The Fasting of a Child, Breaking Fast on Radio Announcements, and Other Issues
Question:
What are the conditions for the validity of a child's fasting? Is it correct to say that the reward for a child's fasting goes to their parents?Answer:
If a child has the ability to fast, parents should encourage their children to become accustomed to fasting, even if they are under ten years old. Once they reach puberty, they should be compelled to fast. If children fast before puberty, they must avoid all things that invalidate the fast, such as eating and drinking, just like adults. The reward for fasting will be granted to both the child and the parents.— Sheikh Ibn Jibrin (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
Sometimes Ramadan occurs during hot weather, and the owners of camels and goats cannot find pasture for hire, leading them to suffer from thirst. Is it permissible for them to break their fast?Answer:
If a fasting person finds themselves in need of breaking their fast during the day and fears for their life if they do not eat, they may break their fast to the extent necessary. However, after eating, they must avoid all invalidating actions until nightfall. After Ramadan, they should make up for any missed fasts. This is because Allah, the Exalted, says:لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّـهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” [2-Al-Baqarah: 286]
And He also says:
مَا يُرِيدُ اللَّـهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ حَرَجٍ
“Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you.” [5-Al-Ma'idah: 6]
— The Permanent Committee
Ruling on Breaking Fast Based on Radio Announcements
Question:
On a day in Ramadan, a radio announcer announced that the Maghrib adhan would be in two minutes. At that moment, the local muezzin gave the adhan. Which of the two should we follow?Answer:
If the muezzin gives the adhan based on sighting the sun and he is trustworthy, we should follow the muezzin, as he calls the adhan based on the sunset. However, if he calls the adhan based on the clock without seeing the sun, it is likely that the radio announcer's announcement is more accurate, as clocks can differ. Therefore, following the announcer is a better and safer approach.— Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)
Ruling on Continuous Fasting (Sawm Wasal)
Question:
What is Sawm Wasal? Is it a Sunnah?Answer:
Sawm Wasal refers to fasting for two consecutive days without breaking the fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade this practice. He stated:من أراد أن يواصل فليواصل إلى السحر
“Whoever wants to fast continuously should do so until dawn.” [Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting, 30, Hadith 1963]
Fasting continuously until dawn is only permissible, not encouraged or recommended. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged breaking the fast quickly. He said:
لا يزال الناس بخير ماعجلوا الفطر
“People will continue to be good as long as they hasten to break their fast.” [Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting, 30, Hadith 1957]
However, he allowed his companions to continue fasting only until dawn, stating: إني لست كهيئتكم
“I am not like you.”
— Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)
Ruling on Dinner Parties from Parents
Question:
Some people slaughter animals in Ramadan and hold a feast, calling it a dinner from their parents. What is the ruling on this?Answer:
It is permissible to give charity on behalf of deceased parents; there is no harm in this. However, it is more virtuous to pray for them rather than give charity on their behalf. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) guided us towards this in his statement:إذا مات الإنسان انقطع عنه عمله إلامن ثلاثة: صدقة جارية، أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” [Sahih Muslim, Book of Wills, 25]
In this hadith, he did not mention a righteous child giving charity on behalf of the parents or praying for them. However, if someone wishes to give charity on behalf of a deceased person, it is permissible because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) allowed it when asked.
Nevertheless, some individuals who slaughter animals during the nights of Ramadan and prepare large meals for only the wealthy are not following a valid practice, nor is this supported by the actions of the righteous predecessors. It is therefore appropriate for a person to refrain from such actions. This is primarily a gathering for eating, where some might believe they are gaining closeness to Allah by slaughtering animals, thinking that it is better than purchasing meat. This belief contradicts Islamic teachings, as true closeness to Allah comes from acts of worship like sacrifices, gifts, and aqiqah. Thus, slaughtering animals in Ramadan to attain closeness to Allah is not a Sunnah of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
— Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)