The Ruling on One Who Denies the Fast

Question

Zayd asked Bakr, “Are you fasting?” Bakr replied, “Oh, get lost, you religious scholars! Is fasting obligatory on us?” He also said, “I will not fast.” At this a religious scholar said, “Fasting is obligatory on every Muslim, and one who denies it becomes a kafir.” Despite this he denies it and says, “I will not fast. Do we lack food and drink? Only a man who has no food and the like fasts.” What is to be said of such a person? Is it right to keep relations with him?

Answer

The obligatoriness of fasting is established by a definitive text; denying it is kufr. Likewise the saying “only a man who has no food and the like fasts” is among the words of kufr. Repentance and seeking forgiveness, renewal of iman and renewal of marriage are obligatory on him.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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