Is fasting considered like salaah?

Is fasting considered like salaah?

Question: Is fasting considered like salaah, i.e. is the one that does not do it, a kaafir?

Answer: They Shaykh حفظه الله said that if we know that fasting is a pillar from the pillars and we leave one of the pillars on purpose, then it is considered kufr in Islaam or khurooj (exiting) from al-Islaam. If the pillars are destroyed, then the building is gone. The Scholars didn't make it tough for the people, because fasting is a secret – it may be apparent that the person is not fasting but in reality, he is. So, they did not try to find out. But if this man or this person is eating and drinking in front of the people, then it is known he is not fasting and if he is not fasting intentionally, without a legitimate excuse from Sharee`ah, then he is considered a kaafir.


Answered by: Shaykh Saalih al-Luhaydaan

Title of Lecture: Obligation of Muslims in Ramadaan

Date of the Lecture: October 16, 2004