THE ESSENCE AND PURPOSE OF FASTING (SHAUM) IN ISLAM

PAPER
Presented to fulfill the assignment of
Advanced Islamic Studies Course

Lecturer:
Dr. H. Nursamsu, M. Pd
Dr. Iffatin Nur, M. Ag

By:

Izzatoy Samarova
Peni Adytia

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAM OF ENGLISH EDUCATION

STATE ISLAMIC INSTITUTE (IAIN) TULUNGAGUNG
A. Definition, Terms, Principles, and Objectives of Fasting
Fasting is a practice of worship that is not only carried out by the people today
but was also carried out in the past for people who believe fasting is an important
means of attaining piety, and one of the reasons for obtaining forgiveness of sins,
multiplying the rewards of goodness. , and elevation of degrees. Allah has made
fasting especially for Himself among other acts of worship. Fasting functions as a
strong fortress that can protect humans from demonic seduction. By fasting, the lust
that resides in humans will be restrained so that humans are no longer slaves to lust
but humans will become their masters.

Allah commands fasting not without cause. Because everything that is created
is nothing in vain and everything that He commands must be for the good of its
servants. If we observe further, fasting has enormous benefits because fasting is not
only spiritually beneficial but also physically. Whoever does it sincerely and
according to the rules will be rewarded greatly by Allah.

Fasting has a comprehensive effect both individually and in society in the

hadith that has mentioned things related to fasting such as health, and so on. In
observing fasting, good behaviors have been taught, such as being patient, being able
to control oneself and having good behavior.

Fasting is one of main fundamental pillar among from five pillars of Islam. To take
meal during fasting from sunrise to sunset, it is considered a major sin. The Prophet(PBUH)
while explaining a dream for the sinner of fasting, warned very precisely that they having a
very drastic punishment at the time of judgement day.

Siyam (fasting) is worshipping Allah by abstaining from food, drinking and

sex from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is the the ninth month of the Muslim year. n
Ordained in the Qu'ran, n is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which
Muslims seek a richer perception of God n and in which Muslims assert that "man has
larger needs than bread."

Essential for a Muslim and The Prophet described fasting in Ramadan. As one
of the Five Pillars of Islam. Whoever breaks the fast during Ramadan without a
legitimate excuse has committed a serious major sin. The Prophet said that he had a
dream where: I saw people hanging from their hamstrings, with the corners of their
mouths torn and dripping with blood. And that these were those who broke their fast
before it was the proper time to do so,’ (Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/420).

Ramadan The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan - Angel Gabriel
used to meet the Prophet every night in Ramadan and used to study Qur'an with him.
n Ramadan and fasting are not synonymous - fasting is one of many acts of worship in
Ramadan.

The virtues of fasting and The prayers of fasting people will be agreed n
Fasting is what Allah requires of Muslims and brings rewards n Fasting leads to
forgiveness for sins n Heaven is opened & hell closed by Ramadan

True meaning of Fasting and The true meaning of Fasting is to Fast from
anything that distracts you from Remembrance of God. In Ramdan, fasting from
food, water and sex sets a context within which you can try to establish God's
presence in life. Muslims are not supposed to only fast from food, drinks and sex, but
from all lust, all hypocrisy, all lies, all dishonesty, all backbiting and all evil.

The benefits of fasting and Fasting makes the stomach hungry and helps to
control other faculties - tongue, eye, hand and private parts and Person fasting
experiences how the poor feel, so he has compassion towards them and Helps to
organise people .Shows the unity of the ummah Chance to convert others or
“confirm”

Sunnah of fasting breaking the fast before prayer - the Prophet used dates or
water - he would say - Thirst is gone, veins are flowing again, and the reward is
certain, in Allah. Avoiding sin - one must also refrain from cursing, lying, cheating,
and abusing or harming others n not eating too much n being generous

What should be done during Ramadan , Preparation Repent Right frame of

mind and Read the Qu’ran many times

Rulings on fasting and You must make up for fasting missed but not on
consecutive days, or Fridays or at Eid. You cannot fast all of your life..

How the start of Ramadan is determined confirmed by the sighting of the new
moon n by any adult, sane, trustworthy, reliable Muslim who has good eyesight &
 says that he has seen the crescent with his own eyes, then we should take his word for
it and act accordingly (i.e., start fasting).

When to start fasting ,When the dawn comes - which is the white light coming
across the horizon in the East - the fasting person must stop eating and drinking
straightaway, whether he hears the adhaan or not.

When to stop fasting “ Once night comes from there and the day disappears
from there, and the sun has set, the fasting person should break the fast - before
prayer.

End of Ramadan Muslims pray in the upper gallery of a mosque in the old walled
city of Delhi, India. They are celebrating the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting
as ordained by the Koran, the sacred scriptures of Islam.

 The Virtues of Fasting

Fasting carries with it a number of benefits, amongst which are:

1. The elevation of ones rank,

2. The expiation of sins,
3. The breaking of ones desires and lusts,
4. The increase of charity,
5. The multiplication of actions of obedience to Allâh,
6. Giving thanks to the One who knows the hidden matters, and
7. Preventing oneself from even contemplating the committing of sin.

