Question:-
This Thursday has been marked as a global day of fasting in solidarity with Palestine. What is the ruling regarding participating in such an event and is there any reward for such a fast?
Answer:-
All acts of worship whether Salaah, fasting, Zakaat, Hajj, optional charity, assisting others, etc. are all carried out for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. If any action is void of sincerity and Ikhlaas, then it holds no weight in the court of Allah Ta’ala, rather one will be taken to task on the day of Qiyaamah. Hence, one may fast for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala with the intention that Allah Ta’ala showers His special Mercy upon the Ummah and particularly the people of Palestine.
However, one should bear in mind that Shariah has not enforced fasting when faced with calamities or problems in the Ummah, hence the fast cannot be considered as necessary or obligatory. It is optional and left to the individual to decide whether he or she wants to fast or not. If one does not fast, then he or she should not be belittled or looked down upon.
Also, the fast does not have to be kept on Thursday as stipulated on the poster, but one is free to fast on any day that is convenient. However, it is Sunnah to fast on Monday and Thursday.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 02 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1445 / 18 October 2023