(1) CHAPTER. Fasting is obligatory in (the month of) Ramadan. And the Statement of Allah
“O, you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun” [Quran 2:183].
1891. Narrated Talba bin ‘Ubaid-UlIãh: A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, and said, “0 Allah’s Messenger! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards As-Salat (the prayer) .” He replied: “You have to perform the five compulsory Salat (Iqamat-As-Salat) in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to offer Nawafil .” The bedouin further asked, “Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting.” He replied, “You have to observe Saum (fast) during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Tell me how much Zakãt Allah has enjoined on me.” Thus, Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, informed him about all the laws (i.e., fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, “By Him Who has honoured you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me.” Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, said, “If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or said, he will be granted Paradise) .”