsibility to keep the Qadha fasts before the next month of Ramadhan remains at its place. If not done so, he would be required to give expiation for delay as well in addition to the bigger expiation discussed earlier.
QS # 1 : What is the expiation for delay?
ANS : To give 750 grams of wheat or rice etc. to a Momin poor fellow for every fast
NOTE:
Giving money will not suffice.
If the money is to be given then must be restricted to buy wheat etc.
This has to be ensured that he will follow the instructions.
Expiations for many days can be given to a single person.
Expiation for delay is applicable only once. If one more year is delayed then the expiation for delay does not increase.
QS # 2 : Poor Momin means?
ANS : Momin**:** Twelver Shia
Poor: Whose expenses are more than his income with respect to his social status.
Fidya Means “Alternative” Or “Compensation”
Qs # 1 : Alternative of What? Compensation of What?
ANS : Alternative or compensation for not fasting. It has few conditions:
Who will give fidya?
Old Age man or woman.
People suffering from the disease of excessive thirst.
Pregnant woman.
Woman suckling a child.
That person who did not fast because of illness and the illness prolonged till the next month of Ramadhan.
Few details
Old age man or woman:
Those men and women who can not fast because of old age:
ATTENTION:
During the year in any other season when the weather is cold, days are small and it is possible to fast then it is obligatory to keep Qadha alongwith fidya otherwise not.
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE OF EXCESSIVE THIRST:
Those people who are suffering from the disease of excessive thirst and because of that:
ATTENTION:
For them too if fasting is possible during the year in any other season then it will be obligatory for them to keep Qadha alongwith fidya.
Pregnant woman:
Whose delivery time is near and to fast:
Woman suckling a child:
Whose quantity of milk is less, no other lady is available to suckle the baby, nor is top feed suitable for the baby and to fast:
Prolonged illness:
Attention:
If for some other reason, for example travelling, fast was not kept and was in travel during the whole year till the next month of Ramadhan arrived then only Qadha is obligatory on him. Fidya will not become obligatory for him.
Likewise if the reason changes for example did not fast because of illness. Later on he became alright and its place was taken by travel till next month of Ramadhan arrived. In this case too, only Qadha will be obligatory and fidya will not become obligatory for him.
QS # 1 : What should I give as fidya?
ANS : Give 750 grams of wheat or rice etc. to a Momin poor fellow for every fast
Note:
Giving money will not suffice.
If the money is to be given then they must be restricted to buy wheat etc.
This has to be ensured that they will follow the instructions.
Fidya for many days can be given to a single person.
Fidya is applicable only once. Fidya will not increase due to further delay.
Explanation of Momin poor has been stated earlier at quite few places.
Few More Things About Qadha Fasts
If an insane recovers and becomes sane, it will not be obligatory on him to offer qadha for the fasts which he did not observe when he was insane.
If a non-Muslim becomes a Muslim, it is not obligatory on him to offer qadha for the fasts of the period during which he was not Muslim.
Attention: If a Muslim apostatizes and becomes Muslim again, he must observe qadha for the fasts of the period during which he remained an apostate.
If a person gets intoxicated or unconscious and could not keep the fast then its qadha will become obligatory.
Attention: It does not make any difference that:
This unconsciousness was because of consuming alcohol or any medicine or any other reason.
Was consumed intentionally, as a medication or for any other reason.
Number Of Qadha Fasts:
Qs # 1 : Do not remember. Have doubt whether 5 fasts were Qadha or 6. What is my responsibility?
ANS : Keep as many Qadha fasts for which you are 100% sure.
Sequence In Qadha Fasts:
QS # 2 : While keeping delay fasts, is it necessary to take care of the sequence that I should keep the delayed fasts for 1427 AH first and then of 1428 AH. Or it is on my choice?
ANS :
If 4 days are left to the month of Ramadhan of 1429 AH then it is obligatory to keep the 4 fasts of 1428 AH first.
If this is not the case, then the sequence needs not to be taken care of.
Case:
Someone did not keep fasts because of illness or haidh or nifas.
And
Before the month of Ramadhan would end that person died.
QS # 3 : Will these fasts be assumed as qadha of that person?
ANS : No
Two Important Points
Case:
A girl has become major (baligh). She is not ill but feels weakness and due to it she can not fast. This thing continues for whole year till the next month of Ramadhan arrives.
QS # 1 :Is she excused for the Qadha?
ANS : No. Qadha will remain intact. Although fidya is not obligatory.
Case:
Did not keep fast at young age and now I am old. I have sought forgiveness but can not keep the Qadha fasts.
QS # 2 : Am I excused for the Qadha?
