ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Teachings in Brief The Sawm The sawm is one of the Furu' al-Din (the duties to be performed according to Islamic Shari'ah) of the holy religion of Islam. It is wajib upon every mukallaf to have sawm in the month of Ramadan. In order to obey the command of Allah, from the time of Salat al-Fajr to the time of Salat al-Maghrib one must refrain from muftirat (certain acts which break or invalidate the sawm) which make the sawm batil.

In Islam, much importance has been attached to sawm. Islam maintains a great deal of value for this holy act. The reward and recompense of sawm is so vital in Islam that the Almighty Allah without His prior specifying the thawab and the recompense of sawm, ascribes its reward to Himself.

The Holy Prophet ('SA) said that Allah stated: "The sawm is for Me and I will give reward for it." With its specific characteristics, the sawm plays an exceptionally effective role in the liberation of man from the servitude of ambitions, carnal desires, voluptuousness as well as in the purification of the soul from involvement in sinful acts.

The Holy Prophet (SA) told Jabir ibn 'Abdillah al-Ansari: "O Jabir, this is the month of Ramadan and the one who has sawm during the day and stays awake at night to commune with Allah, abstains from eating haram food, and guards against evils and using abusive language, gets out of sins as he leaves the month of Ramadan behind." Jabir said: "O Prophet (SA) of Allah, what a good news is it!" The Holy Prophet (SA) stated: "O Jabir, how demanding and exacting are the conditions for the sawm!" Al-'Imam al-Sadiq (AS) has stated: "The sawm serves as a strong shield against the fire of the Hell." RAMADAN - THE MONTH OF ALLAH In Islamic ahadith many praiseworthy and interesting names such as "the auspicious month" and "the best period for the recital of Qur'an" have been mentioned for the month of Ramadan.

But the name "the month of Allah" is the most outstanding name and the most beautiful title which has been used for the month of Ramadan. In spite of the fact that every month is "Allah's month", this month is specifically called "the month of Allah" due to its great importance. Thus this name has in itself endowed this month with a special superiority and a specific spirituality. In this month, the greatest Divine Book (the Holy Qur'an) has been revealed.

With the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, Allah bestows His servants with His blessings.