This is a translation one of the smaller publications from the words of Shaykh Al-Islam Taqiuddin Ahmad bin Abdul-Halim Ibn Taymiyyah. It has been published in this form a variety of times with a number of minor additions to the text under the title, “Haqiqatus- Siyam” or “The Nature of Fasting”.
Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee
Mukhtasar Minhaaj ul-Qaasideen (pp. 38-41)
Hudaa, Ramadhaan 1419
Translated by Ismaa`eel Ibn al-Arkaan and edited by Abu Khaliyl.
Know, that in the fast (Sawm) is a special quality that is not found in anything else. And that is its close connection to Allah, such that He says: “The fast (Sawm) is for Me and I will reward it.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]
This connection is enough to show the high status of fasting. Similarly, the Ka`bah is highly dignified due to its close connection to Him, as occurs in His statement:
“And sanctify My House.” [Soorah al-Hajj:26]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadaan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. (Muslim, 1175, from ‘Aa’ishah). Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (Al-Bukhaari, 1913; Muslim, 1169). In al-Saheehayn it is reported from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (al-Bukhaari, 1920; Muslim, 1174). Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.
Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one’s sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).
It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.
The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadeeth that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said:
| “I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recite the entire Qur’aan in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadaan.” (Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1641). |
Ibn Kathir
Taken from Tafsir of Surat Al Qadr (The Night Of Power) – Tafsir Ibn Kathir
It is recommended to supplicate often during all times, especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. It is recommended that one say the following supplication a lot:
“O Allah! Verily, you are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
“Allaahumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Tuhibbul-’Afwa Fa’affoo ‘annee.”
This is due to what Imam Ahmad recorded from Aishah that she said “O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say?” He (saws) replied,
Say : “O Allah! Verily You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.” [Ahmad 6:182]
At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasai and Ibn Majah have all recorded this Hadith . At-Tirmdhi said “This Hadith is Hasan Sahih” . [Tahfat Al-Ahwadhi 9:495, An-Nasai in Al-Kurba 6:218, and Ibn Majah 2:1265]
Al-Hakim recorded it in his Mustadrak (with a different chain of narration) and he said that it is authentic according to the criterial of the two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
[Al-Hakim 1:530] An Nasai also recorded it. [An-Nasai in Al-Kubra 6:219]
Ibn Rajab al Hanbali
Ibn Rajab commented on the virtues of fasting in the heat in ‘Lata’if al-Ma’arif’ (p. 272-273):
“…And from the acts of worship whose reward is multiplied during the heat is fasting, and this is because of the thirst that one experiences in the mid-day heat.
This is why Mu’adh bin Jabal expressed regret on his deathbed that he would no longer experience this mid-day thirst, as did other early Muslims.
And it was related that Abu Bakr would fast in the summer and not fast in the winter, and ‘Umar advised his son ‘Abdullah on his deathbed: “Try to obtain the characteristics of faith,” and the first one he mentioned was fasting in the intense summer heat.
The Command to Fast
- ibn Kathir
183. 0 you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may acquire Taqwa
184. Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.
The Order to Fast
In an address to the believers of this Ummah, Allah ordered them to fast, that is, to abstain from food, drink and sexual activity with the intention of doing so sincerely for Allah the Exalted alone. This is because fasting purifies the souls and cleanses them from the evil that might mix with them and their ill behavior. Allah mentioned that He has ordained fasting for Muslims just as He ordained it for those before them, they being an example for them in that, so they should vigorously perform this obligation more obediently than the previous nations.
The Likeness of Ramadan and Prophet Yusuf
- ibn al Jawzi
“The month of Ramadan to the other months is like Yusuf to his brothers. So, just like Yusuf was the most beloved son to Ya’qub, Ramadan is the most beloved month to Allah.
A nice point for the nation of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to ponder over is that if Yusuf had the mercy and compassion to say {“There is no reproach for you today…”} [Yusuf; 92], Ramadan is the month of mercy, blessing, goodness, salvation from the Fire, and Forgiveness from the King that exceeds that of all the other months and what can be gained from their days and nights.