ANS : No
QS # 3 : Can I make someone responsible in my life to keep my fasts against payment?
ANS :
No.
Make a will so that after death the heirs can take steps in this regard.
If desirable, make a will to spend 1/3 from the inheritance on keeping the fasts against payment after death.
Mother & Father’s Delayed Fasts
It is obligatory for the eldest son to observe the qadha fasts of mother and father or make someone responsible to keep. (even by spending money)
Eldest Son Means:
The eldest among the alive sons at the time of the death of mother or father.
The eldest might be younger than the brother who had already died in the life of the mother or father.
There is no responsibility of daughters.
Only those fasts of mother or father are obligatory on the eldest son that has been certainly lapsed.
Ones which are doubtful are not obligatory.
If the eldest son does not keep those lapsed fasts or die before he keeps then there is no responsibility of the other sons.
QS # 1 : I am the eldest son. I have my own Qadha fasts as well as my late father’s. Which fasts shall be kept first?
ANS :
There is no sequence in both of them. Any of them can be kept first but:
If your Qadha fast are of the last month of Ramadhan and the next month of Ramadhan is about to come means the days left are equal to the no. of your Qadha fasts then your Qadha fasts are necessary to be kept first.
Fasting By A Traveller
If conditions fulfill, for a traveller:
Prayers of 4 rakat (zuhr,asar,isha)
Shortens to 2 rakats**.**
And
Fasting becomes prohibited. Keeping them afterwards becomes obligatory.
NOTE: To know the details of these conditions, please refer to Tozeeh-ul-Masail.
Few points:
There is no harm in travelling during the month of Ramadhan but it is not advisable (Makrooh) to travel to evade fasting.
It is inappropriate for a traveller and similarly for a person who cannot fast in the month of Ramadhan, to have sexual intercourse or to eat to his fill.
If a fasting person travels after zuhr, then it is obligatory for him to complete that day’s fast.
If travels before zuhr then the fast becomes void. It does not make difference whether he had decided from night or not.
In this condition too, he cannot eat or drink etc. until he reaches the limit of Tarakkhus.
QS #1 : Limit of Tarakkhus means?
ANS : The place from where neither the summons of the city is heard nor the walls of the city are seen.
Before zuhr**:**
Recommended Fast
QS # 1 : Can a person keep the recommended fast if he has pending Qadha Fast for the month of Ramadhan?
ANS : No.
QS # 2 : Some other fasts like of Ablation (Nadr) or Expiation (Kaffara) is left. Can one keep recommended fast?
ANS : Yes (Ayatullah Khoi, Ayatullah Sistani)
No (Imam Khomeini, Ayatullah Khamenei)
QS # 3 : I kept recommended fast and one of my Momin friend invited me for meal. What is better for me? Invalidating fast by accepting the invitation or completing the fast?
ANS : Invalidating recommended fast by accepting the invitation is more rewarding.
QS # 4 : Can a wife keep recommended fast without husband’s permission?
ANS : No
I'tekaf
I’TEKAF means: to stay in the mosque while maintaining certain conditions. This is a recommended worshipping act.
MUTAKIF means: One observing I’tekaf
QS # 1 : Can I’tekaf be obligatory too?
ANS : It can become obligatory because of nadr (mannat), qasam or ahad.
Conditions for i’tekaf:
Mutakif should be Sane: I’tekaf of a mentally unstable person is not valid.
Intention:
Qurbat-an-ilAllah. means performing I’tekaf for the purpose of fulfilling one of Allah’s recommended orders.
It should be clear that niyyat is the name of intention. To speak some words using tongue is not necessary.
Fasting During I’tekaf:
I’tekaf can not be observed without fast.
This fast may be of the month of Ramadhan or in other months with the intention of Qadha or recommended. This does not make difference.
Duration of I’tekaf: At least 3 days. No limit for maximum.
In which mosque I’tekaf can be observed?
**Masjid-ul-**Haram (the mosque around Kaaba)
**Masjid-e-**Nabawi (the place where the shrine of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) is
**Masjid-e-**Kufa
**Masjid-e-**Basra
Apart from that, in the Central Mosques of the city, I’tekaf can be performed with the intention of Rijay-e-Matloobiat.
QS # 2 : Rijay-e-Matloobiat means?
ANS : On the hope that this act is desired by Almighty Allah.
QS # 3 : Central Mosque means?
ANS : Mosques where plenty of people assemble for prayers.
QS # 4 : Is it necessary that Friday Prayers are also observed in that mosque?
ANS : No
For few people, it is necessary to seek permission:
For example:
If wife wants to observe I’tekaf then it is compulsory to take permission from husband.
