LAWS OF RAMADHAN AND FASTING
Question: Is it permissible to pour medicine in the eyes while fasting. Sometimes, when we place eye drops, the effects can be felt in the throat/mouth. Does this break the fast? Also, will it be permissible to place medicine in the nose while fasting?
Answer: و مسلما مصليا و حامدا
Yes, it is permissible to pour medicine into the eyes while fasting, and this will not break the fast even though its effects can be felt in the throat or mouth. Our respected jurists have explained, that since there’s no direct passage between the eyes and the throat, then anything poured into the eyes will not break the fast, since only the effects of the poured substance is felt in the throat but not the actual entity.
However, as for the nose, it will not be permissible to pour medicine into it while fasting. Since, there’s a direct passage between the nose and the throat. If for some reason, medicine was poured into the nose, then only Qadha [make up fast] will be required and not kaffarah.
References
- Fatawah Shami: Vl: 4, Pg: 421-432, Qadimi Kutub Khana.
- Fatawah Tatarkhaniyah: Vl: 3, Pg: 377, Maktabah Rashidiyah, 2010
- Badai ul Sanai’: Vl: 2, Pg: 243, Maktabah Rashidiyah.
- Fatawah Darul Uloom Deoband: Vl: 6, Pg: 263, Darul Isha’at, 2002
- Kitaabul nawaazil: Vl:6, Pg: 358, Kutub Khanah Naimiyah, 2015.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
04/02/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: Sometimes, due to blockage in one’s urinary tract, he is required to insert liquid medicine into his genital organ, would this break his fast when he is observing the fast of Ramadhan? Would the ruling be the same in the case of a woman?
Answer: و مسلما مصليا و حامدا
No, by a male inserting liquid medication into his genital organ whilst fasting, this would not break his fast. Our jurists have explained that, this is so, since there’s no direct passage from the male’s urinary tract to the stomach. The medication will at most reach the bladder, which will not break the fast.
Secondly, the ruling regarding this issue, is not the same in the case of a woman. In fact, there’s unanimity amongst the jurists, that by a female inserting liquid medication into her genital organ whilst fasting, this would break her fast. Since, there’s a direct passage from her bladder to the stomach.
References
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl:1, Pg: 224, Qadimi Kutub Khanah.
- Badai ul Sanai’: Vl: 2, Pg: 627, Darul Hadith cairo, 2000.
- Fatawah Shami: Vl: 6, Pg: 274-275, Darul Thaqafah, 2000.
- Kitaabul Nawaazil: Vl: 6, Pg: 384, Markazul ilmi, 2014.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
08/02/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: Today we see that some people who possess good health and strength, miss the fast of Ramadhan, and pay fidyah for these missed fast. Is this allowed? Would this fidyah be accepted for their missed fasts or are they required to do qadha? Also, who are those that are allowed in Islam to pay Fidyah for a missed fast?
Answer: حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
No, this is not allowed. Missing the fast of Ramadhan without a valid excuse is a grave sin and a direct violation of Allah’s command. Our respected jurists have stated that, “Fidyah (monetary compensation) would not be accepted for their missed fasts, rather, they are required to do the Qadha [make up fasts] for all their missed fasts and seek forgiveness from Allah.
Secondly, those who are allowed in Islam to pay Fidyah (monetary compensation) for their missed fasts, are those who are neither able at all to fast during the month of Ramadhan, nor after it until the end of their life.
References
- Fatawah Shami: Vl: 6, Pg: 353, Darul Thaqafah, 2000.
- Ibid: Pg: 366.
- Badai’ul Sanai’: Vl: 2, Pg: 638-639, Darul Hadith Cairo, 2005.
- Ibid: Pg: 623.
- Fatawah Qasmia: Vl:11, Pg: 541, Maktabah Ashrafiyah, 1437 A.H.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
08/02/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: When we go to the masjid on Friday, the Imam burns the Bakhoor (incense) scent and the smoke spreads in the masjid. Then the Bakhoor is passed in front of those sitting so that they can smell it. If this happens when I am fasting, will inhaling the Bakhoor smoke break my fast?
