Fasting Roza
What is Fasting Roza in Islam?
Roza (also called Sawm) is the act of fasting in Islam, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) during the month of Ramadan.
What is Roza (Sawm)?
- Roza is a way to worship Allah by abstaining from things like food, drink, and even other actions like smoking or intimate relations during the daylight hours. The fast is kept from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day in the month of Ramadan.
- It is meant to teach self-control, patience, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
- During the fast, Muslims are also encouraged to engage in extra worship, like praying, reading the Qur’an, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and doing good deeds.
Why Do Muslims Fast?
- To Follow the Command of Allah:
- Allah commands Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan as an act of worship. The Qur’an mentions this clearly: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
- To Gain Closer Connection with Allah:
- Fasting is a way to seek closeness to Allah, purify the soul, and reflect on one’s actions.
- To Increase Sympathy for the Less Fortunate:
- By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims can feel the struggles of those who are poor and less fortunate, helping to cultivate empathy and generosity.
- To Purify the Body and Mind:
- Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the body and soul, focusing on spiritual growth and abstaining from distractions that might interfere with one’s relationship with Allah.
How to Perform Roza (Sawm)?
- Intent to Fast (Niyyah):
- Before dawn, you must make an intention in your heart to fast for the sake of Allah. You don’t have to say it out loud, but you must have the intention.
- Start with Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal):
- It is recommended to eat a meal before dawn, called Suhoor, to prepare for the fast. This helps you stay energized during the day.
- Fasting from Dawn to Sunset:
- From the time of Fajr (dawn) prayer until Maghrib (sunset) prayer, you must refrain from eating, drinking, and other invalidating actions.
- Break the Fast with Iftar (Evening Meal):
- At sunset (Maghrib), Muslims break their fast with a meal called Iftar. It is encouraged to break the fast with dates and water, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did.
- Pray and Reflect:
- Throughout the day, Muslims are encouraged to perform their regular prayers (Salah), read the Qur’an, and do good deeds.
What Breaks the Fast?
- Eating or Drinking:
- If a person eats or drinks during the daylight hours, their fast is broken.
- Intimate Relations:
- Having sexual relations during the fasting hours also breaks the fast.
- Vomiting (Deliberately):
- If someone intentionally makes themselves vomit, the fast is invalid.
- Menstruation or Postnatal Bleeding:
- A woman who experiences menstruation or postnatal bleeding during Ramadan is exempt from fasting, but must make up the missed fasts later.
Exemptions from Fasting:
- Children, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those who are sick or traveling are excused from fasting, but they must make up the missed fasts or pay compensation (called Fidya) if they are unable to fast later.
In Summary:
- Roza is the act of fasting during the month of Ramadan as a means of worship, self-control, and reflection. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and certain other actions from dawn until sunset. It is a time for spiritual growth and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Quran:
- Fasting is Compulsory for Muslims: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
- Fasting from Dawn to Sunset: “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread of night. Then complete the fast until the night.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187)
- Exemptions from Fasting: “And if any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
- Purpose of Fasting: “Fasting is prescribed for you so that you may gain Taqwa (piety).” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
References from Hadith:
- Fasting is an Act of Worship: “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 38)
- Breaking the Fast with Dates: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to break his fast with fresh dates, but if there were no [fresh dates], then with dry dates, and if there were no [dried dates], he would take a few sips of water.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 2356)
- The Reward for Fasting: “Allah says, ‘Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. A person leaves his desires, his food, and his drink for My sake.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1904)
- Intention for Fasting: “Whoever does not intend to fast before dawn (i.e., make the intention), there is no fast for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6669)
- Fasting is a Shield: “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Hellfire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1904)
- Exemptions from Fasting: “If any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1121)
In Summary:
- The Quran emphasizes fasting as an obligation for all Muslims and provides guidance on the timing and exceptions (like illness or travel).
- Hadiths explain the reward and purpose of fasting, how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed fasting, and the importance of intention (niyyah) for fasting.
These references provide the foundation of fasting in Islam, its rewards, and the mercy granted to those unable to fast due to illness or travel.
