Question:
Some young people—may Allah guide them—show laziness in performing Salah during Ramadan and other times, yet they strictly observe fasting and endure hunger and thirst. What is the ruling on their fasts? And what advice would you give to such individuals?
Answer:
Salah is the Most Important Pillar After the Shahadah
- These young individuals should reflect upon their situation and realize that Salah is the most important pillar of Islam after the testimony of faith (Shahadah).
- According to the strongest opinion, supported by the Quran and Sunnah, a person who abandons Salah out of laziness or negligence is considered a disbeliever (Kafir), expelled from the fold of Islam, and an apostate (Murtad).
- This is not a minor issue, because a person who becomes a disbeliever and an apostate loses the acceptance of all his deeds, including his fasts, charity, and other acts of worship.
Quranic Evidence:
Allah Almighty says:
"And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted except that they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and they do not offer the prayer except lazily, and they do not spend except unwillingly."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 54)
- This verse clarifies that despite their good deeds (charity), their acts are not accepted due to their disbelief and negligence in Salah.
"And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did, and We shall make them scattered dust."
(Surah Al-Furqan: 23)
- This means that all their actions will become worthless, just like scattered dust.
Ruling on Their Fasts:
Those who fast but do not pray and thus fall into disbelief due to abandoning Salah will have their fasts rejected and invalidated.
Advice to Such Individuals:
Fear Allah and Establish Salah Regularly
- Guarding Salah is crucial, and praying in congregation (Jama'ah) at its proper time is necessary.
- The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The difference between a believer and a disbeliever is Salah."
(Sahih Muslim: 82)
True Repentance Leads to a Better State
- Repent sincerely to Allah, and He will transform you into a better Muslim than before.
- Just as Allah forgave Adam (عليه السلام) and guided him after his mistake, as mentioned in the Quran:
"Then his Lord chose him, accepted his repentance, and guided him."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 122)
- If these individuals sincerely return to Allah and make Salah a priority, they will find great enthusiasm for Salah, both in Ramadan and outside of it.
- Salah is the key to all goodness, and abandoning it results in destruction.
Issued by: Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله).
