The Rulings and Wisdoms of Fasting in Ramadan

Описание: The Rulings and Spiritual Purpose of Fasting in Ramadan”
Khutbah by Ahmed Baghdadi — Cornerstone, Wokingham, 13 February 2026

Synopsis
In this khutbah, Ahmed Baghdadi presents a clear and comprehensive explanation of the Islamic rulings and spiritual aims related to fasting in Ramadan. He begins by emphasising the duty of every Muslim to learn the essential aspects of their religion, especially the rules governing acts of worship.
He explains who is required to fast: those who are Muslim, have reached puberty, and are physically capable. Children are encouraged to fast gradually, but fasting only becomes obligatory at maturity. Women who are menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding are exempt until their condition ends.
The beginning of Ramadan is explained through the sighting of the new crescent moon. If visibility is blocked by clouds, the previous month is completed as thirty days. He stresses the importance of following the local community’s decision regarding the start of Ramadan to maintain unity.
He outlines the intention (niyyah), clarifying that it resides in the heart and does not need to be repeated every night unless a person interrupts their fast due to illness or travel.
Baghdadi highlights several recommended practices: eating a pre-dawn meal (suhoor), breaking the fast immediately at sunset before prayer, and frequently making supplication throughout the day. He stresses good manners, avoiding lying, insults, backbiting, and foul language — reminding listeners that refraining from sin is itself a rewarded act.
The khutbah details the actions that break the fast, such as intentional eating or drinking, marital relations, deliberate vomiting, and certain forms of wet cupping if they weaken the body.
He then explains three categories of illness: conditions that do not affect fasting and require one to fast; illnesses that make fasting difficult, in which case it is better not to fast; and illnesses where fasting is harmful, which makes fasting forbidden. These categories are similarly applied to travellers, who may fast or break their fast depending on ease, difficulty, or harm.
Additional exemptions are mentioned, including heavy labourers whose work endangers their health, emergency workers or soldiers in life‑saving roles, breastfeeding mothers, and postpartum women.
The khutbah also covers Zakat al‑Fitr, the obligatory charity given on behalf of every household member before the Eid prayer.

He concludes by reminding the congregation that Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an and night prayers (Tarāwīḥ), encouraging everyone to make use of the opportunity to listen to the Qur’an regularly and connect deeply with its message during the blessed month.