Quran - Fasting rules

In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم

Another verse on fasting and the rules surrounding it...

This is from Surah al-Baqarah again, chapter 2, verse 184.

"Fast for a fixed number of days (there are around 30, give or take one as the Islamic calendar is based on the moon's phases); but if any of you is ill, or on a long journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later on in the year. For those who can keep the fasts in sincere striving, it counts as a ransom, or the feeding of one that is indigent. But those that will give more of his own free will - it is better for him. And it is much better for you if you keep the fasts, if only you knew."

The lessons in this are fascinating:

1. Fasting is obligatory for mature adults

2. The flexibility is so great that anyone travelling several miles away from home is permitted to not fast and make up for it later

3. Breaking or not fasting deliberately brings a pretty hefty penalty - the feeding of several needy people

4. Charity! God asks Muslims to give truckloads of what they own to help others, whether fasting or not.

Of course a proper tafsir of this verse would be most wise. Happy researching!

Zaufishan ★