- When was fasting obligated? The first Ramadan fast observed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was in the second year of Hijrah. Imam Nawawi states: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fasted Ramadan for nine years because it was obligated in Sha’ban the second year of Hijrah…” (Al-Majmu’ Sharh Al-Muhadhdhab 6/250).
- Stages of Legislation of Fasting: Fasting was obligated in stages, beginning with Ashura, followed by three stages related to Ramadan. Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “Fasting was obligated in three stages…” He mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted three days every month and Ashura after arriving in Medina, for seventeen months from Rabi’ to Rabi’ until Ramadan was obligated. Then Allah revealed: “Fasting is obligated on you…” [Al-Baqarah: 183]. The stages are as follows:
- Fasting of Ashura: Initially obligatory, then abrogated by the obligation of Ramadan. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashura in the pre-Islamic period, and then the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered to fast it until Ramadan was obligated. (Agreed upon). Ibn Hajar noted that it was obligatory due to the command to fast it… (Fath al-Bari 4/247).
- Optional Fasting of Ramadan: Whoever wills may fast and whoever wills may not, and they can feed a poor person for each day: “ For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty,2 compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them…” [Al-Baqarah: 184].
- Mandatory Fasting of Ramadan with Conditions: Allah says: “ So whoever is present this month, let them fast.” [Al-Baqarah: 185]. A fasting person could eat and drink until they sleep. Al-Bukhari narrated from Al-Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that the custom among the companions of Muhammad that if any of them was fasting and the food was presented (for breaking his fast), but he slept before eating, he would not eat that night and the following day till sunset. Qais bin Sirma-al-Ansari was fasting and came to his wife at the time of Iftar (breaking one’s fast) and asked her whether she had anything to eat. She replied, “No, but I would go and bring some for you.” He used to do hard work during the day, so he was overwhelmed by sleep and slept. When his wife came and saw him, she said, “Disappointment for you.” When it was midday on the following day, he fainted and the Prophet (ﷺ) was informed about the whole matter and the following verses were revealed: “You are permitted To go to your wives (for sexual relation) At the night of fasting.”.” [Al-Baqarah: 187].
- Current Mandatory Fasting of Ramadan As it is practiced now:, Allah says: “ So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you.3 ˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall…” [Al-Baqarah: 187].
- Wisdom of Gradual Legislation of Fasting: Ibn al-Qayyim said: Since fasting was unfamiliar and not customary for them, and their nature resisted it as it involved abandoning what was familiar and beloved, and they had not yet tasted its sweetness and praiseworthy outcomes, nor understood the benefits and advantages it contained, they were given the choice between fasting and feeding (the poor) and were encouraged to fast. Once its reason, meaning its wisdom and understanding, and the benefits and advantages it encompassed were recognized, it became obligatory and no other option was accepted. Thus, the choice was beneficial at its time, and the obligation of fasting was beneficial at its time… (Miftah Dar al-Sa’adah 2/29).