Fasting Long Days E57529

Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183 "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." Simple Meaning: This ayah tells us that fasting is an important act that Allah has commanded for Muslims, just like He commanded it for people before us. Fasting helps us become closer to Allah and learn self-control. In very long daylight countries, Muslims may find it hard to fast the entire day, so scholars have given guidance based on the Prophet ﷺ's teachings and Islamic principles.

Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185 "And whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]." Simple Meaning: If someone cannot fast because of sickness or traveling, they can fast later. Similarly, in extreme situations like very long fasting hours, scholars allow alternatives.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them): When the fasting day was very long or the day was very hot, the Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast and also let his family break theirs. This shows the Prophet ﷺ allowed breaking fast in difficult conditions. **Scholars’ Explanation:** Imam Ibn al-Qayyim and other scholars say that in places where fasting time is extremely long (like in some countries near the poles), it is permissible to follow the fasting times of the nearest moderate city or the timings of Makkah or Madinah. This is to avoid hardship and follow the spirit of fasting. **Madhhab Views:** - Hanafi: Generally follow local time but allow shortening if hardship. - Maliki & Shafi‘i: Allow following nearest moderate city’s time. - Hanbali: Strongly recommend following Makkah or Madinah times in extreme cases. **Takeaway:** If you live where days are very long, you can fast according to the timings of a nearby city with normal fasting hours or Makkah/Madinah to avoid hardship. Always ask a knowledgeable local scholar for help. Allah knows best.