Is fasting accepted in Islam without performing salah (prayers)?

In a Nutshell: Fasting during Ramadan and performing Salah (prayer) are both obligatory pillars of Islam. While some scholars hold that neglecting Salah invalidates a fast, others believe the fast itself may hold some merit. Regardless, neglecting Salah is a major sin that diminishes the reward of fasting. Table of Contents Introduction Background and Context Evidences Is Fasting Accepted in Islam Without Performing Salah (prayers)? FAQs: Fasting and Salah Conclusion Introduction Muslims worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan with a spirit of devotion and self-discipline. Fasting (sawm) from dawn to dusk is a central pillar of this observance. However, integral to a complete and fulfilling Ramadan experience is the consistent performance of Salah (prayer) throughout the day and night. This answer explores the relationship between these two foundational acts of worship and addresses the question of whether fasting holds validity in the absence of Salah. Evidences Quranic Verses O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may become God-conscious (Quran 2:183). Establish worship [prayer], pay the alms and bow down with those who bow down (Quran 2:43). Quranic Verses The Prophet (pbuh) emphasised the interconnectedness of the pillars of Islam in the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim: Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, giving Zakah, performing Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadan. Another hadith narrated by Imam Muslim highlights the importance of both faith (iman) and action (amal): ... Islam is built upon five [pillars]..." the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned fasting last and then said, ... and whoever disbelieves (kufr) in anything of them has disbelieved in them all.(Sahih Muslim 16) Scholars' Opinions: There are two main scholarly opinions regarding the validity of a fast without performing Salah: Fast is Invalid: Some scholars, particularly from the Hanbali school of thought, maintain that neglecting Salah altogether renders a fast invalid. They point to the hadith that connects faith (iman) with actions (amal) and argue that the absence of prayer signifies a lack of faith, thereby invalidating the fast itself. Fast May Be valid but Rewardless: Other scholars, including some contemporary scholars from Al-Azhar, argue that the fast itself may still hold some validity but the individual forfeits the reward associated with it due to neglecting another obligatory act. They emphasize the importance of striving to fulfill all Islamic obligations during Ramadan. Fasting Without Performing Salah (prayers) The relationship between fasting and prayer in Islam is multifaceted. Here's a breakdown for a deeper understanding: Pillars of Islam: Both fasting and prayer are considered essential pillars of Islam. Neglecting either one signifies a disregard for a fundamental Islamic duty. Disbelief (Kufr): The hadith mentioning disbelief (kufr) in relation to neglecting a pillar should be carefully understood. Scholars generally agree that abandoning a pillar due to laziness or denial of its obligation constitutes kufr. However, someone who struggles with prayer but upholds its importance as a pillar wouldn't necessarily fall under this category. Valid vs. Accepted: The concept of a valid versus accepted act of worship is important here. Some scholars differentiate between the technical validity of an action and its ultimate acceptance by Allah (swt). Even if a fast is technically observed, neglecting Salah significantly diminishes its spiritual value and reward. It's crucial to remember that Allah (swt) is Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman) and Most Forgiving (Ar-Rahim). A Muslim who struggles with prayer but sincerely strives to fulfill its obligation can seek Allah's forgiveness and mercy. FAQs: Fasting and Salah What if I miss a Salah unintentionally during my fast? Missing a Salah unintentionally does not invalidate your fast. However, it's important to make up the missed prayer as soon as possible. The Prophet (pbuh) said: ...whoever forgets a prayer or misses it due to sleep, then let them make it up as soon as they remember.(Bukhari & Muslim) Can I make up missed prayers after Ramadan? Yes, missed obligatory prayers can be made up at any time outside of prayer times. Focus on completing your fasts during Ramadan and prioritize making up missed prayers afterwards. Background and Context The five pillars of Islam function as a foundation for the faith and serve as a guide for Muslims to achieve spiritual fulfillment. The pillars are considered interconnected and neglecting one pillar of Islam can undermine the significance of the others. They include: Shahada (Testimony of Faith): Testifying that there is no god but Allah and that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the final messenger of Allah (swt). Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily obligatory prayers. Zakat (Alms): Paying obligatory charity. Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing pilgrimage to Mecca during the designated time, if one possesses the means and physical ability to do so. Intention (niyyah) plays a crucial role in both fasting and salah. Before beginning the fast, a Muslim consciously makes the intention to fast the day for the sake of Allah (swt). Likewise, before each prayer, one declares their intention to pray for Allah's (swt) sake. This highlights the importance of sincerity and devotion within Islamic practice. Misconceptions Fasting is solely about abstaining from food and drink. While the physical act of fasting involves abstaining from food and drink, it encompasses much more. True fasting requires inner discipline, self-reflection, striving against negative habits and increased acts of devotion and charity. It's an opportunity to strengthen one's relationship with Allah (swt) and become a better person. Fulfilling one pillar of Islam negates the need for the others. Each pillar holds unique significance within the Islamic faith and neglecting one pillar doesn't nullify the fulfillment of others. However, a holistic and complete Islamic experience requires striving to fulfill all the pillars to the best of one's ability. Focusing on Salah may take one's focus away from fasting. While learning and improving the prayer may require some dedication, this can actually enhance a Muslim's fasting experience. Prayer and fasting are meant to serve as complementary acts of worship that strengthen spiritual discipline during the blessed month of Ramadan. New Muslims or those struggling with Salah shouldn't bother fasting. New Muslims and those struggling with prayer should be encouraged to fast and to simultaneously strive to establish a consistent prayer routine. The experience of fasting and the additional acts of charity and devotion that come with Ramadan may strengthen their desire to learn and maintain the prayers. Seeking guidance from knowledgeable teachers and scholars can aid them in overcoming this challenge and help them better understand the significance of salah. Conclusion Fasting and Salah are both indispensable pillars of Islam and the two acts of worship hold a significant relationship in Islam. While some scholars hold that neglecting Salah altogether invalidates one's fast, others see the fast itself as valid but forfeiting the full reward and spiritual benefit. Regardless of these differing opinions, neglecting salah constitutes a serious sin that diminishes the significance and reward of fasting. Muslims should strive for a holistic fulfillment of all the pillars of Islam as this is integral to spiritual growth and pleasing Allah (swt).