Command of Fasting in 4 Verses of Surah Al Baqarah, Understand to Increase Blessings in Ramadan

Kapanlagi.com - Ramadan fasting is one of the obligatory worship for Muslims who have reached puberty. The commandment about fasting in Ramadan came directly from Allah SWT. At least, there are 4 verses in Surah Al Baqarah that contain the command to fast.

In Islam, besides Ramadan fasting, there are also various sunnah fasting, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, fasting of Prophet David, fasting of Arafah, fasting of Shawwal, and so on. However, Ramadan fasting is special because this fasting worship can only be done specifically during the month of Ramadan.

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Here are some verses in Surah Al Baqarah that discuss the commandment of fasting and the specialness of Ramadan fasting.

1. Surah Al Baqarah Verse 183

Illustration (credit: Alquran Indonesia App)

Surah Al-Baqarah verse 183 is perhaps the most frequently quoted verse to explain the commandment of fasting. Here is the wording of the verse:

O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you that you may become righteous

Based on the translation of the verse, it can be understood that the act of fasting actually existed before the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Furthermore, the meaning of the verse also explains that the obligation to observe fasting applies to those who are among the believers.

2. Surat Al Baqarah Verse 184

Illustration (credit: Alquran Indonesia App)

Continuation from Surat Al Baqarah verse 183, verse 184 also discusses fasting. Here is an excerpt of the meaning of verse 184, Surat Al Baqarah:

(That is) on certain days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey (then they should fast) an equal number of days [later]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

This excerpt of the meaning in Surat Al Baqarah 184 explains various conditions related to the Ramadan fasting. Among them, the allowance of not fasting but making up for it by fasting outside the month of Ramadan is mentioned. Additionally, it is explained that those who are genuinely unable to fast can substitute it by paying fidyah.

3. Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 185

Illustration (credit: Alquran Indonesia App)

Not only in verses 183 and 184, but also in verse 185, there is an explanation about fasting. It means as follows:

(The prescribed period is) the month of Ramadhan in which the Qur'an was revealed as a guidance for mankind with 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.

In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 185, Allah explains that one of the privileges of the month of Ramadhan is the revelation of the holy book, the Qur'an. Fasting becomes an act of worship that adds to the uniqueness of the month of Ramadhan. In this verse, it is also explained that it is allowed for Muslims who are traveling or sick to not fast during Ramadhan. However, they are still required to make up for the missed fasts on other days.

4. Surah Al Baqarah 187

Illustration (credit: Alquran Indonesia App)

Another verse in Surah Al Baqarah that discusses fasting is verse 187.The verse means:

It has been made lawful for you to approach your wives during the nights of the fast.They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them.Allah knew that you were being dishonest to yourselves, so He has turned to you and pardoned you.So now, you may approach them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread.Then complete the fast until nightfall, but do not approach them while you are in retreat in the mosques.That is the limit set by Allah, so do not approach it.Thus does Allah make clear His verses to the people that they may become righteous.

Surah Al Baqarah verse 187 further explains that the time limit for fasting in Islam is from dawn until nightfall. In addition, this verse also explains various things that are prohibited during fasting and allowed again to be done after the time of breaking the fast or at night.

Well, those are the 4 verses in Surah Al Baqarah that discuss the command of fasting, especially Ramadan fasting. Hopefully, by studying the verses above, it can increase faith and piety in carrying out fasting.

(kpl/psp)