1. The Elevation of Rank

With regards the elevation of rank, the Messenger of Allâh “When Ramadân
comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are locked and the devils
are chained.”

“Every action that the son of Adam does, [its reward] will be multiplied, a
good deed will be increased tenfold up to seven-hundred fold. Allâh, Mighty and
Magnificent, says, ‘except for the fast, for that is for Me and I will reward it for he left
his desires and food for My sake.’
 “When people eat in the presence of a fasting person, the Angels invoke
blessings upon him, until they finish.”[Ahmad and at-Tirmidhî]

2. The Expiation of Sins

With regards the expiation of sins, the Messenger of Allâh SWT said,

“One Ramadân to the next serves as an expiation for what is done between
them, so long as the major sins are avoided.”[Muslim] also said,

“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadân, out of faith and expectant of reward,
his previous sins will be forgiven him.”[Bukhârî and Muslim]

3. The Breaking of Ones Desires and Lusts

Hunger and thirst break the desire to commit sin, it is authentically reported
from him (sallAllâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said,

“gathering of youth! Whoever can afford it, let him marry for this is better in
aiding one to lower his gaze and preserving the private parts. Whoever is not able, let
him fast for this will diminish his desire.” [Bukhârî and Muslim]

It is mentioned in a hadîth,

“Satan flows through the son of ‫آ‬dam as does his blood”

so constrain the passages of Satan through hunger.[Bukhârî and Muslim. The

last sentence is the statement of one of the narrators of the hadîth mistakenly added
into the main text.]

4. Increase of Charity

When the one fasting feels the pangs of hunger, he takes this as a reminder to
feed others who are hungry, ‘for the only one who feels compassion towards the
lovers is one who has loved.’It has reached us that Sulaymân, or Yûsuf (‘alayhis-
salâm) would not eat until all his dependants had first eaten and when asked why this
was so, he said, ‘I fear that I would become full and so forget the hungry.’

5. Increase of Actions of Obedience

 The one fasting will be reminded of the hunger and thirst that the denizens of
Hell will experience and this will encourage him to obey Allâh so as to be saved from
that fate.

6. Giving Thanks to the One Who Knows the Hidden Matters

The one fasting comes to truly appreciate the favours of Allâh, it is only
through knowing hunger and thirst that one truly appreciates satiation and the
quenching of that thirst; it is only when blessings are absent that one appreciates them
more.

7. Preventing Oneself from Contemplating Sin

When one is full, the soul craves sin and looks longingly at all sorts of
transgression, but when one is hungry, the soul craves food and drink, and this is the
better of the two without doubt. If is for this reason that one of the Salaf thought
fasting to be the best of all actions of worship and when asked why he replied,

‘That Allâh look to me in a state where my soul is fighting me for food and
drink is more beloved to me than Allâh looking at me in a state where my soul is full
and fighting me for sin.’

B. The Verses of The Qur’an about Fasting

Prayer for fasting during Ramadan is an obligation for Muslims. Fasting is also
included in the pillars of Islam, reading the creed, performing prayers, paying zakat and
before performing the Hajj.

The command to fast is listed in the word of Allah SWT in the Qur'an, surah al-Baqarah verse
183 which reads:
Ya ayyuhalladzina amanu kutiba ‘alaikumus-siyamu kama kutiba ‘alallazina ming qablikum
la’allakum ttaqun
It means : “you who believe, it is obligatory for you to fasting as it was obligatory on those
before you so that you may fear.”

Surah Al-Baqarah verse 184 :

It means : "Several days determined for fasting are in the month of Ramadan, which is the
month when the Al-Quran was revealed as a guide for humans and the explanation in it
regarding the instructions and differentiation between rights and what is false. Therefore,
whoever is in that month, let him fast and whoever is sick or on the way he breaks the
fast, it is obligatory that he fast again on another day as much as the fast he has left.
 The first point of Surah Al Baqarah verse 183, the obligation to fast.

It means : “you who believe, it is obligatory for you to fast”

This verse begins by chanting yaa ayyuhal ladziina aamanuu. So those who
are called out are only those who have faith. No matter how strong their faith. Then
proceed with the obligation of fasting without showing who obliges it. This implies
that fasting is so important and beneficial that even if Allah did not oblige it, man
should oblige it on himself.

The word ash shiyam (‫ )ال ص يام‬means restraint. Ibn Kathir explained that he
meant refraining from eating and drinking as well as husband and wife relationships
with sincere intentions because of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

"Through this verse, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala khitab to the believers of this
ummah and orders them to fast," said Ibn Kathir

 The second point of Surah Al Baqarah verse 183, fasting has been compulsory
for previous people.

It means : “as required of those before you”

Before the Prophet Muhammad's people, previous followers were also ordered
to fast. Fasting is one of the old Shari'a. The obligation to fast never changes, what
changes is the procedure of fasting.

 The third point of Surat Al Baqarah verse 183, the purpose of fasting is to form
taqwa.

