The Book of Fasting
Introduction

Fasting (ṣawm)

Linguistically, it simply denotes abstention. One who keeps silent may be described as “fasting” because he withholds himself from speech, as in the verse: “Indeed, I have vowed a fast to the All-Merciful” (Maryam 19:26).

In the Sharīʿah, fasting is the deliberate abstention, accompanied by intention, from specific matters, for a set period, by a particular person.

The fast of Ramadan was made obligatory in Shaʿbān of the second year after the Hijrah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ consequently observed nine Ramadans in total, by unanimous agreement.

Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and one of its tremendous obligations. This is proven by the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus. Allah the Exalted says, “Fasting has been prescribed for you” (al-Baqarah 2:183).

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Islam is built upon five,” and among them he mentioned “fasting Ramadan” [al-Bukhārī (8); Muslim (16)]. Numerous other narrations attest to its obligatory nature, and the Muslims unanimously agree that whoever denies this obligation becomes a disbeliever.

Concerning the merit of fasting, many reports have been transmitted, among them the Divine ḥadīth: “Every deed of the son of Adam is his, except fasting; it is Mine, and I alone shall reward it” [al-Bukhārī (1085); Muslim (1151)].

Its wisdom:
Fasting holds numerous lofty purposes and secrets, among them: