Ramadhan Benefits Series: Introduction To Fasting
Introduction to The Book Of Fasting Bulughul Maraam
(Concise Translation) By Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaanحفظه الله ورعاه
الصيام (Fasting): Is a pillar from the pillars of Islaam and Allaah has made it obligatory on the ummah, as He has made it an obligation on the preceding communities.
As in His statementThe MostHigh: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
"O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those that came before you, so perhaps you may become those who fear Allaah." (Al-Baqarah 183)
It (fasting) was made obligatory in the second year after the Hijrah, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم fasted nine Ramadhan, then died.
Fasting in the language: is الامساك (restraining)... as in the statement of the Most High about Maryam:
إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنسِيًّا
"Indeed! I have vowed a fast unto The Most Gracious(Allaah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day." (Suratul Maryam 26)
In this ayah, restraining from talking is called saum (fasting).
Fasting in the Deen: Is restraining with the intention of breaking (the fast) physically and abstractly, from the rising of the sun to its decline. (to be continued- Inshaa Allaah).
Translated: Abu Abdil-Haadee Khaleel Davis
Source: بلوغ المرام كتاب الصيام