It means : “so that you are obey”

Fasting can purify the body and narrow the paths of Satan. Fasting can be a shield
from lust.
  The following is the content of Surah Al Baqarah verse 183:

1. This verse contains the fasting command, which is the evidence for the obligation to
fast for Ramadan
2. Those who are obliged to fast are believers, because they are the ones who are ready
to carry out orders and stay away from prohibitions. And only those who believe are
accepted good deeds
3. Fasting has been compulsory for previous people. All people have an obligation to
fast, the only difference is the procedure
4. The main purpose of fasting is to form a pious soul
5. Fasting has many lessons and benefits, which lead to taqwa.

C. Hadiths about Fasting

 Hadiths of the Excellence of Ramadan

1. Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: “When there
comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell
are locked and the devils are chained.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (peace be
upon him) said, "He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith
while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven." (AlBukhari and
Muslim)
3. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “When the first night of
Ramadan comes, the devils and mischievous jinns are chained up, and the gates of the
Hellfire are closed, and none of its gates are opened. The gates of Paradise are opened
and none of its gates are closed. And a caller cries out: ‘O seeker of good, proceed, O
seeker of evil, stop.’ And Allah frees (from the Hellfire) people, and that happens
every day.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah – authenticated by Al-Albani in his book Sahih
and Da`if Sunan Ibn Majah)
 Hadiths of the Arrival of Ramadan

1. `Abdullah Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah's
Messenger (peace be upon him) once mentioned Ramadan and said, “Do not fast till
you see the new moon, and do not break the fast till you see it; but if the weather is
cloudy calculate about it.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) said, "Observe fasting on sighting the crescent and terminate it
on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the
number (thirty days) of the month." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
3. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon
him) said, "Do not observe fasting for a day or two days preceding Ramadan.
However, if a person is in the habit of observing fasting on a particular day (which
may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day." Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

 Hadiths of the Excellence of Sahur

1. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) said, "Eat Suhur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in Suhur."
(AlBukhari and Muslim)
2. `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet fasted
for days continuously; the people also did the same but it was difficult for them. So,
the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade them (to do so). They slid, "But you fast
without breaking." The Prophet replied, "I am not like you, for I am provided with
food and drink (by Allah). (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

 Hadiths of the Etiquette of Breaking the Fast

1. `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported, “The Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When the night approaches from this side (i.e., the
east) and the day retreats from that side (i.e., west) and the sun sets, then it is time for
a person observing Saum (fasting) to break his fast." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
  Hadiths of the Excellence of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan and Laylat Al-Qadr

1. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (peace be
upon him) said, "Whosoever performs Qiyam (Night Prayer) during Lailat-ul-Qadr
(Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah's reward, will have his
former sins forgiven." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

D. Islamic Rules of fasting for Muslims

1. Fasting is obligatory for all adult conscious and able Nluslim male or female resident
in his own area (not in travel)
2. The unbeliever does not fast. If he gets the guidance of Heaven to the true religion of
God and embraces Islam he does not require to make up past days of fasting.
3. Fasting is not obligatory for small (immature) child, but he should be ordered to fast
to habituate himself to it.
4. Mentally disonderetl one is not obliged to fast. He is not obliged to compensate it by
feeding even he is a matured one.
5. The people who are permanently unable to fast such as aged persons and those who
are suffering serious ailment with no hope of recovery are required to feed a poor
instead of a fast.
6. The sick person who is expecting recovery may break his fast if fasting is difficult for
him. He has to make up after his recovery
7. Pregnant woman and breast feetling mother are allowed to break their fast In
Ramadan if that is clifficult for them or if they fear on their children. They have to
make up for the missed days later.
8. The menstruous woman and woman in post-natal bleeding are not allowed to fast
during their periotls. They are otrliged to make up for missed days later.
9. The traveler may either fast or break it and make up for the missed tlays later.
Whether the journey is temporary such as traveling for Umra or it is permanent such
as traveling of a taxi or truck driver the traveler is allowed to fast or break it while he
is outside his own locality.
C. Conclusion
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam, therefore it is obligatory for us to fast sincerely
without coercion and expect rewards from others. If we fast with the intention of getting
reward or praise from others, then our fast is meaningless. The point is that we only get
hunger and thirst and get no reward for what we have done. Fasting is obligatory for all
Muslims as it was obligatory for the people before us. As Allah swt says, which means: " you
who believe! It is obligatory for you to fast as it was required of the people before you so that
you are pious "(Q.S Al-Baqarah.)

Fast according to the provisions that have been made by Allah Almighty. Allah has
given us a lot of convenience (relief) to do this fasting, so if we fast according to the
provisions we have mentioned above, we ourselves will feel how beautiful fasting is and how
many benefits and benefits we get from fasting.

Therefore, our brothers and sisters, do not occasionally leave fasting, because this fast has
many worship values. Starting from the steps, sleeping and whatever the fasting person's
work is worship.

D. References
Ibrahim Y. 2006. The Five Pillars of Islam.Egypt. Dar Al-Manarah
Zakir. M. 2012. Fasting in Islam : Its Excellence, Benefits and Use for Sustainable
Development of The Society. Oman, Muscat. Scholarship Research Institute Journal
(ISSN 2141 – 7024)
E-Da’wah. 2015.100+ Hadith on Fasting and Ramadhan. Muslim.library