Regarding cases when one breaks his or her fast without valid reasons, it is generally not allowed, unless the fasting person reaches a state where continuing fasting may harm his health. Consider the following opinion by Sheikh Uthaymeen:
“…it is haraam for one who is observing an obligatory fast, whether that is in Ramadan or when making it up, or fasting as an expiation (kafaarah) or a ransom (fidyah – in the case of errors made during Hajj) to spoil his fast. But if his thirst becomes so intense that he fears he may be harmed, or that he may die, then it is permissible for him to break his fast and there is no sin on him. Even if that happens in Ramadan, if he fears he may be harmed or die, it is permissible for him to break the fast. [Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (19/question no. 149).]
Breaking a fast without valid reasons in Ramadan is a serious violation that has its punishments. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said when describing a dream that he had seen:
Hadith and Prophet’s Saying on doing things starting from the right side
“…until I was at a mountain where I heard loud voices. I asked, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hellfire.’ Then I was taken [to another place], and I saw people hanging from their hamstrings with the corners of their mouths torn and dripping with blood. I said, ‘Who are these?’ Theysaid, ‘The people who broke their fast before it was the proper time to do so (i.e., before the time of breaking fast).’” [Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/420]
Books on Dua and Quran
– End
Back to the Ramadan page
Read more:
