Fasting Regulation:
Fasting is compulsory to every Muslim in the month of Ramadhaan. No matter where the person live, west or east, south or north, there is no exception for them from neglecting it.



Even though in Islam the rules and regulations of fasting are clear but in different countries, they regulate fasting differently. During Ramadhaan, Muslims are not allowed to eat, starting from Fajr until the sun sets. However, there are still people who do not really follow Islamic teaching even though they call themselves Muslims. For example, in Malaysia, majority of the people are Muslims and they are supposed to fast during Ramadhaan.

So, what will happen to Muslims who eat in public during the month of Ramadhaan? In Malaysia, Muslims are not allowed to eat in any food stall or restaurant. Those Muslims who are caught eating publicly will be fined. However, many stalls and restaurants are still open since this country does not only consist of Muslims but also Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. However, most of the stalls and restaurants that belong to the Muslims are closed during day time.

In Indonesia, Muslims who eat publicly in the month of Ramadhaan will not be arrested or fined. This also true in States, since the Muslims are minority, there is no such regulation imposed upon them. In India, Muslims are a minority, about 15% in population. So, it is up to the individual Muslim to fast or not to fast. However, in Muslims locality, a Muslim would not do such a thing for fear of censure from people.

In Pakistan, food is not allowed in public, those who found eating in public will be arrested and fined. Even people from other religion cannot eat publicly during Ramadhaan. No one is allowed to eat in public, most of the restaurant are closed during day time. However, where stores are open, people can buy food there and eat in their house but not in public.

When the sun sets, Muslims will break their fast. Majority of the places in Malaysia break their fast after 7.00 PM. People mostly work 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM but during Ramadhaan, most of the companies allow their employees to go back early so that they can break their fast with their family. However in the States, there is no such regulation implemented in the office.

In Pakistan, most of the offices close before iftaar but in some business places, people have iftaar at work. It depends on the boss, where usually if someone is fasting, bosses will be glad to have iftaar together with their employees. In India, in most of private companies, such a thing does not happen. Some Muslim even have to work during Eid Fitr.

Fire crackers are very beautiful but very dangerous to play with. In Malaysia, Muslims are not allowed to play fire crackers, those who are caught playing with it will be fined. Its same happened in the States, fire crackers are not allowed not only in the month of Ramadhaan but also in other months. Fire crackers only allowed during independence day or some festival only.

In Pakistan, it hard to see Muslim playing fire crackers during Ramadhaan even though there is no rules prohibited them from playing it. This also happened in India, nobody will be arrested if they play fire crackers but in the month of Ramadhaan Muslim do not play with it.

To sum up, rules and regulations from different countries differ to one another and every rules exercised upon every Muslims have its purpose. However, if you fear Allah SWT and perform fasting for the seek of Allah SWT, you will follow what Allah SWT imposed on you without burden. Allah SWT Says,

"The month of Ramadhaan is the one in which the Holy Qur'an was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." [Al-Baqarah: 185]

Courtesy of: Ummu Maisarah