Answer: و مسلما مصليا و حامدا
If you inhale the Bakhoor smoke intentionally, knowing well that you are fasting, then your fast will be broken. However, if you inhale it unintentionally, forgetting that you are fasting, then your fast will not be broken.
Similarly, if the Bakhoor smoke/scent entered on its own, without your intention to inhale it, and you remembered that you were fasting, your fast will not be broken. This is what have been explained clearly by our jurists.
References
- Fatawah Shami: Vl: 6, pg: 260-261, Darul Thaqafah, 2000.
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl: 1, Pg: 224, Qadimi Kutub Khanah.
- Tahtawi Alal maraaqi: Pg: 660-661, Qadimi Kutub Khanah.
- Kitaabul Fatawah: Vl:3, pg: 380, Zam Zam publishers, 2008.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
09/02/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: While breaking fast in the evening, we see that some people break their fast with salt, ginger, tea (hot), water and sometimes with dates. Is there any narration which tells us what we should break the fast with?
Answer: و مصليا و مسلما حامدا
Yes, there are many authentic narrations where the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) advised us regarding that which we should break our fast with. The following narration can be used as an example:
عن انس بن مالك الانصاري قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم: اذا افطر احدكم فليفطر على تمر فان لم فليفطر على ماء فانه طهور.( قال ابو عيسى: هذا حديث حسن صحيح.) يجد
Translation: Anas ibn Maalik (Radhiyallahu Anhu) said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam), said: “When one of you breaks the fast, then he should break the fast with dates, and if he does not find any (dates), then he should break the fast with water, for it is purifying”. (Imaam Tirmidhi has graded this narration as sound and authentic)
(Al Jamiul Tirmidhi: Vl: 1, Pg: 337, Hadith # 695, Altaf & Sons, 2009)
Based on the above and the general practice of the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam), we are advised to firstly break our fast with dates, and if dates are not available, then break the fast with water. Afterwards, one may partake of any other desired food and drink with moderation.
References
- Zaadul Ma’aad fi hadyi khayril ibaad: Vl:2, Pg: 48, Al Resalah print, 1997
- Al Targheeb wa tarheeb: Vl: 2, Pg: 90-91, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2003
- Ma’ariful Sunan: Vl: 5, Pg: 354, Maktabah Rashidiyah
- Al Jamiul Tirmidhi: Vl: 1, Pg: 337,Hadith # 695, Altaf & Sons, 2009
- Kitaabul Fataawah: Vl: 3, Pg: 435, Zam Zam, 2008
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
12/03/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: While doing I’tikaaf last year in our Masjid, one of the brothers in I’tikaaf (Sunnah) fell ill and had to be taken out of the Masjid. He spent only 5 days and could not continue with the I’tikaaf until the end. Is it essential for him to make Qadha of the days missed in I’tikaaf? If so, how should he do the Qadha of it?
Answer: حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
No, it is not essential for him to do Qadha of all the days missed from I’tikaaf. Rather, he will only do Qadha of one day, whilst fasting on that day.
The procedure of making qadha of this one day is as follows: if there is time remaining in that Ramadhaan, then he will do Qadha of it in that Ramadhaan, if however, no time is remaining from Ramadhaan, he will do the Qadha of it at his convenience.
Thereafter, before starting his I’tikaaf, he will make intention of Qadha I’tikaaf commencing from the setting of the sun of that day, until the setting of the sun on the following day.
References
- Sharhul Wiqaayah ma’a Umdatil Ria’ayah: Vl: 2, Pg: 538, Qadimi Kutub Khanah.
- Fathu Babil Inaayah: Vl: 1, Pg: 595, Darul Arqam.
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl: 1, Pg:235, daarul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2000.
