Those who pray exclusively in Ramadan

In the name of Allah — The Most Gracious, The Bestower of Mercy

Shaykh Abdul-Aziz bin Baaz (rahimahullah — may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: What is the verdict, in your opinion, of people who do not perform salah except in Ramadan; is their fasting accepted?

He answered: Whoever leaves off salah, as you’ve presented, is a kaafir (disbeliever) and their fasting is not accepted in the most correct opinion of the scholars. This is due to the statement of Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), “What separates between men and what separates between Kufr (disbelief) and Shirk (associating partners with Allah) is leaving off Salah.” Also with his statement (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), “The covenant that’s between us and them is Salah; so whoever leaves it off has disbelieved.” These Hadeeth are in conjuncture with others. We ask Allah for wellness!

 

Taken from: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/18649

 

Now, with that said, this doesn’t mean that one should dispair and quit fasting altogether; rather this should show us the importance of salah and be a means of encouragement for all of us. Allah says in the Qur’an;

“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” — Surah Az-Zumar (39) : 53

But, Allah also says:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” — Surah Ar-Ra’d (13) : 11

In this ayah Allah is telling us that we have to take the initiative first. We can’t sit around waiting for “the right time”, say that “we’re trying” (or whatever other excuses people may use), when in fact we’re not. This is a very serious is issue as we see from the aforementioned Hadeeth. May Allah make us from those who diligently perform their prayers with tranquility and reflection!

And I send peace and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.