Foundations · The Five Pillars of Islam

Essential Aspects of Ramadan Fasting

Test your knowledge on rules and benefits of fasting during Ramadan.

7 questions · Easy · about 4 minutes

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7 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What is the ruling on not fasting Ramadan without a valid excuse?

  • It is a grave major sin. (correct answer)
  • It is a minor mistake.
  • It has no serious consequence.
  • It is allowed if fasting feels difficult.

Why

Fasting Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. Not fasting it without a valid excuse means abandoning one of those pillars and committing a grave major sin.

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2. If someone sincerely wants to fast but cannot because of a legitimate excuse, what reward may they hope for?

  • The basic reward of the one who fasts. (correct answer)
  • No reward at all because they did not physically fast.
  • A greater reward than everyone who fasted.
  • The special reward of ar-Rayyan in every case.

Why

If a person sincerely wants to do a good deed but is prevented by a valid excuse, they may receive the basic reward for that deed. However, the article explains that this does not mean they receive every extra virtue connected to physically doing the deed.

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3. What is one major reward for fasting Ramadan with faith and hope for reward?

  • It removes the need to pray.
  • It guarantees wealth in this life.
  • It is a means for previous sins to be forgiven. (correct answer)
  • It makes all other worship unnecessary.

Why

One of the great rewards of fasting Ramadan with faith and seeking Allah’s reward is that previous sins may be forgiven.

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4. What is the main reason fasting was prescribed?

  • As a punishment for past sins.
  • Only to feel empathy for the poor.
  • To attain taqwa. (correct answer)
  • Only to strengthen the body.

Why

The main reason fasting was prescribed is to attain taqwa, which means doing what Allah has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. Other benefits of fasting are also mentioned, but taqwa is the main reason stated.

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5. How can fasting help a person appreciate Allah’s blessings?

  • By making material possessions the main focus.
  • By removing the need to be grateful.
  • By giving up pleasures for a short time, so their value is recognized. (correct answer)
  • By making food and drink forbidden all the time.

Why

Fasting involves giving up pleasures such as food and drink for a short time. This helps a person recognize the value of Allah’s blessings and motivates them to be grateful.

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6. What is required to truly be described as having fasted Ramadan?

  • Fasting only one day of Ramadan.
  • Fasting at least half of Ramadan.
  • Fasting only the last ten days.
  • Fasting all the days of Ramadan. (correct answer)

Why

To be described as having fasted Ramadan, a person must fast all the days of the month. If someone misses days without an excuse, they have only fasted part of Ramadan.

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7. What is one recommended way to prepare for Ramadan?

  • Ignore religious duties until Ramadan begins.
  • Focus mainly on food and entertainment.
  • Delay missed obligatory fasts until after the next Ramadan.
  • Fast some days in Sha‘ban. (correct answer)

Why

One recommended way to prepare for Ramadan is to fast some of Sha‘ban. The Prophet ﷺ fasted more in Sha‘ban than in any other month besides Ramadan.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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