The above verse is Allahs’ orders on Muslims to observe fasting in the blessed months of Ramadan and Prophet Muhammad in many saying and deeds showed Muslims and indeed the world the essence and ethics of fasting.
In some of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said:
“Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: “I am fasting!” (Muslim).
In another hadith Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: “The five (daily) prayers, and from one Friday prayer to the next, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiation for sins committed in between provided one stays away from the major sins. (Al-Bukhari)
He also reported that the Prophet said: “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards then all his past sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
While there are acts that invalidate the Ramadan and other fasting, there are other acts that do not invalidate fasts when they occurred, but with some of them frowned at (Makruh).
Scholars have enumerated some of these acts that do not invalidate fasting and the list is endless.
It should however be noted that the there were variations in the four leading Madhhab (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali) where in some instances one or more of the Madhhab would say an action invalidate fast and one or more would say an action does not invalidate fast.
They were however unanimous in many of the instances of actions that invalidate or does not invalidate fasts.
For instance eating or drinking forgetfully does not invalidate the fast in the other three madhahib, but it invalidates the fast in the Maliki Madhhab.
Also in the Hanafi and Maliki Madhhabs, kaffarah (expiation) becomes necessary upon one who eats or drinks while one is fasting. In the Shafi’i and Hanbali Madhhabs it is not.
Contemporary scholars at one time or another said, it is better to avoid doubtful issues as stated by Prophet Muhammad and picked one but which should be stick to in case of differences.
*Not making dua to commence fasting: There is no Sahih Hadith of any dua recited by the Prophet to resume Fasting.
*Starting Ramadan (or any fasting) while in the state of Janabah does not invalidate fasting, but anyone affected has to take a Bath to offer Fajr (Subhi) Prayer.
As narrated Aisha and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them both): “At times Allah’s Apostle used to get up in the morning in the state of Janabah after having sexual relations with his wives. He would then take a bath and fast.”
*Kissing, hugging, embracing ones wife does not invalidates fast unless there is ejaculation because of those actions. One needs to be sure that he will be able to control his desires so depending on case to case it might be better to stay away or not.
*Tasting food while fasting is allowed if necessary and if we ensure we do not swallow it.
*Bleeding due to accident, injury, sickness unless it is the result of ones deliberate actions.
*Having a blood sample (Blood Test) taken for valid reasons like Medical Test.
*Bleeding of the gums even while brushing as long as one does not do this intentionally or swallows any blood by on purpose.
*Cutting hair or nails or shaving public or armpit hair.
*Taking a bath anytime. But one must be extra careful that no water goes into the body through the openings.
*Vomiting if it was not deliberately done.
*Swallowing of vomit unintentionally, but swallowing intentionally does.
*Brushing of teeth, but it is better to use siwaak (chewing stick) than toothpaste.
It is known that Allah loves the smell coming from