- Al fiqhul Hanafi fi thawbihil jadeed: Vl 1, Pg: 432, daarul Qalam, 2009.
- (Kitaabul Nawaazil: Vl: 6, Pg: 423, Markazul ilmi, 2014)
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
16/03/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: Is the Sunnah of doing Itikaaf in the last 10 days of Ramadhaan for Muslim women as well? If they want to do it, where should they do it? If during the course of Itikaaf a woman experiences menses, what is she required to do? Also, if she is required to cook food for her family, can she come out from Itikaaf to do that?
Answer: حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
In answer to your first question: Yes, it is Sunnah and highly encouraged for the Muslim women to perform I’tikaaf in the last 10 days of Ramadhaan as well.
If they wish to perform I’tikaaf, they should perform it within their homes, in their allocated place of prayer or prayer room. (They should not exit from this area unless for a dire need, for example: using the toilet, performing Wudhu etc).
This is proven from the narration mentioned in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, where it states: that the wives of the Prophet الله عليه و سلم صلى would perform I’tikaaf even after his demise, in the last ten days of Ramadhaan in their homes.
As for a woman who experiences menses during the course of her I’tikaaf, then her I’tikaaf becomes broken. After her menses, she is required to make up one day in I’tikaaf as Qadha (make up) for her Ramadhaan I’tikaaf, together with fasting on that day.
In the case where a woman is required to cook for her family, and there are no others who can fulfill this responsibility except her, she is then allowed to come out from I’tikaaf and cook for herself and her family. However, she must not remain out of I’tikaaf longer than necessary and the moment she is finished cooking, she should enter back into I’tikaaf.
References
- Majmaul Anhur, Vl: 1, Pg: 378, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 1998.
- Umdatul Qari: Vl: 11, Pg: 204, Maktabah Rashidiyah.
- Fathul Mulhim: Vl: 5, Pg: 345, Maktabah Darul Uloom Karachi, 2009.
- Sharhul Wiqaayah ma’a Umdatil Ria’ayah: Vl: 2, Pg:538-539, Qadimi Kutub Khanah.
- Al Binaayah: Vl: 3, Pg: 751, Maktabah Rashidiyah.
- Fatawah Shami: Vl: 6, Pg: 412, Darul Thaqafah wal Turath, 2000.
- (IBID, Pg: 436.)
- Kitaabul Nawaazil: Vl:6, Pg:420, Markazul ilmi, 2014
- Kitaabul Nawaazil: Vl:6, Pg: 423, Markazul ilmi, 2014
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
16/03/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: While spending time in doing I’tikaaf of the last 10 days of Ramadhan, we often see brothers leaving the Masjid to go to the shower for the Jumuah bath which is Sunnah. Is this allowed? Or should they refrain from doing so? Some brothers also leave on a daily basis to go to the shower because it is their habit. Is this a valid reason to come out of the I’tikaaf area of the Masjid? What is the correct thing to do?
Answer: و مصليا و مسلما حامدا
No, besides the compulsory bath for the removal of major ritual impurity, it is not allowed to leave the Masjid whilst in I’tikaaf merely for a Jumuah bath or a habitual bath to cool oneself.
However, the scholars have given the following solution for one who strongly desires to take a Jumuah bath or a regular bath: ‘After one exited I’tikaaf with the intention of using the toilet, as soon as he is finished using the toilet, he can quickly enter the shower for a quick bath, without any necessary delay’.
Note: One should only perform a bath when it is necessary in the above manner, and should not make it a constant habit of taking a bath while in I’tikaaf.
References
- Al Fiqhul Hanafi fi Thawbihil Jadeed: Vl: 1, Pg: 432, Daarul Qalam, 2009.
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl:1, Pg: 233, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2000.
