By: Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him)
"And what prevents their expenditures from being accepted is only that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger, and they do not come to prayer except while they are lazy, and they do not spend except while they are unwilling."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 54)
This verse highlights that, despite their efforts, the deeds of those who disbelieve are not accepted due to their rejection of Allah and His Messenger. Similarly, their neglect of Salah invalidates their acts of worship.
Allah further states:
"And We will regard whatever deeds they performed and turn them into scattered dust."
(Surah Al-Furqan: 23)
This indicates that their deeds, including fasting, are rendered worthless due to their abandonment of Salah.
"Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided him."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 122)
Similarly, those who abandon Salah but repent sincerely and begin to pray will find themselves spiritually uplifted, and their love for Salah will grow, both in Ramadan and beyond.
May Allah guide us all to fulfill His commands and accept our deeds.
Question:
Some young people—may Allah guide them—are diligent in fasting during Ramadan and endure hunger and thirst, yet they neglect their prayers out of laziness. What is the ruling on their fast? What advice would you give them?Answer:
The Importance of Salah in Islam
To such youth, my advice is to reflect deeply on their actions and understand the significance of Salah. After the declaration of faith (Shahadatain), Salah is the most important pillar of Islam. Neglecting Salah due to laziness or heedlessness can lead to disbelief (kufr). According to the most correct opinion, supported by evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, one who abandons Salah intentionally is:- A disbeliever (kafir).
- Expelled from the fold of Islam (murtad).
Evidence from the Quran
Allah Almighty says:"And what prevents their expenditures from being accepted is only that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger, and they do not come to prayer except while they are lazy, and they do not spend except while they are unwilling."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 54)
This verse highlights that, despite their efforts, the deeds of those who disbelieve are not accepted due to their rejection of Allah and His Messenger. Similarly, their neglect of Salah invalidates their acts of worship.
Allah further states:
"And We will regard whatever deeds they performed and turn them into scattered dust."
(Surah Al-Furqan: 23)
This indicates that their deeds, including fasting, are rendered worthless due to their abandonment of Salah.
The Ruling on Fasting Without Salah
For those who fast but neglect Salah, the following points must be understood:- Fasting Without Salah is Invalid:
- Abandoning Salah constitutes disbelief, which nullifies all good deeds, including fasting.
- Such fasting is not accepted by Allah and is rejected.
- Advice to Such Individuals:
- Fear Allah and be mindful of His commands.
- Uphold Salah consistently and diligently, performing it on time and in congregation (for men).
- Understand that turning to Allah in repentance can transform one’s state and reignite the desire to pray regularly.
Encouragement for Repentance
When a person sincerely repents and reforms their behavior, Allah accepts their repentance and guides them to a better state. Allah mentions in the Quran regarding Prophet Adam (AS) after his disobedience:"Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided him."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 122)
Similarly, those who abandon Salah but repent sincerely and begin to pray will find themselves spiritually uplifted, and their love for Salah will grow, both in Ramadan and beyond.
Conclusion
Neglecting Salah invalidates fasting and other good deeds, as it removes a person from the fold of Islam. My advice to such youth is to turn back to Allah with sincere repentance, commit to offering Salah on time with dedication, and strive to maintain their fasting and prayers together. By doing so, they will achieve true success in this world and the Hereafter.May Allah guide us all to fulfill His commands and accept our deeds.