Fiqh of Fasting
What are the two essential intentions (niyyah conditions) required for a fast to be valid?
Intending to fast for the sake of Allah and making the intention before Fajr (for obligatory fasts).
Which surah mentions that fasting was prescribed to previous nations?
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183).
What is the primary spiritual goal of fasting mentioned in the Qur’an?
To gain taqwa (God-consciousness).
In which Islamic year did fasting become obligatory?
2 AH.
What is I’tikaf and when is it typically performed?
Spiritual retreat in the masjid, usually during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Does accidental eating or drinking break the fast? Why or why not?
No, because it was done unintentionally.
What is the meaning of Laylat al-Qadr?
The Night of Decree / Power.
Besides food and drink, name two behaviors Muslims are encouraged to avoid while fasting.
Lying, backbiting, arguing, bad language, sinful behavior.
Which battle during Ramadan strengthened the Muslim community early in Islam?
The Battle of Badr.
What is the difference between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat is annual obligatory charity on wealth; Zakat al-Fitr is a charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid prayer.
What is the difference between Qada and Kaffarah?
Qada is making up a missed fast; Kaffarah is a major compensation for intentionally breaking a fast without valid reason.
In which city did the first revelation occur?
Mecca
What is the reward for fasting according to a famous hadith qudsi?
Allah says, “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it.”
Who was the first caliph during whose time the Qur’an was compiled into a single book?
Abu Bakr
What is the Arabic term for breaking the fast immediately at sunset?
Ta’جيل (Ta’جيل al-Iftar — hastening the breaking of the fast).
Under what conditions is a traveler allowed to break their fast?
When traveling a valid Islamic distance and the travel is permissible (not sinful).
(Approximately 48 miles)
This is based on the traditional measurement of 4 barīd, which equals about 16 farsakh in classical Islamic units.
1 barid is ~12 miles. 1 farsakh ~3 miles
Who was the Prophet meditating in the Cave of Hira before revelation?
Muhammad ﷺ
Why are the last 10 nights considered more spiritually significant than the first 20?
Laylat al-Qadr is within them.
Which companion suggested compiling the Qur’an after many memorizers were martyred?
Umar ibn al-Khattab
Why is fasting considered an act of hidden worship compared to other acts?
Because only Allah truly knows whether someone is sincerely fasting.
What are the two main classical sources of Islamic law used to derive fasting rulings?
The Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith).
According to Surah Al-Qadr, Laylat al-Qadr is better than how many months?
1,000 months. (Or 83 years)
What is the wisdom behind fasting developing empathy for the poor?
It allows a person to physically experience hunger and understand the struggles of those in need.
In what year (CE) did the Battle of Badr take place?
624 CE.
According to Islamic belief, what happens to the devils during Ramadan?
They are chained.