Kitaabus Saum

The literal meaning of Saum or Siyaam means ‘to abstain’. According to Shari’ah, Saum means abstaining from eating, drinking, sexual relations and all those factors prohibited during fasting from dawn to dusk with an intention.

The compulsory (Fardh) fast takes place in Ramadhaan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, for the entire month.

Allah Ta’aala says in the Qur’aan:

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become pious, (fasting) for a fixed number of days. (Surah Baqarah)

Fasting also has rules and regulations which are compulsory to learn and abide by so that the fast can be valid and accepted by Allah.
Besides the compulsory fast of Ramadhaan, there are optional fasts during the rest of the year and observing them brings great reward and proximity unto Allah.

The virtues, rules and laws of fasting are explained in this treatise.

May Allah Ta’aala grant us the guidance to practise and through His grace, may He accept all our Ibaadah, Aameen.