Fasting without praying in Islam: Can Muslims gain anything?

SHAH ALAM – Ramadan is a month of great blessings, with opportunities for increased rewards through good deeds compared to other times.

Muslims are encouraged to utilise fasting and performing acts of kindness to earn the mercyof Allah, while refraining from wrongdoing is obligatory during Ramadan.

Many individuals abstain from sinful behaviour during this sacred month, aiming to attain exceptional rewards making this Ramadan the beginning of their journey to seek self-improvement.

Recently, in conjunction with the blessed month of Ramadan, Karangkraf had the opportunity to organise a programme called ‘Sembang Ramadan: Tanya Je Ustaz!’ hosted by Amin Idris and featuring former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

The programme, organised in collaboration with the Sports and Recreation Club of the Karangkraf Group, took place at the Karangkraf Group Complex, here on Wednesday.

During the insightful Ramadan discussion panel, participants raised inquiries about the fasting regulations and practices.

One inquiry centered on the consequences of fasting without performing prayers and whether it holds any benefit for Muslims.

The former Mufti, who responded decisively, emphasised the obligation of the five pillars of Islam.

He added the significance of the three fundamental aspects of Islam in which the declaration of faith, prayer, and charity.

He said neglecting any of these components weakens the foundation of one's faith.

Quoting a hadith, he relayed Prophet Muhammad SAW's words, stating, “There are people who fast and get nothing from their fast except hunger and there are those who pray and get nothing from their prayer but a sleepless night.”

“In Islam, to seek the blessings of Ramadan, two key principles must be upheld during fasting. Firstly, one must abstain from actions that invalidate the fast, such as eating, drinking or engaging in behaviours that break the fast.

"Secondly, one must refrain from actions that nullify the spiritual rewards of fasting, meaning that fasting individuals should maintain their conduct and speech. Otherwise, although their fast remain valid, they may not receive any spiritual reward,” he said during the programme on Wednesday.

Regarding the issue of fasting without performing prayers, Zulkifli said that both fasting and prayers are essential in Islam, with prayer likened to the pillar of religion.

Quoting more hadith, he referenced Prophet Muhammad SAW's statement, "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink.

Elaborating on this hadith, Zulkifli stressed the significance of maintaining righteous conduct and speech during fasting to uphold the sanctity of the fast, including adherence to prayers.

In this regard, Zulkifli advice Muslims to diligently perform their prayers and uphold virtuous behaviour while fasting, striving to fulfil their obligations as Muslims and using Ramadan as an opportunity for personal growth.