A pillar: Is a basic element in fasting and fasting will not be accepted without it.
The pillars of fasting are:
1) Intention: It is a deed of heart, not to say by tongue , so when a Muslim fasts, he should do that for his lord(Allah) and to worship his god(Allah),which we call sincerity or devotion. The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:( Deeds are the only intentions behind them). So,the intention is necessary to be done before Fajr(dawn) is shown the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said( The one who did not intend for fasting before sleeping , his fasting will not be accepted) and a Muslim can have intention from the first day of Ramadan for fasting for the whole of Ramadan and that’s enough, it is also allowed.
2)Abstaining among other things as food, social intercourse and drink till sunset.
3)The time which is from Fajr(dawn) till sunset.
Fasting recommended deeds(Sunnah) which recommended by the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم as:
1)Break one’s fast while the sun set or hearing Azzan(call for Maghrib prayer) and not late. The messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said( The people will remain in the right path as long as they hasten the Iftar ( breaking of the saum(fast).
2) Supplication when breaking fast(Saum). The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was saying while breaking his fast ( Oh Lord(Allah) I ask you with your mercy to forgive my sins(guilties).
3)Al-Sahur( food which we eat before Fajr prayer)it gives help for Muslims to fast the whole day till sunset,the messenger of Allahصلى الله عليه وسلم said( Take sahur as there is a blessing in it).
4)Hasten the Iftar (breaking fast), as the messenger of Allah said(The people will remain in the right path as long as they hasten the Iftar and delayed sahur).
