Question:

The timing of the prescribed fasting i.e. the month of Ramadan has been expressed in word and action by the entire nation of Islam in all times.

Is it permissible to postpone fasting during Ramadan this year and when one is safe from Coronavirus (COVID-19), one would fast for thirty days?

Answer:

Answering your question, the European Council for Fatwa and Research, states:

Allah prescribes fasting during a specific month i.e. the month of Ramadan. Allah says: {The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

In a number of hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explains that the obligatory fasting is during the month of Ramadan.

For instance, “Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no god save God and that Muhammad is His Messenger; performing prayer; the payment of Zakah; performing Hajj to the House of Allah (the Kabah); and fasting during the month of Ramadan.” (Agreed upon)

The prescription of fasting during the month of Ramadan is confirmed by a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah in which the Prophet Muhammad says: “Do not observe fasting for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing fasting on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.” (Al-Bukhari)

This hadith gives a number of instructions. It forbids observing voluntary fasting during Shaban when followed successively by the obligatory fasting during Ramadan, the prescription of which coincides with the commencement of the month of Ramadan. It also forbids fasting during Shawwal successively after fasting during Ramadan.

Hence, fasting during the day of doubt is forbidden and fasting during the day of Eid (festival) is forbidden either. The commencement of the prescribed fasting and its conclusion are to be marked distinctively during one month, the month of Ramadan no more and no less.

The timing of the prescribed fasting i.e. the month of Ramadan has been expressed in word and action by the entire nation of Islam in all times.

Based on the above-mentioned argument, it is not permissible to postpone the fasting during Ramadan. The methodology and the timing of the Islamic rituals are determined solely by the divine revelation and Muslims should abide thereby.

Moreover, the excuse i.e. postponing to avoid being infected by COVID-19 is not genuine, since fasting, in addition to other benefits, reinforces one’s immunity.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: https://www.e-cfr.org/