Quranic verses on fasting: What does Islam say about Ramadan?
The Quran outlines the principles, exemptions, and spiritual rewards of fasting in several verses. Discover the divine guidance on Ramadan and purification.
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By Bilge Türk | Dreams Wisdom
ANKARA, TURKEY — Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a practice that transcends mere physical abstinence to encompass spiritual purification, gratitude, and self-discipline. The Holy Quran details the obligation, rules, exemptions, and profound wisdom behind fasting in several chapters, primarily Surah Al-Baqarah.
These divine verses not only establish fasting as a mandatory act of worship during the month of Ramadan but also outline its role as a form of expiation (kaffarah) for various transgressions. Below is a comprehensive collection of the Quranic verses regarding fasting, presented with their original Arabic text and English meanings.
The Obligation and Purpose of Fasting
The primary verse establishing the obligation of fasting emphasizes Taqwa (God-consciousness/piety) as its ultimate goal. It reminds believers that fasting is a practice shared with previous nations.
Surah Al-Baqarah / Verse 183:
يَٓا اَيُّهَا الَّذ۪ينَ اٰمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذ۪ينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَۙ
Meaning: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
Exemptions and Ease in Religion
Islam is a religion of ease, not hardship. The Quran provides clear exemptions for the sick and travelers, allowing them to make up missed days later. For those permanently unable to fast, a ransom (Fidyah) is prescribed.
Surah Al-Baqarah / Verse 184:
اَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍۜ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَر۪يضًا اَوْ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَۜ وَعَلَى الَّذ۪ينَ يُط۪يقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْك۪ينٍۜ ...
Meaning: "[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person... But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."
Ramadan: The Month of the Quran
The significance of Ramadan is directly linked to the revelation of the Quran. This verse confirms that the month of Ramadan is the appointed time for this obligatory worship.
Surah Al-Baqarah / Verse 185:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذ۪ٓي اُنْزِلَ ف۪يهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدٰى وَالْفُرْقَانِۚ ...
Meaning: "The month of Ramadhan [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..."
Rules of Imsak, Iftar, and Marital Relations
The Quran provides specific guidelines on when the daily fast begins and ends, using the metaphor of the "white thread" of dawn distinguishing itself from the "black thread" of night. It also permits marital relations during the nights of Ramadan, except during Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque).
Surah Al-Baqarah / Verse 187:
... وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتّٰى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْاَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْاَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِۖ ثُمَّ اَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ اِلَى الَّيْلِۚ ...
Meaning: "...And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset... These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them..."
Fasting During Hajj
Fasting also serves as a substitute act of worship during the Pilgrimage (Hajj) if a believer is unable to offer a sacrifice or commits certain violations.
Surah Al-Baqarah / Verse 196:
... فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلٰثَةِ اَيَّامٍ فِي الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ اِذَا رَجَعْتُمْۜ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌۜ ...
Meaning: "...And whoever cannot find [or afford such a sacrifice] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]..."
Fasting as Expiation (Kaffarah)
The Quran prescribes fasting as a means of atonement for specific sins and mistakes, such as accidental killing, breaking oaths, or violating Ihram restrictions.
Surah An-Nisa / Verse 92 (Accidental Killing):
... فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ شَهْرَيْنِ مُتَتَابِعَيْنِۘ تَوْبَةً مِنَ اللّٰهِۜ ...
Meaning: "...And whoever does not find [a slave to free] - then a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allah..."
Surah Al-Ma'idah / Verse 89 (Breaking Oaths):
... فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلٰثَةِ اَيَّامٍۜ ذٰلِكَ كَفَّارَةُ اَيْمَانِكُمْ اِذَا حَلَفْتُمْۜ ...
Meaning: "...But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn..."
Surah Al-Ma'idah / Verse 95 (Hunting while in Ihram):
... اَوْ عَدْلُ ذٰلِكَ صِيَامًا لِيَذُوقَ وَبَالَ اَمْرِه۪ۜ ...
Meaning: "...or an equivalent [fasting] that he may taste the consequence of his matter..."
Fasting of Silence
The Quran also mentions a unique form of fasting practiced by Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus, known as the "fast of silence."
Surah Maryam / Verse 26:
... فَقُول۪ٓي اِنّ۪ي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ اُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ اِنْسِيًّاۚ
Meaning: "...Say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.'"
The Reward for Fasting Men and Women
Finally, the Quran promises immense forgiveness and a great reward for both men and women who fast, placing them among the ranks of the truthful and patient.
Surah Al-Ahzab / Verse 35:
... وَالصَّٓائِم۪ينَ وَالصَّٓائِمَاتِ ... اَعَدَّ اللّٰهُ لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةً وَاَجْرًا عَظ۪يمًا
Meaning: "...the fasting men and fasting women... - Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward."
