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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fast of the Month of Ramadhan: Philosophy and Ahkam Conclusion It is hoped that this small book has shed some light on the significance of fast in Islam and on the greatness of the month of Ramadhan. It is also hoped that it has made some readers realize the importance of considering this life as a golden and unique opportunity to prepare for the life to come.

It is also hoped that those who read this book will share its knowledge with others rather than keep it all to themselves. This is a book, we believe, which should not be left on the shelf to collect dust but circulated among our community to bring them closer to their Maker and to make them more serious about their creed.

One hadith says: "For everything there is zakat , and the zakat of knowledge is its dissemination." Does one who knows something useful have any choice with regard to sharing what he knows with others? Is it up to him whether to inform others of it or to just remain silent and keep it all to himself? Is there a free will to excercise in this regard?

If you think that the answer to these questions is in the affirmative, read the following verses of the Holy Qur'an and see how the Almighty curses and condemns those who know and who do not share their knowledge with others: Surely those who conceal the clear proofs and the guidance that We revealed, having made it clear in the Book for men, these it is whom Allah shall curse, and those who curse shall curse them (too).

(Holy Qur'an, Surah Baqarah 2:159) Allah made a covenant with those who were given the Book: You shall certainly make it known to men, and you shall not hide it, but they cast it behind their backs and took a small price for it; so evil is that which they buy. (Holy Qur'an, Surah Ale-Imran 3:187) Do not mix the truth with falsehood, nor should you hide the truth while knowing it.

Holy Qur'an, (Qur’an Surah Baqarah 2:42) Holy Qur'an 3:187 above refers to the People of the Christians and Jews who were given knowledge by the Almighty and who did not disseminate it. Ironically, they regard hiding knowledge as one of the "seven deadly sins," the sins which can never be forgiven. Does Islam forgive those who have knowledge and who hide it or fail to share it with others? On p. 67, Vol.