If the parents are unhappy then it is necessary for the child to take permission for I’tekaf from them.
It is necessary to stay in mosque and not going outside during I’tekaf.
Decrees for i’tekaf:
QS # 1 : I want to perform I’tekaf. From when will my I’tekaf commence? From when should I intend?
ANS : Assume that you want to observe I’tekaf on these three days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
I’tekaf will commence from Wednesday’s morning summons.
Means reach mosque before this and make intention.
I’tekaf will end on Friday’s Maghrib.
Means you have to stay in mosque for three days and two nights.
Summary:
Recommended I’tekaf can be made void on first and second day.
I’tekaf cannot be made void after the start of the third day.
Likewise can be made void on fourth and fifth day. After the commencement of sixth day, it cannot be made void.
Summary: I’tekaf cannot be made void on every third day.
During I’tekaf went out of the mosque:
Exception: The I’tekaf will not become void, If went outside the mosque because of:
some Logical reason
example: For the toilet
Necessities which the religion dictates
example: To perform bath for Janabat
Necessity deemed so by the general consensus
example: To see an ill or
To attend funeral
to attend funeral
Prohibited during i’tekaf:
Sexual intercourse (to establish sexual relations)
Deriving sexual pleasure in any way even touching with sexual desire is also forbidden
Masturbation
Use of fragrance
Buying and selling
If bound to purchase any edible then it is permitted.
Trading (Business)
Discussion and argument to prove that he is better or smarter or to dominate.
To argue on religious matters in order to seek Allah’s pleasure is permissible.
To make some one stand by force and sitting in his place is also prohibited. Likewise to sleep on encroached bed is also prohibited.
Questions Related To The Moon Of Eid
Today is the day of 29th of Ramadhan. Iftar time is about to approach. Does not know whether the moon will be sighted or not.
Tomorrow will be the last day of the month of Ramadhan.
Will we get the chance to keep one more fast or tomorrow will be the Eid day!!!!
In the next few pages, it has been tried to clear this ambiguity.
I am thankful to Hujjat-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Maulana Shahid Kashifi for his valuable advice about this part of the book.
Dawoodani
QS # 1 : Is it necessary for me to investigate about the moon sighting?
ANS : No
QS # 2 : If I come to know that moon has been sighted then is it necessary for me to tell others?
ANS : No.
QS # 3 : I have seen moon myself. Do I have the right to celebrate Eid tomorrow?
ANS : Yes. You will have to celebrate Eid tomorrow. It is necessary.
QS # 4 : What is to be done necessarily for celebrating Eid?
ANS : Only two things have to be taken care of:
Give fitrah if it is obligatory on you.
Fasting on the day of Eid is prohibited.
QS # 5 : And Eid prayers?
ANS : Not obligatory in the occultation of Imam (AS). It is recommended.
QS # 6 : New clothes…?
ANS : Not obligatory.
QS # 7 : Vermicelli?
ANS : Nothing is obligatory.
QS # 8 : Is there any other way to prove appearance of moon except of sighting himself?
ANS :
If satisfaction is obtained through the statement of a single person then the advent of the moon will be proven.
Two just (Adil) persons give witness about moon sighting then the advent of the moon will be proven.
Numbers of persons confirm to have sighted the moon that assure or satisfy a person.
QS # 9 : If someone informs about the sighting of moon by scientific research, can it be followed then?
ANS : If you are sure then you will have to follow.
QS # 10: For me the advent of the moon has proven but my wife does not accept. What should I do?
ANS : If it has not been proven for your wife then she must not accept too.
QS # 11: What will happen then? She will fast and I will celebrate Eid?
ANS : What is the problem in that?
QS # 12: She will do sehri and I will stare at her face. She will do iftari and I will see all that?
ANS : Only fasting has been made forbidden for you. At sehri time you may have the breakfast. Her iftari will be your dinner.
QS # 13: And I would eat whole day and she will look at me?
ANS : You may not eat the whole day for expressing solidarity with her. Which Mujtahid has made it compulsory to eat on Eid day?
QS # 14: I am celebrating Eid today while majority of the city will celebrate tomorrow. Can I offer Eid prayers congregationally with all tomorrow?
ANS : Can offer with the intention of Rijay-e-Matloobiat.
QS # 15: Rijay-e-Matloobiat means?
ANS : On the hope that this act is desired by Almighty Allah.
QS #16: And other celebrations can also be done on next day?
ANS : For example?
QS #17 : For example hugging, congratulating etc.?
ANS : This all can be done for next many days. No restriction at all.
QS #18: Other people of the city are celebrating Eid today. For me the advent of the moon is not proven. I am fasting with a strange feeling. What to do?
ANS : Leave the city in your vehicle early in the morning to such a distance that you can be titled as traveller according to Shariah. Invalidate your fast. Come back to the city and later keep Qadha of this fast.
SUMMARY
There are three possible conditions for the sighting or non-sighting of Eid moon:
| Moon is sighted | Tomorrow is the first of Shawwal.
Celebrate Eid. Prohibited to fast. Give fitrah. |
Moon is not sighted Not known whether the moon appeared or not |
Tomorrow is 30th of Ramadhan.
Keep fast. It is obligatory. Celebrate Eid day after tomorrow |
QS #19: I kept fast assuming 30th of Ramadhan. During the day I came to know that moon was sighted. What should I do?
ANS : Invalidate the fast and give fitrah.
Fitrah
Fitrah is a type of Zakat.
This guarantees acceptance of the fasts of the holy month of Ramadhan and peace & security till the next year. (Mafatih-ul-Jinan)
In next few pages, Decrees regarding fitrah are explained briefly in such a manner that Momineen may easily fulfill their responsibilities. For details, refer to the books of Jurisprudence.
Hujjat-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Maulana Ali Nasir Mehdavi had a look and gave valuable suggestions regarding this part of the booklet. I am thankful to him.
Dawoodani
Qs # 1 : To whom is Fitrah obligatory?
ANS : The one who fulfills the following conditions:
Is major i.e. Baligh (fitrah is not obligatory on minors)
And
Is sane (fitrah is not obligatory on insane)
And
Is not a poor (fitrah is not obligatory on a poor)
Note : Poor is the person whose expenses are more than his income with respect to his social status.
And
Is conscious (fitrah is not obligatory on unconscious)
And
Is not a slave (is free).
QS # 2 : Whose fitrah is to be paid?
ANS : Fitrah shall be paid of himself and those dependants on him (means considered as those who eat at his place) irrespective of majors or minors.
Supplementary Q # 01: If Zaid is considered as the one who eats at Hasan’s home then is it not necessary for Zaid to pay his own fitrah?
ANS : No
Supplementary Q # 02: How is this known whether Zaid is considered among those who eat at Hasan’s home or not?
ANS : Society will decide this. If society considers Zaid among those who eat at Hasan’s home then Zaid’s fitrah will be obligatory on Hasan otherwise not.
Supplementary Q # 03 : My fitrah is obligatory on my father but he does not pay that. Is it obligatory for me to pay my fitrah myself in this case?
ANS : No
QS # 3: How much shall be paid as fitrah?
ANS :
Or
Note:
In case of giving money it should be known that whether the price of wheat is being given or of rice.
It must be clear that other commodities apart from wheat and rice can be given as fitrah. But there are details that are stated in major books.
QS # 4 : Whom shall the Fitrah be given?
ANS : To such a Shia Ithna Asheri Momin who is:
A poor (definition of poor has been mentioned under answer of Q # 1)
And
Not an alcoholic
And
Not the one who does not say his daily prayers
And
Not the one who commits sin openly (for example the one who shaves his beard or a woman who does not observe hijab)
And
Not known to use the Fitrah in sinful way
Note:
Giving fitrah to such a person fulfills the responsibility.
Fitrah of a Non-Syed cannot be given to a Syed.
QS # 5 : (A) When shall fitrah be paid?
ANS : At the night of Eid after the sunset.
QS # 5 : (B) Till what time fitrah must be paid?
ANS :
Before the Eid prayers if being offered,
Otherwise before Zuhr.
Supplementary Q: There is a poor man in my knowledge and he fulfills the stated conditions too. Can I pay him the fitrah before the night of Eid or even before the month of Ramadhan?
ANS : You give him loan and later at the night of Eid adjust it with the fitrah. Intend to give fitrah from the amount of the loan.
QS # 6 : Is the intention for giving fitrah compulsory?
ANS : Yes. Paying fitrah is a worshipping act. Hence intention is also necessary. One must remember that niyyat is to intend in heart. To speak some words from tongue is not necessary. Only the intention that I am performing this act to fulfill Almighty Allah’s orders is intention and this is sufficient.
QS # 7 : At the time of paying fitrah, is it necessary to inform that it is fitrah?
ANS : No. Rather if the self respect of the fitrah-taking person is being affected then it is better not to inform him.
Walhamd-u-lillah-e-rabbil aalameen
With the request for prayers in the month of Ramadhan & Shab-e-Qadr
Awaiting your comments & suggestions
Muhammad Raza Dawoodani www.dawoodani.com