The Pillars of Fasting

Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaza’iry
From: Minhaj Al-Muslim

1. An-Niyyah (Intention):

It is the resolve of the heart to fast in carrying out the command of Allah The Mighty and Majestic, or to draw near to Him. This is due to the statement of the Prophet  :

“Deeds are judged by their intentions.” [Al-Bukhari]

If the fast is an obligatory fast, then the intention must be made during the (previous) night, before Fajr time (the first crack of dawn). This is due to the Prophet’s statement:

“One who does not plan (intend) to fast during the night, there is no fast for him.” [At-Tirmithi]

If it is a non obligatory fast, it is correct (acceptable) even if the intention is made after the entry of Al-Fajr (the first crack of dawn) and the progression of daytime, as long as he has not eaten anything. This is due to the statement of A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her:

“The Messenger of Allah  entered upon me one day and said:

‘Do you have anything (to eat)?’

We said, ‘No.’ He said:

‘The Verily I am fasting.’ [Muslim]

2. Al-Imsak (Refraining):

This is to refrain from those things that break the fast, such as eating, drinking and sexual intercourse.

3. Az-Zaman (The Time):

This means the daytime, which is from the entry of Fajr (the first crack of dawn on the horizon) until the setting of the sun. So if a man fasted during the night and did not fast during the day, his fast will never be correct (i.e. acceptable). This is the statement of Allah the Almighty:

And complete the fast until the night. [Surah Al-Baqarah: 187]