- (IBID, Pg: 234)
- Kitaabul Nawaazil: Vl: 6, Pg: 418, Markazul ilmi, 2014.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
16/03/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: Upon whom Sadaqatul Fitr is essential, and when does it become essential upon that person? Is it required that a person gives it on behalf of others, and if it is so, then on whose behalf he must give it? Also, when will I be required to give it out? Should I wait until the day of Eid to give it out, or can I give it before that day in the month of Ramadhan?
What if the day of Eid ul Fitr passes and I did not yet give it out, should I still give it?
Answer: و مصليا و مسلما حامدا
Sadaqatul Fitr is essential upon all adult Muslim males and females, who are free from bondage, and possess the Nisaab (Zakaat amount) in excess to their basic daily needs on the day of Eid. Sadaqatul Fitr becomes essential upon a person from the break of dawn (when Fajr enters) on the day of Eid ul Fitr. (Badai ul Sanai’)
It is essential upon a father to pay Sadaqatul Fitr for himself and also on behalf of his minor (non Baaligh) children from his wealth. If however the child is wealthy, then Sadaqatul Fitr can be taken out from his money.
Regarding when it should be given out, as previously stated, it becomes compulsory to pay the Sadaqatul Fitr on the day of Eid after the break of dawn. This does not mean that one needs to wait until the day of Eid to pay the Sadaqatul Fitr, in fact the scholars have written: that, ‘it is preferable to pay it before the day of Eid to the poor and needy Muslims in the month of Ramadhaan’.
If the day of Eid ul Fitr passes and one did not yet pay the Sadaqatul Fitr, then he still needs to pay it as soon as possible, since it does not fall off from him.
References
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl: 1, Pg: 210, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2000
- Badaai ul Sanaai: Vl:2, Pg: 570, Darul Hadith Cairo, 2005
- Fatawah Hindiyah, Vl: 1, Pg: 212, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2000
- Fatawah Shami: Vl:6, Pg: 145-146, Darul Thaqafah Wal Turath, 2000
- (IBID, Hashiyah Rafi’i Ala Shami)
- Fatawah Hindiyah: Vl:1, Pg: 211, Darul Kutubul ilmiyah, 2000.
- Fatawah Qasmia: Vl:11, Pg: 603, Maktabah Ashrafiyah, 1437 A.H
- Kitaabul Masaail: Vl:3, Pg: 354, Zam Zam, 2008.
- Kitaabul Masaail: Vl:3, Pg: 362-363, Zam Zam, 2008.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
09/03/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)
Question: With respect to missing the fast of Ramadan, sometimes mention is made about making Qadha of the fast, and at times, it is stated that one has to do a kaffarah. Please explain to us when does one do Qadha alone, and when will one be required to do a kaffarah?
Answer: و مصليا و مسلما حامدا
Qadha (make up fast) will only be required, if a person breaks his fast whether in the month of Ramadhan or not, due to a valid Shariah excuse which disables one from fasting, for example: menstruation or fatal sickness.
Similarly, Qadha alone is required for that individual who breaks his fast mistakenly, knowing fully well that he is fasting, for example: water goes down a person’s throat accidentally while rinsing the mouth. The same rule is applied for missing a day of fast in Ramadhan without starting it, only Qadha will be required.
Kaffarah (expiation) together with Qadha will be required for that one, who willfully and intentionally breaks his fast by eating, drinking or sexual intercourse without any valid Shariah excuse. For example, a person was feeling a bit hungry, thirsty or had a sexual desire and therefore broke the fast. In these cases, Kaffarah plus Qadha will be required.
References
- Tahtawi Alal Maraaqi: Pg: 671, Qadimi Kutub Khana.
- Ibid: Pg: 663-664.
- Fatawah Shami: Vl:6, pg: 305, Darul Thaqafah, 2000
- Ibid: Pg: 278.
- Kitaabul Fataawah: Vl:3, Pg: 410, Zam Zam, 2008.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Maulana Usaamah Mohammed
24/02/2022
Checked and approved by: Mufti Waseem Khan (حفظه الله)