Does Taking the Morning After Pill During the Day in Ramadan Require Expiation If One Did not Intend To Fast?

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Question:

If someone took the emergency pill (also known as the “morning-after pill”) in Ramadan when she would have otherwise fasted, is she liable to making the fast up or is kaffara instead due?

Answer:

Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I hope you are doing well, insha’Allah.

In the case, as described, you would need to (a) make up the missed fast, but (b) no expiation (kaffara) would be due—because the fast was not intended on that day and there was the semblance of an excuse for not fasting. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Thattawi, Madhhar al-Anwar]

However, in the future, it is more sound to take medication or medical treatment before or after the day when possible during Ramadan.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.

Wassalam,

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

 

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Do Women Need To Complete Several Years Of Make-Up Fasts From Menstruation? 

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Question: Do women need to complete several years of make-up fasts from menstruation? 
Answer: 
n the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate,
Assalamu ‘alaykum dear sister in faith,
Allah says,

Fast for a specific number of days. However, should any one of you be sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) a number of other days (equal to the missed ones). [Qur’an 2:184]
A woman on her menses is not permitted to fast, but it is obligatory upon her to make up the missed days of Ramadan. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
As you are unaware of the number of days that are due upon you to make up, do the following :
(a)  Determine the longest menses (hayd) you have ever had
(b)  Multiply that number by 15
(c)  Attempt to complete at least two make up fasts per week, preferable on Mondays and Thursdays.
(d)  In this manner, you will have completed all of your make up fasts within a year or so
Turn to Allah in sincere repentance for having omitted these obligatory fasts. Ask Allah to assist you in lifting all the debts due to Him from upon you.
Consider taking the following course to learn the essential rulings of worship.
May Allah guide you to goodness.

He, Most High, knows best.

[Ustadh] Iman Badawi

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Does Tasting Blood Break the Fast?

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Question: Does tasting blood break the fast?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
1. Tasting blood does not break the fast. Swallowing blood breaks the fast if (a) the blood reaches the throat and (b) the blood is greater or equal to the saliva it mixes with [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].
2. Tasting the toast does not break the fast, as long as no toast was swallowed.
And Allah alone knows best.
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Is It Permissible To Perform a Voluntary Fast With the Intention Of Getting a Supplication Answered?

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Question: Is it permissible to do a voluntary fast with the intention of getting a supplication answered?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

It is permissible to do a voluntary fast with the intention to get a supplication answered. [‘Ayni, ‘Umda al-Qari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari]

This issue returns to the ruling of using good deeds as a means to draw near to Allah Most High. The scholars have agreed that it is permissible to use a good deed as a means for making one’s supplication more readily accepted.

 

Supportive Texts

The text that is commonly used in support of this issue is the following texts Prophetic narration:

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “While three persons were walking, rain began to fall and they had to enter a cave in a mountain. A big rock rolled over and blocked the mouth of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock).’

One of them said, ‘O Allah! My parents were old and I used to go out for grazing (my animals). On my return, I would milk (the animals) and take the milk in a vessel to my parents to drink. After they had drunk from it, I would give it to my children, family, and wife. One day I was delayed, and on my return, I found my parents sleeping, and I disliked to wake them up. The children were crying at my feet (because of hunger). That state of affairs continued till it was dawn. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then please remove this rock so that we may see the sky.’ So, the rock was moved a bit.

The second said, ‘O Allah! You know that I was in love with a cousin of mine, like the deepest love a man may have for a woman, and she told me that I would not get my desire fulfilled unless I paid her one-hundred Dinars (gold pieces). So, I struggled for it till I gathered the desired amount, and when I sat in between her legs, she told me to be afraid of Allah and asked me not to deflower her except rightfully (by marriage). So, I got up and left her. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, kindly remove this rock.’ So, two-thirds of the rock was removed.

Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! No doubt You know that once I employed a worker for one Faraq (three Sa’s) of millet, and when I wanted to pay him, he refused to take it, so I sowed it and from its yield, I bought cows and a shepherd. After a time that man came and demanded his money. I said to him: Go to those cows and the shepherd and take them for they are for you. He asked me whether I was joking with him. I told him that I was not joking with him, and all that belonged to him. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it sincerely for Your sake, then please remove the rock.’ So, the rock was removed completely from the mouth of the cave.” [Bukhari]

In this narration we see the statement, “They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock).'”I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Is Fasting On the 27th, 28th, and 29th Of the Lunar Month Sunna?

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Question: Is there any voluntary fast on black days 27th, 28th, and 29th every month of the lunar calendar? 

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. I have not heard or read anything at all about fasting during the phases of the new moon. Please see this link about fasting during the white days:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/why-prophet-fast-white-days-month/

And here is the du’a that is sunna to recite upon seeing the new moon:
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/general-artices/ramadan-mubarak-the-prophets-dua-when-the-new-moon-is-sighted/

However, if one wanted to fast on those days, without specifically ascribing it as a sunna of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, one is free to do so.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadha]Shazia Ahmad

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Does a Small Amount of Pre-Sexual Fluid Invalidate the Ramadan Fast?

