Ramadan in Islam: Its Ruling, Its Obligation, and Upon Whom It Is Required

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Final success belongs to the righteous, and there is no transgression except against the wrongdoers. As-Salaamualaikum Wa Rah’matullahi Wa Barakaat’u! Ramadan is not a cultural season, it is not a spiritual suggestion, it is a pillar upon which Islam stands. Whoever understands Ramadan understands obedience, whoever neglects it knowingly risks his religion.  This article clarifies the ruling of fasting Ramadan, the conditions that make it obligatory, and upon whom Allah has made it compulsory. The Ruling on Fasting Ramadan Fasting the month of Ramadan is obligatory by consensus of the Ummah, it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Allah says: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:183) And Allah says: “So whoever among you witnesses the month, let him fast.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:185) The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five. Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakah, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” (Sahih al Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16) The scholars of Ahlus Sunnah are unanimous. Whoever denies the obligation of Ramadan fasting after knowledge reaches him has fallen into disbelief. Whoever believes it is obligatory but abandons it out of laziness commits a major sin and stands under severe threat. Ramadan is not optional, it is obedience or rebellion. Conditions for the Compulsion of Fasting Ramadan Fasting Ramadan becomes compulsory when these conditions are fulfilled. 1. Islam Fasting is not accepted from a disbeliever. Acts of worship are only valid with Islam. Allah says: “And nothing prevents their deeds from being accepted except that they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger.” Surah At Tawbah 9:54 A non Muslim is not commanded to fast until he accepts Islam. 2. Sanity The insane are not accountable. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The pen has been lifted from three. The sleeping person until he awakens, the child until he reaches puberty, and the insane until he regains sanity.” Sunan Abi Dawud 4403, Sahih Accountability requires intellect. 3. Puberty Fasting is obligatory only after reaching maturity. However, children should be trained to fast gradually, just as they are trained to pray, so the soul grows accustomed to obedience. 4. Ability Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capability. Allah says: “And whoever is sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) a (like) number of other days.” Surah Al Baqarah 2:185 Permanent inability such as old age or chronic illness removes fasting and replaces it with feeding the poor. Temporary inability delays fasting, not cancels it. 5. Residence The traveler is permitted to break the fast and make it up later. Fasting while traveling is allowed, but not compulsory. Upon Whom Is Ramadan Fasting Compulsory Ramadan fasting is obligatory upon every person who is: Muslim Sane Adult Able Resident Free from menstruation and postnatal bleeding A woman in menstruation or postnatal bleeding is prohibited from fasting and must make up the days later. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses”? Sahih al Bukhari 304 This is not a deficiency, it is mercy and obedience. A Warning from the Salaf The early scholars feared Ramadan more than they celebrated it. They feared rejection. They feared negligence. They feared standing before Allah having taken His command lightly. Some of the Salaf would cry six months before Ramadan asking Allah to let them reach it, and six months after asking Allah to accept it. Reported by Abu Nu‘aym and mentioned by Ibn Rajab in (Laṭā’if al-Ma‘ārif.) Ramadan is a trust. Whoever treats it lightly exposes his heart. Pause and Reflect Do you see Ramadan as an obligation or an inconvenience Do you prepare your heart before the month arrives If Allah grants you Ramadan again, will it testify for you or against you Ramadan does not repeat forever, one day will be your last. What Comes Next In the next article, In Shaa Allah, we will address moon sighting, how Ramadan is confirmed, the difference of sightings, and the correct scholarly position based on evidence, not emotions. If you have feedback, send us an email: support@nurquest.com May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan with sound hearts, accept our fasting with sincerity, and resurrect us among those freed from the Fire.