Author: Imaam ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz (rahimahullah)
Source: ‘Tuhfat-ul-Akhwaani bi-Ajwibah Muhimmah Tata’alluqu bi-Arkaan-il-Islaami Page 159-160
Question: Upon whom is the fast of Ramadhaan obligatory and what are its benefits and the benefits of voluntary fasting?
Answer: The fast of Ramadhaan is obligatory upon every morally responsible Muslim from amongst the men and women, and it is preferred for the one who has reached seven years of age or older and who are able from amongst the male and female. It is incumbent upon the guardians over them to command them to fast when they have the ability to do so, just as they order them to perform the five daily prayers.
The basis for this is in the Statement of Allah the Mighty & Majestic:
“O You who believe fasting has been prescribed on you just as it was prescribed on those before you so perhaps you will be god-fearing. Observe the appointed number of days but whoever amongst you is sick or on a journey then make up the days missed.” [Sooratul Baqarah: 183-184]
Up until the Statement of the Most High:
“The month of Ramadhaan in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion therefore whoever amongst you witnesses the crescent then fast and whoever is sick or on a journey then make up the days missed.” [Soorat Baqarah: 185]
And the statement of the Prophet (may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him):
Islam is built upon five: to testify that there is nothing worthy or worship except for Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger, to pray, to pay the Alms Tax, to fast in Ramadhaan and to make pilgrimage to the House of Allah.)
Its authenticity if agreed upon by both Bukhaaree and Muslim from the narration of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both.)
In addition to his statement (may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) when Jibraaeel asked him about Islam:
Islam is to bear witness that nothing is worthy or worship except for Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger, to establish the prayer, to give the Alms Tax, to fast in Ramadhaan and to make pilgrimage to the House of Allah when one is able to do so.
It has been related by Muslim in his Saheeh from the narration of ‘Umar bin al-Khataab (may Allah be pleased with him) and the two Shaykhs (Bukhaaree & Muslim) have set forth its meaning from the narration of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him).
And in the two Saheehs from Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) that he said:
Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadhaan with full conviction and seeking only Allah’s reward then whatever he has brought forth of sins will be forgiven.
And it was established from him (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:
Allah Mighty & Majestic says: All of the actions of the Children of Adam are for him, the good he does is rewarded with ten like it up to seven hundred portions except for fasting, that action is for Me, I reward for it being done, one leaves off his desires and drink for My Sake, the fasting person has two moments of happiness (due to fasting); the moment of happiness when he breaks his fast and the moment of happiness when he will meet his Lord, the foul stench from the mouth of the one who fasts is better to Allah than the scent of Musk.
Its authenticity if agreed upon by both Bukhaaree and Muslim.
As for the prophetic narrations concerning the benefits of fasting in Ramadhaan and the benefits of fasting overall then they are many and well known and Allah is the Protector of Success.
