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Three Steps to Ramadan: How the Early Muslim Community Learned to Fast

By June 20, 2017October 23rd, 2017Blog

Three Steps to Ramadan: How the early Muslim community learned to fast

Muslims today wake up before dawn to prepare for the fast, they fast all day, and then they break fast at the setting of the sun. Did you know the rulings for fasting went through a few changes during the ministry of the Messenger of God? Read on to learn the gradual stages that fasting went through in the early days of Islam.

To fast, or not to fast? That was a question!

           When fasting was first introduced to the early Muslim community it was to fast a limited number of days, three days out of every month, and the day of Ashura. Read here about that special              day.

           “You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God. Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a               journey, then on other days later.” 2:183

           Two years after the migration from Mecca to Medina, fasting Ramadan was introduced but as part of the gradual process of legislation and teaching, there was an option to fast, or not to fast            rather to feed those in need instead.
          “For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate – feed a needy person.  But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better               for you, if you only knew.” 2:184

         The final stage was to obligate fasting except for those who have valid excuses not to fast.

Big consequences for Missing the Breakfast Meal

If the Muslims did not break their fast at sunset, however, they could not eat until the following pre-dawn meal. One of the early Muslims came home on a day he was fasting, and fell asleep before breaking his fast. He also missed the next morning’s early meal, and then passed out in the middle of the next day.

Some of the Muslims admitted to the Messenger of God that they had relations with their wives in the nights of Ramadan.

When this story about the man passing out, and these admissions were made, God revealed, “It is permissible for you to lie with your wives during the night of the fast: they are as close as garments to you, as you are to them. God was aware that you were betraying yourselves, so He turned to you in mercy and pardoned you..” 2:187

The early Muslims were delighted that they were allowed to have intimacy during the nights of Ramadan and not have to fast until right before dawn.

The Fast we Know

After that, another verse was revealed which made fasting an obligation for everyone, and paused fasting all night until the pre-dawn meal.  God revealed, “..So any one of you who sees in that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship.  He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.” 2:185

Every person who was present when Ramadan came was to fast the month. Those who were sick or travelling at the time could make up for the days later, and the rule remained that the weak and the elderly could feed people instead of fast.

It’s enlightening to know about the gradual stages of the revelation of the Quran and the gradual rulings about different aspects of Islam.  God willing, this will motivate you for the rest of this blessed month.

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Kidsquran Online
Kidsquran Online
6 years ago

Asslam o Alukm This is very informative site Quran Reading Online for Kids Quran Memorization Online https://www.kidsquranonline.com/how-should-we-spend-ramzan “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint”. (Verse: 183, Surah e Al-Baqara).