Half-Day Fasting in Islam, Is It Allowed? Check the Explanation So You Don't Get It Wrong

Kapanlagi.com - Fasting is one of the main acts of worship in Islam that must be performed by every Muslim who meets the requirements during the month of Ramadan. However, fasting is not just about abstaining from hunger and thirst; it is a manifestation of deep piety towards Allah. Amidst this spirit of worship, an interesting question arises in society about the practice of half-day fasting, especially for those who find it difficult to observe a full fast.

In several regions, the term "bedug fasting" or "half-day fasting" is often heard. This term is usually used as a preliminary step for children who are just starting to learn to fast. But what about the ruling on half-day fasting for adults? Do they still receive rewards even if they do not fast for a full day?

To answer these questions, let’s delve deeper into the ruling on half-day fasting, its limitations, and who is allowed or not allowed to perform it in Islam. Check out the complete explanation summarized by Liputan6 from various sources below, Wednesday (12/3).

1. Is Half-Day Fasting Allowed in Islam?

In Islamic teachings, there is no specific evidence that regulates fasting for half a day. Mandatory fasting, such as during Ramadan, must be observed from dawn until sunset. This is in accordance with Islamic law. However, for children, scholars provide leniency. They allow half-day fasting as a form of learning and habituation before children reach puberty and are required to fast fully.

For children who have not yet reached puberty, half-day fasting is considered a form of practice. They are not burdened with the obligation of full fasting, so they are permitted to fast for half a day as an effort to get used to the practice of fasting. This shows the flexibility of Islamic teachings in educating children.

In contrast, adults who have reached puberty are required to observe full fasting according to the provisions of Islamic law. They are obligated to perform full fasting as per the Islamic regulations. Half-day fasting for adults is generally considered invalid because it does not meet the time requirements for fasting as stipulated in Allah SWT's command in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 187:

وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ

"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 night." quoted from ANTARA.

2. Can Half-Day Fasting Be Done?

For adults who have reached the age of maturity, there are certain conditions that allow them not to fast. One of them is the existence of a valid excuse (uzur syar'i), which is a reason recognized in Islamic law such as illness, long-distance travel, or other circumstances that prevent someone from observing the fast. In this situation, they are permitted not to fast and are required to make it up at another time.

Uzur syar'i reflects the wisdom and flexibility in Islamic teachings. Allah does not wish to burden His followers in performing acts of worship, especially when there are obstacles permitted by law. Therefore, understanding what is meant by uzur syar'i is very important so that we do not misunderstand the practice of fasting.

With this understanding, we hope to avoid misconceptions regarding half-day fasting. Valid fasting in Islam must be carried out according to the established time, which is from dawn until sunset, unless there is a valid excuse that permits otherwise.

In conclusion, half-day fasting may be practiced by children as a form of training, but it is not valid for adults unless they have a valid excuse. Remember, valid fasting in Islam must align with the specified time, from dawn until sunset.

3. Consequences for Adults Who Fast for Half a Day

For Muslims who have reached the age of maturity, abandoning fasting without a reason that aligns with Islamic law is a serious violation. Ramadan fasting, as one of the pillars of Islam, is not merely a ritual but a duty that must be carried out with awareness and responsibility.

If someone deliberately breaks their fast without a justified reason, they are obligated to make it up after Ramadan ends. Worse still, if the breaking of the fast is done in a prohibited manner, such as eating and drinking without a valid excuse, they must also pay kaffarah, which is to fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people.

Therefore, it is important for every adult Muslim to realize that a fast broken without a valid reason is not only invalid but can also incur sin and the obligation to make it up in the future.

4. Does Fasting Half a Day Earn Reward?

5. Half-Day Fasting is Only for Training, Not a Valid Worship

In Islamic teachings, half-day fasting for adults is not permitted and is considered invalid without a legitimate reason. The actual Ramadan fast lasts from dawn until sunset, in accordance with Allah's command in the Qur'an.

However, for children who have not yet reached puberty, half-day fasting can be a good initial step to get accustomed to this worship in the future. Islam wisely provides flexibility so that children can adapt gradually, allowing them to fulfill this obligation with full awareness.

For adults, it is important to realize that fasting is not just about abstaining from hunger and thirst, but also a manifestation of obedience that must be carried out with sincerity and patience.

6. FAQ

1. Is half-day fasting allowed in Islam?

For adults, half-day fasting is not allowed and is not considered valid, unless there is a legitimate excuse that permits breaking the fast early.

2. Can children practice half-day fasting?

Yes, children who have not reached puberty are allowed to fast half-day as a form of training to get used to full fasting in the future.

3. Does half-day fasting still earn rewards?

For healthy adults without any legitimate excuse, half-day fasting does not earn rewards as it is invalid. However, for children, it can be considered a form of worship as part of their education.

4. What should be done if someone cannot endure full fasting?

If someone has a legitimate reason such as illness or is traveling far, they are allowed to break the fast early and must make it up after Ramadan.

(kpl/rmt)