The question “Is the fasting of someone who does not pray valid?” is a sensitive and important issue in Islamic jurisprudence.
This is because it directly relates to the validity and acceptance of acts of worship.
Prayer (ṣalāh) is the pillar of religion and the direct connection between a servant and Allah.
Fasting (ṣawm), on the other hand, is one of the five pillars of Islam, symbolizing piety and devotion.
Therefore, this question highlights the relationship between neglecting prayer and the acceptance of other acts of worship such as fasting.
Islamic scholars have expressed two main opinions regarding the fasting of a person who does not pray.
Some scholars hold that deliberately abandoning prayer is an act of disbelief (kufr).
According to this view, such a person’s fasting or any other act of worship is not accepted until he repents and returns to prayer.
They base this on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
“Between a man and disbelief and polytheism stands the abandonment of prayer.”
(Narrated by Muslim)
Thus, the one who abandons prayer has left the fold of Islam, and his acts of worship are invalid until he repents sincerely.
Another group of scholars believes that abandoning prayer is a grave sin but does not constitute disbelief.
According to this opinion, fasting is a separate act of worship and remains valid, though its reward is diminished.
Neglecting prayer reduces the acceptance and spiritual impact of one’s fasting.
Prayer and fasting are deeply connected acts of worship in Islam.
A Muslim should never neglect either of them.
Whoever has abandoned prayer should repent sincerely and return to performing all obligatory acts,
so that their deeds may be accepted and they may attain Allah’s pleasure.
