For whom is the fasting of Ramadhaan obligatory?

For whom is the fasting of Ramadhaan obligatory?

Posted: Sep 26th, 2006
Author: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez bin 'Abdullaah bin Baaz (:rahim:)
Source: Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutnawwiah - volume 15
 

Question: For whom is the fasting of Ramadhaan obligatory? And what is the virtue of voluntary fasting?

Answer: The fast of Ramadhaan is obligatory upon every male and female Muslim who are Mukallaf (one who has accepted Islaam, is sane and has reached puberty). And it is highly recommended for the males and females, aged 7 and above, if they are able to handle it. And it is obligatory upon their guardians to command them with that, if they are able to handle it, like they commanded them with As-Salaat. And the basis for this is the statement of Allaah (:awj:):

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious). [Observing Sawm (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. – Al-Baqarah (2):183-184

Up until Allaah (:swt:) said:

“The month of Ramadhaan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadhaan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days.  Al-Baqarah (2):185

And the statement of the Prophet (:pbuh:):

“Islaam is built upon five: The testimony that  Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah  (none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah) and that  Muhammadan Rasool Allaah  (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah), the establishment of As-Salaat (prayer), the giving of Az-Zakaat (obligatory charity), fasting (the month of) Ramadhaan, and making Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Kabah in Makkah).

Agreed upon its authenticity from the hadeeth of Ibn Umar (:raahm:).
And his statement (:ahs:) when Jibreel asked him about Islaam: 

“Al-Islaam: That you testify that Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah  (none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah) and that Muhammadan Rasool Allaah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah), and that you establish As-Salaat, that you give Az-Zakaat, and that you fast (the month of) Ramadhaan, and that you make Hajj to the House if you are able to do so.
Reported by Muslim in his Saheeh from the hadeeth of  Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (:raa:) and it was reported with a different wording by the two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) from the hadeeth of Abee Hurayra (:raa:).

And in the two Saheehs, upon Abee Hurayrah (:raa:) that the Prophet (:pbuh:) said:

“Whoever fasts (the month of) Ramadhaan, with Eemaan, having hope for its reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.

And it has been established from him (:pbuh:) that he said:

“Allaah (عز و جل) says: Every deed of the son of Adam, is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give reward for it. He leaves off his desires and his food for Me. And the fasting person has two times of happiness: The happiness when he breaks his fast and the happiness when he meets his Lord. And the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allaah than the smell of musk.

And the ahadeeth regarding fasting the month of Ramadhaan and regarding fasting in general are many and well known. And Allaah is the grantor of success.