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Question: Does a small amount of pre-sexual fluid invalidate the Ramadan fast?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

The pre-sexual fluid does not invalidate the fasting; it only invalidates the wudu.
This is because the actions that break the fast go back to three main factors. They are eating, drinking, and intercourse actually or effectively. The pre-sexual fluid does not fall under any of these factors. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

 

Gender Relations

Since you mentioned in your question your texting with a girl that you are romantically inclined to – please consider the following advice:

(1) One should keep interactions with the opposite gender to a minimum and when necessary.
(2) One should keep interactions formal and public. Private texting can start out innocent but quickly go to excess.
(3) Consider taking steps to get married.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Does Pre-ejaculate Break The Fast?

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Question: Does pre-ejaculate break the fast?

Answer:In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Assalam’aleykum, I pray this finds you in the best of states.

Jazakum Allah khayr for your question!

No, the exiting of pre-ejaculate (madhi) does not break one’s fast if it happens outside of sexual intercourse.

As for sexual intercourse that only leads to the exiting of pre-ejaculate, this would still break the fast [Maraqi Al-Falah].

Sexual intercourse happens when there is a sexual penetration which is effective with the disappearance of the head of the penis into the vagina or the anus of a living human being [Hashiyat Tahtawi; Maraqi Al-Falah].

According to the Sacred Law, fasting is the act of:

a. refraining from engaging in sexual activity, and
b. refraining from entering anything into the body cavity,
c. whether deliberately or accidentally,
d. from true dawn to the time the sun sets
e. accompanied with the intention of fasting
f. from individuals who are permitted to fast.

‘Refraining from engaging in sexual activity’ includes actual sexual intercourse and ejaculation caused by foreplay and masturbation.

Please see this very thorough article for more details:

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/the-complete-guide-to-fasting/

And Allah knows best.

I hope that the above answers your question. If something is unclear please don’t hesitate to ask again.

May  Allah Most High grant you the best of this world and the next. Please keep us in your du’as!

Wassalam

[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Making up Broken Fasts

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Question: Must I make up broken fasts performed at a time when I’m uncertain that I’ve reached the age of maturity? Is makeup due for fasts broken by ejaculation or is an expiation (kaffara) also due?

Answer: 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

It is possible for a male to reach puberty from the minimum age of 12 years old [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

Think back within the past two years and try to recall when you became mature. Try to recall if you’ve experienced any nocturnal emission (wet dreams).

If you can recall with reasonable surety a specific time within those two years, then calculate how many fasts you missed and begin to make them up. The maximum it could be is two full Ramadans.

Breaking Fast by Ejaculation

Ejaculation of semen does indeed break the fast. Depending on the cause of the ejaculation the rulings differ.

If one ejaculates due to a wet-dream, looking at something, or thinking of something – the fast is not broken [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

If the ejaculation was due to sexual intercourse done intentionally, make-up along with expiation (kaffara) is due [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah].

If it was due to masturbation or forgetful intercourse – only make-up is due [Ibid.].

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Tasting Blood While Fasting

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Fasting The White Days of Sha‘ban

Question: Does the taste of blood from licking one’s cracked lips break the fast? Is it permissible for one to rinse their mouth while fasting?

Answer: 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

If it is the outer part of the lip that is bleeding and one ingests the blood the fast breaks. If, however, it is the inner part of the lip that is bleeding then the following rulings apply:

Tasting Blood From the Inner Part of the Lip

Simply tasting blood with your tongue does not break your fast. If, however, the blood itself (not just the taste) enters your mouth then the fast breaks.

Swallowing Blood From the Inner Part of the Lip

Swallowing blood breaks the fast if (a) the blood reaches the throat and (b) the blood is greater or equal to the saliva it mixes with [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

However, there is a big difference between tasting blood and swallowing blood itself.

Rinsing the Mouth

If blood does enter your mouth, spitting one time is sufficient to purify the mouth. You may also rinse your mouth with water if you wish and after spitting the water out spit once; swallowing the wetness that remains in your mouth thereafter does not break you fast [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

Hope this helps.

Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

 

 

What is the Reason Behind Fasting 3 Days a Month?

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Question: Assalamu Alaikum, I used to fast the white days but today as I was fasting I see that I have started my fast on the wrong date which is 2 in white days and 1 day out so what is the reason behind fasting in 3days.

Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Even though you were unable to fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th you still fulfilled the Sunna of fasting three days.

This is because there are two separate Prophetic practices (Sunan pl. of Sunna) regarding voluntary fasts throughout the month. One Sunna is to fast three days a month. The other is to specifically fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month, as the three days. This can be seen from the following Hadith:

Mua’dh said, “I asked Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “Did the Messenger of Allah used to fast three days every month?” She replied, “Yes.” I said, “Which part (of the month) did He fast?” She said, “He didn’t pay any mind as to which (days) He fasted.” [Tirmidhi]

The General Sunna of Fasting Three Days a Month

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever fasts three days of each month, then that is the lifelong fasting. For Allah, Exalted and Majestic, has sent down verification to that in His book: (Whoever brings a good deed, for them is ten the like of it…) [Qur’an; 06:160] So one day is equal to ten.” [Tirmidhi]

The Specific Sunna of Fasting the Three Bright Days

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “O Abu Dharr, If you fast, of the month, three days, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.” [Tirmidhi]

May Allah increase you in your desire to follow the Prophetic Way.
Allahu A’alam

[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences.