The ruling on whoever fasts but does not pray
Question :
I have witnessed some of the Muslim youth fasting, but they do not pray. Is the fast of the person who fasts but does not pray accepted? I have heard some of the preachers telling these youth to break their fast and not to fast, as he who does not pray has no fast.
Answer:
Whomever the prayer is obligatory upon and he in- tentionally abandons it, rejecting its obligation, then he has disbelieved according to the consensus of the scholars. Whoever abandons it due to being lax and lazy about it, then he has disbelieved according to the correct opinion from the opinions of the people of knowledge. When it is ruled that he is a disbeliever, then his fasting and other acts of worship are nullified. This is due to Allâh's Statement:
"And if they had associated partners with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them."
However, such a person should not be ordered to abandon fasting. This is because his fasting will only increase him in goodness and closeness to the religion. Also, due to the fear of his heart, it is hoped that it will lead him to return to the performance of the prayer and repentance from abandoning it. And success is from Allâh. May Allâh send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.
Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Page 247
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