Ṣowmu Romadon (fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan) is, undebatable, one of the pillars of the religion of Islaam. It takes the fourth position after zakāt (charity). It is one which its observance is made compulsory on every able Muslim who has reached the stage of puberty, free from any form of insanity and health challenges and that, he is muqiim (dweller of a given geographical location and not a traveler). Two selected from among the numerous evidences stating its compulsoriness are given below:

First is the evidence from the Qur-aan, Q2 vs 183 (Al-Baqoroh): "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous".

The other one is a saying of the prophet of Islaam (may the peace of Allaah be upon him) as it was reported by Bukhoriy: "Islaam is you worshipping Allaah and not associating partner with him, observing solaat, paying the compulsory zakaah (charity), and fasting in the month of Ramadan...

Virtues of Ramadan

Talking about the virtues of Ramadan. It should be understood that the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the best of all months. Below are some of the virtues of the month:

• a. All acts of righteousness are rewarded in manifolds.
• b. During this period, the doors of hell are closed and while the gates leading to paradise are widely opened.
• c. For he who fasts during this period, and with the undiluted intent of attaining piety and sincerity, his previous sin, except for kabaair (the major sins), will all be forgiven. That is, previously committed minor sins are forgiven only for fasting in this blessed month.
• d. The devil and his cohorts are as well chained.
• e. Also, in its last ten days lies the "best night" - a night better-off a thousand of months in virtues. The nigt is known as laylatul-qodr.

Terms and Conditions of Ramadan

The terms and conditions applying to the validity of Ramadan fast are of two things:

a. Purification From Impurities: This is peculiar to the women of Islamic faith. It connotes the purification from state of Hayd (menstrual circle) and Nifaas (blood that flows during the postpartum period).

b. Intention: Fasting is said to be an act of worship and so, it must be accompanied with a sincere and specified intention (niyyah). For this condition to be met, each an individual intending to fast must specifically either on daily basis or on the first night of Ramadan make up his "intent" to fast in this month. Intention, it is to be made only in the mind only and not in words. Hemce, no need of uttering some non-prophetic incantations (adh-kaar). One only needs to have in mind that he will be fasting.

Components of Ramadan Fasting

This refers to the do's and don'ts of fasting for it to be acceptable. It could also be discussed under two headings, viz:

Pillars of Fasting:This includes the abstinence from all that which could invalidate one's fast from the dawn till the sunset such as eating, drinking, intercourse, being unconscious, and so on. This is much explained in Q2 vs 187.

Recommended Acts: As opposed to the first components which, if done, invalidates the fast, these are encapsulates the list of recommended acts which embellishes the hallmark of ṣowm Ramadan. It includes: taking the pre-dawn meal (sahuur) and taking it at the last hour; hastening in breaking the fast (at its due time); praying before having the fast breaking; charity, recitation of Qur-aan and teaching it; guarding the tongue from irritating and unrighteous talk, and parting away from the peace-disturber. If any of the recommended acts is omitted, the fast is still intact.