• Islam has made fasting obligatory for all men and women who have attained the age of Bulugh.
• To kill our low instincts and to help us acknowledge that we have a will power which enables us to abstain from certain things which if done will invalidate the fast. As a result it helps us to strengthen our will power against those things which are Haraam and cause us to commit sin if we do them.
• Brings about Unity amongst you and those living near you, in that while you are fasting you are aware that there are others close by who are also fasting and in the same way when you have Iftar there are others doing the same. It creates a feeling of brotherhood.
• As you feel hungry you begin to realise how the people who are poor and cannot afford food suffer daily in their lives and as a result of your fasting you may feel that you should do something for them. However, sadly we tend to forget all about our hunger at the time of Iftar when we eat a lot to make up for fasting; for this we have been advised by our Holy Prophet (S) to eat only enough to kill the hunger and not more.

WAJIB FASTS

1. Fast during the month of Ramadhan.
2. Qaza fast for the month of Ramadhan.
3. Fast becoming wajib on account of Kaffara.
4. Qaza fasts of a dead person becoming wajib on the eldest son.
5. Fasts becoming Qaza due to Nazar, Qasam or Ahad.
6. Fast is broken or left out intentionally.

SUNNAT FASTS

1. On all days of Rajab and Shaban or on as many as is possible to fast, even if it is only one day.
2. On 13th, 14th and 15th of every Lunar month.
3. The day of Nawroz (21 March)
4. From the 4th up to the 9th of Shawwal.
5. The 25th and the 29th day of Zilqad.
6. The first and last Thursday of every month AND the first Wednesday after the 10th of every month.
7. From the 1st day to the 9th day of the month of Zilhajj.
8. The 18th of Zilhajj - Eid-e-Ghadeer.
9. The 24th of Zilhajj - Eid-e-Mubahela.
10. The 1st, 3rd and 7th day of Muharram.
11. The 17th of Rabiul Awwal - Birthday of our Holy Prophet (S).
12. The 15th of Jamadiul Awwal.
13. The 27th of Rajab - the appointment of the Holy Prophet (S) to the prophetic mission (Bi'that).

Fasting is Mustahab on all the days of the year except on those days on which it is Haraam to observe fast. Some are mentioned below.

HARAAM FASTS

1. Eid-ul-Fitr.
2. Eid-ul-Hajj.
3. A fast kept despite illness.

MAKRUH FAST
It is Makruh to fast on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura Day).