Do Major Sins Invalidate the Fast?

Question:
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?.


Answer:


Praise be to Allaah.  

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Be afraid of Allaah and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribaa (from now onward) if you are (really) believers”

[al-Baqarah 2:278] 

This is a call from Allaah to give up riba and avoid it, because He has forbidden riba: 

“Allaah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribaa”

[al-Baqarah 2:275 – interpretation of the meaning] 

Consumption of riba is one of the causes of the humiliation of the Muslims, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: If you engage in ‘eenah transactions, and are content with farming and hold on to the tails of cattle, and you forsake jihad for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will cause you to be humiliated and will not relieve you of that until you return to your religion.”  

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3462; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 11. 

[Translator’s note: ‘eenah transaction means to sell something for a price to be paid at a later date, then to buy it back for a lower price (to be paid immediately); this is a trick used to circumvent the prohibition on lending with interest] 

The issue of buying shares in riba-based banks has been discussed previously. Please see questions nos. 8590 and 4714 

With regard to the fast of one who commits a major sin – such as buying shares in a riba-based bank – it is valid but is imperfect, and he may not attain the reward of fasting. 

Think about the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

In this verse Allaah mentions the reason why fasting is enjoined, which is as a means of fearing Allaah by doing obligatory duties and avoiding haraam things. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allaah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1903. in other words, Allaah does not simply mean that we should give up our food and drink when fasting, rather He wants us to fear Him, because He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“… that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/435 

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “false speech and acting upon it” – what is meant by false speech is lying, and acting upon it means doing what is implied by that.  

Ibn al-‘Arabi said: what is meant by this hadeeth is that whoever does what is mentioned will not be rewarded for his fasting; the reward for fasting is not cannot outweigh the sin of false speech etc. 

Al-Baydaawi said: the purpose behind the prescription of fasting is not just to be hungry and thirsty, rather the purpose is what that leads to of suppressing desires and taming one’s evil inclinations. If this is not achieved, then Allaah will not regard it as acceptable. 

It was understood from this that these actions invalidate the fast. 

From Fath al-Baari..

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Breaking the fast in Ramadaan With no Excuse

Question:
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?.


Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.  

Fasting in Ramadaan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built. Allaah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185] 

Al-Bukhaari (8) and Muslim (16) narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; Hajj; and fasting Ramadaan.” 

Whoever does not fast has abandoned one of the pillars of Islam, and is committing a grave major sin. Indeed some of the salaf were of the view that he is a kaafir [disbeliever] and apostate – we seek refuge with Allaah from that. 

Abu Ya’la narrated in his Musnad from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The bonds of Islam and the bases of religion are three, on which  Islam was founded. Whoever gives up one of them becomes a kaafir thereby and it is permissible to shed his blood: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah, the prescribed prayers and fasting Ramadaan.” 

This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Dhahabi, and as hasan by al-Haythami in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 1/48, and by al-Mundhiri in al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, no. 805, 1486. Classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, no. 94.  

Al-Dhahabi said in al-Kabaa’ir, p. 64. 

Whoever does not fast in Ramadaan without being sick or having any other excuse that allows him not to fast is more evil than the adulterer or drunkard, indeed they doubted his Islam and thought that this was heresy. 

A saheeh report which warns against not fasting was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah (1986) and Ibn Hibbaan (7491) from Abu Umaamah al-Baahili who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and took my by the arm and brought me to a cragged mountain. They said, ‘Climb up.’ I said, ‘I cannot.’ They said, ‘We will make it easy for you.’ So I climbed up until I was at the top of the mountain. Then I heard loud voices. I said, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hell.” Then I was taken until I saw people hanging by their hamstrings, with the sides of their mouths torn and blood pouring from their mouths.’ I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘These are people who broke their fast before it was time.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Mawaarid al-Zam’aan, no. 1509. 

Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This is the punishment of those who fasted then broke the fast deliberately before the time for breaking the fast came, so who about those who do not fast at all? We ask Allaah to keep us safe and sound in this world and in the Hereafter. 

Our advice to the brother who asked this question is to fear Allaah and to beware of His wrath, vengeance and a painful punishment. He should hasten to repent to Allaah before the destroyer of pleasures that splits people apart [i.e., death] takes him unawares. Today there is action and no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be the reckoning and no action. Note that whoever repents, Allaah will accept his repentance, and whoever draws closer to Allaah one hand span, Allaah will draw closer to him one cubit. For Allaah is Most Generous, Forbearing and Most Merciful, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Know they not that Allaah accepts repentance from His slaves and takes the Sadaqaat (alms, charity), and that Allaah Alone is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?”

[al-Tawbah 9:104] 

If you try fasting and find out how easy it is and what comfort it brings and how close it brings you to Allaah, you will never give it up. 

Think about what Allaah says at the end of the verses on fasting (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you”

[al-Baqarah 2:185] 

The phrase, “so that you may be grateful to Him” shows that fasting is a blessing for which we must give thanks. Hence some of the salaf used to wish that the whole year was Ramadaan. 

We ask Allaah to help you and guide you, and to open your heart to that which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. 

And Allaah knows best.

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Fasting the Six Days of Shawwaal

Question:
If a person fasts six days of Shawwaal after Ramadaan when he has not yet completed the Ramadaan fast because he did not fast ten days of Ramadaan for a legitimate reason will he have the same reward as a person who fasted all of Ramadaan and followed it with six days of Shawwaal, i.e. will he be like a person who fasted for a lifetime? Please explain to us, may Allaah reward you with good.


Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

The precise rewards for the deeds which people do for the sake of Allaah is something which is known only to Allaah. If a person seeks the reward from Allaah and strives to obey Him, his reward will not be lost, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“We shall not make the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner to be lost.” [al-Kahf 18:30]. If someone has missed some of the days of Ramadaan, he should fast them first, then fast six days of Shawwaal, because he cannot follow the fast of Ramadaan with six days of Shawwaal unless he has completed his Ramadaan fast.

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.

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Zakat From Wife To Husband?

Question:
I would like to know my wife has gold jewellary which is given to her from mother but iam not well off and i am in dept also so how should i pay zakat on it. 

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

The husband does not have to pay zakaah on the jewellery on his wife’s behalf, because the zakaah is only obligatory on the possessor of the wealth, and the possessor in this case is your wife, because she is the owner of the jewellery. So she has to pay zakaah on it, either from the jewellery itself or from its monetary value. If her husband or someone else pays zakaah on her behalf with her permission, that is o.k., and he will be rewarded for this voluntary action.

If the wife wants to give the zakaah on her jewellery or anything else to her husband who is in debt and cannot pay it off or who is poor, there is nothing wrong with that, because it comes under the general meaning of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor)…” [al-Tawbah 9:60]

Indeed there is the hope that she will have a multiple reward, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1466) and Muslim (1000) from Zaynab, the wife of ‘Abd-Allaah, who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Give in charity, O women, even if it is from your jewellery.’ I went back to ‘Abd-Allaah and said, ‘You are a man who has little, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has commanded us to give in charity. Go and ask him if that is acceptable, otherwise I will give my charity to someone else.’ ‘Abd-Allaah said to me, ‘No, you go and ask him.’ So I went, and there I saw a woman from among the Ansaar at the door of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), wanting to ask the same question. We felt too shy to speak to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Bilaal came out to us and we said to him, ‘Go to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and tell him that there are two women at the door asking whether it is acceptable for them to give charity (zakaah) to their husbands and the orphans who are in their care, but do not tell him who we are.’ Bilaal went in to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and asked him, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked, ‘Who are they?’ He said, ‘A woman from among the Ansaar and Zaynab.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked, ‘Which Zaynab?’ He said, ‘The wife of ‘Abd-Allaah.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, ‘They will have two rewards, the reward of (upholding ties of) kinship and the reward of giving charity.’” Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “From this hadeeth it may be understood that it is permissible for a woman to give zakaah to her husband. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i, al-Thawri, the two companions of Abu Haneefah, one of the two reports narrated from Maalik and from Ahmad.”

See the fatwa of Shaykh ‘Abd Al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Fataawa Islamiyyah, 2/85 and al-Fataawa al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/305.

Islam Q and A

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A Beautiful Month

The best part of this beautiful month is giving up the things you love just to obey your Creator.  So how do the Muslims give up things during this month? By fasting, and what is fasting? Fasting "is giving up on food, drink, desires, and everything else just to obey Allah, to please Allah, because he commanded" us (Sheikh Karim Abu Zaid). Many people wondering if they have to fast because of their illness, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, and some people are  also considered about zakat how much to pay, if zakat is required on gold, property, live stock, crops, and many more.  Guide Us TV has a live show every night online. If you've missed the previous Q and A live shows here are the links for some of the shows.

Ramadan
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

Zakat
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

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Can Muslims Donate Blood?

“Whoever saves the life of a single person, it is as if he has saved the life of all (of humanity).” (Al-Ma’idah: 32)

"Regarding blood donations in a non-Muslim country: Do I receive a reward for donating blood to the community I live in at large, regardless of the religion of the receiver of my blood?"

"My teenage daughter wants to donate blood and she asked if it is OK in Islam for Muslims to giver their blood to help other people. This makes me wonder about other things like donating eyes, heart and body parts (when someone dies of course). So, what does Islam say about this?"

Read about it on Can Muslims Donate Blood?

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It is not correct to differentiate between the Salafis and Ahl al-Sunnah

Question: What is your view of those who differentiate between the Salafis and Ahl al-Sunnah, and who regard the Salafis as a more specific group than Ahl al-Sunnah, and they that the principles of this group are based on the opinions of the group’s shaykhs?  

Answer: This is not correct, because the Ahl al-Sunnah are those who follow the Sahaabah and the path of the Salaf (the early generations of Islam). These are not two distinct groups, and the Salafis are not a more specific group! 

According to the terminology that is well known, the Salaf are the Sahaabah and those who follow their path, and the Ahl al-Sunnah are those who follow the Sunnah of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). They are the ones concerning whom the hadeeth was reported: “Whoever follows the same path as me and my Companions” (The hadeeth about the saved group).

Stirring up disputes and conflict on the grounds of names alone is not permissible. Allaah has commanded the believers to be united and has forbidden them to be divided and warned them against that. 

The individual’s aim must be to seek the truth, and when he speaks he should say what is fair and just, and not hate individuals in such a way that his hatred makes him reject the truth that the person is saying, or look for faults in him. He should not come up with things that are ambiguous or far-fetched for that purpose. This is not the way of Ahl al-Sunnah, and the Muslim has to like for his brother what he likes for himself. He must be sincere towards him, and hold love and sincerity in his heart. 

Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah al-Ghunaymaan

Source: Fatwa 10714

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