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Obligation and Purpose
The Quran states that fasting is decreed upon believers, as it was decreed upon those before them, so that they may become righteous.1 In a hadith reported by an-Nasa'i, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Islam is built on five pillars, one of which is fasting Ramadan.2 Fasting is for a limited number of days, and the Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan.3,4
Permissibility and Prohibitions
The Quran states that it has been made permissible for believers to have sexual relations with their wives, and to eat and drink during the night preceding fasting, until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread of night.5 Fasting is completed until sunset, and sexual relations are not permitted while staying for worship in the mosques.5 In a hadith reported by Malik, Umm Salama said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to kiss while he was fasting.6
Exemptions and Compensation
The Quran states that whoever among believers is ill or on a journey during the days of fasting should make up an equal number of days.3 For those who are able to fast but with hardship, a ransom of feeding a poor person each day is a substitute, though fasting is described as best.3 In a hadith reported by Muslim, Anas said that they traveled with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ during Ramadan, and neither the observer of the fast nor the breaker of the fast found fault with the other.7
Virtues of Fasting
In a hadith reported by Muslim, Allah the Exalted and Majestic said that every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting, which is exclusively for Him, and He alone will reward it.8 In a hadith reported by al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ said that fasting is a shield, and the smell coming from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.9 The Quran mentions fasting men and fasting women among those for whom Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.10