Makalah Puasa Bahasa Inggris. doc (1)
PREFACE
Alhamduilillah, this occasion we can made this paper for completing our
assignment of English for Islamic Studies. Without blessing that Allah has given
us, we couldn’t make this paper. Because of his blessing, time, place, health we
can made and completing our assignment. Shalawat and salam always are given to
Muhammad SAW, who took us from the darkness to the lightness and he is a great
example for our life.
We know that in the content of tis material or paper there are many
mistakes in typing and meaning and so on. We hope that the lecturer can guide
and explain us and our paper if there is some mistake this paper. Hopefully, with
making it we all know the essential of syahadah, and we can apply in every aspect
in our action. Amin
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ....................................................................................................
i
TABLE OF CONTENS................................................................................
ii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
A. Background of The Study...................................................
1
CHAPTER II SWAM (FASTING)
A. Definition Of Swam............................................................
2
B. Swam in Al Quran...............................................................
2
C. Types of Swam in The Quran..............................................
4
D. Conditons of Swam.............................................................
4
E. Benefits of Swam................................................................
6
F. Detriments of Swam............................................................
7
G. Days for Swam....................................................................
7
H. Swam While In Polar Region.............................................
9
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION
A. Conclusion...........................................................................
10
REFERENCE...............................................................................................
11
2
PAPER
SWAM (FASTING)
By :
1.
2.
3.
4.
M.Riki AM
Ropi’ah
Ating Alawi
Ahmad Murdi
SEKOLAH TINGGI AGAMA ISLAM SYEKH MANSHUR
(STAISMAN) PANDEGLANG
BANTEN
1435 H / 2014 M
3
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of The Study
Siyam is one of the main pillars of Islam. It is mentioned in the Holy
Qur'an, "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed
to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint." (Quran 2:183)
Based upon the Qur'an, it has been the consensus of Muslims
throughout history that a Muslim who rejects the legitimacy of Siyam rejects
Islam as well. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said about the significance
of the month of Ramadan: "A great month, a blessed month, containing a night
which is better than a thousand months. The Almighty has appointed the
observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the passing of its
nights in prayer as voluntary practice. If someone draws near to The Almighty
during it with some good act, he will be like one who fulfills an obligatory
duty in another month, and he who fulfills an obligatory duty in it will be like
one who fulfills seventy obligatory duties in another month."
A quote from another Hadith states: "The month of Ramadan is the
month of endurance and the reward for endurance is paradise. It is a month
whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is
freedom from hell."
1
CHAPTER II
SWAM (FASTING)
A. Definition Of Swam
Sawm (Arabic: صوم,plural: Siyam) is an Arabic word for
fasting
regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. In the terminology of Islamic law, sawm
means to abstain from eating and drinking (including water) during daylight
hours. The observance of sawm during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is
one of the Five Pillars of Islam, but is not confined to that month. Ṣiyam is
derived from Syriac: ṣawmā. Literally, it means "to abstain", cognates to
Hebrew tsom..
Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking and engaging in conjugal
sexual relationships from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). Whilst fasting,
Muslims are also obliged to abstain from smoking and other comforts such as
chewing gum. Fasting is essentially an attempt to seek nearness to Allah and
increase one's piety. One of the remote aims of fasting is to empathize with
those less fortunate members of society who do not always have food and
drink readily available. One must also try to avoid cursing and thinking evil
thoughts, with the aim of controlling the tongue and temper during the fasting
hours. Fasting is also viewed as a means of controlling one's desires (of food,
drink and sex) and focusing more on devoting oneself to God.
Sawm also carries a significant spiritual meaning. It teaches one the
principle of love: because when one observes fasting, it is done out of deep
love for God and to learn self-restraint.
B. Swam in Al Quran
In the Quran, this practice is mentioned:
2
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was
decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous ." (Q.S AlBaqara ayat 183)
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on
a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made
up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom
[as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever
volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you
only knew." (Q.S Al-Baqara ayat 184).
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a
guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So
whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever
is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends
for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to
3
complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided
you; and perhaps you will be grateful.(Q.S Al-Baqara ayat 185)
C. Types of Swam in The Quran
1. Food Fasting (Sawm ut Taam).
2. Money Fasting (Sawm ul Maal).
3. Word Fasting (Sawm ul Kalam).
Usually "Fasting" means Food Fasting.
D. Conditons of Swam
1. Intention (Niyyah)
The intention of the fast is to represent a special time of
purification and religious devotion.
2. General conditions
Throughout the duration of the fast itself, Muslims will abstain
from certain provisions that the Quran has otherwise allowed; namely
eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. This is in addition to the standard
obligation already observed by Muslims of avoiding that which is not
permissible under Quranic orShari'ah law (e.g. ignorant and indecent
speech, arguing and fighting, and lustful thoughts). Without observing this
standard obligation, Sawm is rendered useless, and is seen simply as an act
of starvation. The fasting should be a motive to be more benevolent to the
fellow-creatures. Charity to the poor and needy in this month is one of
most rewardable worship.
If one is sick, nursing or traveling, one is considered exempt from
fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to sickness, nursing or traveling
must be made up whenever the person is able before the next month of
Ramadan. According to the Quran, for all other cases, not fasting is only
permitted when the act is potentially dangerous to one's health - for
example; those elderly who are too weak to fast for extended periods of
time, diabetics, nursing, and pregnant women, but this must be made up by
4
paying a fidyah which is essentially the iftaar, dinner and suhur for a
fasting person who requires such financial help.
