This excerpt is taken from Kitab al-Sawm, compiled by Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri, may Allah preserve him.
Question:
Does backbiting break the fast?
Answer:
Backbiting is forbidden and a major sin; it reduces the reward and blessings of the fast, but it does not break the fast. All narrations on this matter are weak and unproven, and some scholars hold a rare opinion otherwise.
❀ Allama Ibn Muddood Mosuli Hanafi, may Allah have mercy on him
Reference: (683 AH)
, states:إن العلماء أجمعوا على أن الغيبة لا تفطر ولا اعتبار بالحديث في مقابلة الإجماع
“There is consensus among scholars that backbiting does not break the fast; no weak hadith can be considered against consensus.”
Reference: (Al-Ikhtiyar li-Ta’leel al-Mukhtar: 1/133)
Question:
Does lying and gossiping invalidate the fast?
Answer:
Both are major sins, but they do not invalidate the fast; however, they reduce the reward and blessings.
Question:
How is bleeding during fasting regarded?
Answer:
It is permissible if it is out of necessity.
Question:
How is applying Vicks during fasting regarded?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
How many days after childbirth should fasting be observed?
Answer:
If the bleeding of postpartum stops or a maximum of forty days pass, the woman is considered pure, and prayer and fasting are obligatory upon her.
Question:
How is it to observe a voluntary fast on Friday?
Answer:
It is recommended not to give special significance to Friday with fasting; however, combining it with fasting on Thursday or Saturday is permissible. If someone fasts only on Friday, it is disliked (makruh tanzihi). Meaning it is better to avoid it, but if one does fast, they are not sinful.
❀ Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن يوم الجمعة يوم عيد فلا تجعلوا يوم عيدكم يوم صيامكم إلا أن تصوموا قبله أو بعده
“Friday is the day of Eid, so do not fast on your Eid day, except that you fast the day before or the day after it.”
Reference: (Musnad al-Imam Ahmad: 2/303, 2/532, and its chain is Hasan)
This hadith was declared authentic by Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (2161)
and Imam Ibn Hibban (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (3610)
. Imam Hakim (may Allah have mercy on him) said its chain is authentic, and Hafiz Dhahabi (may Allah have mercy on him) agreed with this.
