Islam_in_Focus_text

Period of Fasting
It has already been indicated that the period of obligatory
Fasting is the month of Ramadan. The daily period of obser-
vance starts before the break of the dawn and ends immedi-
ately after sunset. Normally there are accurate calendars to
tell the exact time, but in the absence of such facilities one
should consult one's watch and the sun's positions, together
with the loeal newspapers, weather bureau, etc.
The Fasting of Ramadan is obligatory on every responsi-
ble and fit Muslim (Mukallaf). But there are other times
when it is strongly recommended, after the Traditions of
Prophet Muhammad, Among these times are Mondays and
Thursdays of every week, a few days of each month in the
two months heralding the coming of Ramadan, i «e., Rajab
and Sha'ban, six days after Ramadan following the ldu~l-
Fitr Day. Besides, it is alvvays compensating to fast any day
of any month of the year, except the Id Days and Fridays
when no Muslim should fast, However, vve may repeat that
the only obligatory Fasting is that of Ramadan- which may
be 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon's positions. This is
a pillar of Islam, and any failure to observe it without rea-
sonable excuses is a severely punishable sin.
Knowing what Fasting can do for man, God has en-
joined, as an alternative, the fast of three days on anyone
who breaks an oath. Similarly, if someone declares his wife