According to the Quran and the Sunnah, if someone cannot afford
fasting due to illness or traveling they are permitted to suspend fasting and
continue at a more opportune time or condition of health. However, the
question of those suffering a permanent disease has not been resolved. One
view is that they can waive the obligation to fast if advised by a medical
expert. Furthermore, it is held that they can provide a poor person with a
meal for each day of fasting waived. Nonetheless, such a delinquent
person must be willing to fast when in health.
Observing
the
fast
is
not
permitted
for
menstruating
women. However, when a woman's period has ceased, she must bathe and
continue fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to menstruation must be
made up whenever she can before the next month of Ramadan. Women
must fast at times when not menstruating, as the Quran indicates that all
religious duties are ordained for both men and women.
3. Breaking the fast and the consequences
During Ramadan, if one unintentionally breaks the fast by eating or
drinking then they must continue for the rest of the day and the fast
remains valid. For those who intentionally break the fast by eating,
drinking or having sexual intercourse, the consequences is;
a. Free a slave, and if that is not possible,
b. Fast for two consecutive lunar months (approximately 60 days), and if
that is not possible,
c. Feed and/or clothe 60 people in need
During voluntary fasts, if one unintentionally breaks the fast then
they may continue for the rest of the day and the fast remains valid. If one
unintentionally breaks the fast there is no sin on them because it is
involuntary.
5
4. Breaking oaths and the consequences
If an oath is given and circumstances dictate that it must be broken
(or if the one giving the oath deliberately breaks it), one must offer
expiation (kaffara) by freeing a slave and if that is not possible, feed
and/or clothe 10 poor people and if that cannot be done because due to
lack of financial means or poor people cannot be found, fast for three
consecutive days.
5. Beginning and ending the fast
In accordance with traditions handed down from Muhammad,
Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called the suhoor. All eating and drinking
must be finished before azaan-ul-Fajr, the pre-dawn call to prayer. Unlike
the Salat-ul-Zuhr and Salat-ul-Maghrib prayers,
which
have
clear
astronomical definitions (after-noon and after-sunset), there are several
definitions used in practice for the timing of "true dawn" (al-fajr as-sadiq),
as mentioned in the hadith. These range from when the center of the sun is
12 to 21 degrees below the horizon[9] which equates to about 40 to 60
minutes before civil dawn. There are no restrictions on the morning meal
other than the restrictions on Muslims diet. After completing the suhoor,
Muslims recite the fajr prayer. No food or beverage are allowed to go
down the throat after the suhoor. However, water unlike food may enter
the mouth, but not go down the throat during wudu.
The meal eaten to end the fast is known as al-Iftar. Muslims,
following the Sunnah of the Prophet, Muhammad, break the fast with
dates and water, before praying Salat-ul-Maghrib, after which they might
eat a more wholesome meal.
E. Benefits of Swam
Fasting inculcates a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as Muslims can
feel and experience that which needy and hungry humans feel. However, even
the poor, needy, and hungry participate in the fast. Moreover, Ramadan is a
6
month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together, the latter
offering more reward than if eating alone. Most importantly, the fast is also
seen as a great sign of obedience by the believer to Allah. Faithful observance
of the Sawm is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds and to help
earn a place in paradise. ninth month of Islam calendar. It is hard, but it bring
those closer to God.
Sawm is intended to teach believers patience and self-control in their
personal conduct, to help control passions and temper, to provide time for
meditation and to strengthen one's faith. Fasting also serves the purpose of
cleansing the inner soul and freeing it of harm. Some scholars, following the
earliest understanding of the uses and objectives of the ritual of fasting
strongly object to identifying mundane objectives of the ritual such as physical
and psychological well being. To them the ritual of fasting is purely a worship
and should not be treated as an exercise mixed with worship. The objectives of
the fast is to inculcate taqwa (God-consciousness) in a believer. As mentioned
earlier, fasting can also be observed voluntarily (as part of the Greater Jihad).
F. Detriments of Swam
Fasting on a long hot day carries a risk of dehydration. However, if one
is at medical risk of dehydration, which leads to serious consequences, then it
is permitted to break one's fast. An increase of negative health affects are
observed exclusively during the month of Ramadan due to fasting, such as
migraines, tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
circulatory collapse, and sleeping problems.
One study showed that Muslims are more irritabale during the month
of Ramadan. They are more likely to commit crime, and suffer from accidents
G. Days for Swam
1. Month of Ramadan
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is considered Fard.
7
2. Days of Oath
If you have an oath, for example: "If I graduate with a good mark, I
will fast for three days for Allah" then one must fulfil this. This type of
fasting is considered obligatory. Breaking the oath will result in a sin.
3. Days for voluntary fasting
Islam also prescribed certain days for non-obligatory, voluntary
fasting, such as:
a. each Monday and Thursday of a week
b. the 13th, 14th, and 15th day of each lunar month
c. six days in the month of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan)
d. the Day of Arafa (9th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar)
e. the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram in the Hijri calendar), with one
more day of fasting before or after it.
f. As often as possible in the months of Rajab and Shaban before
Ramadhan
g. First nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar (only for nonHajji's)
4. Days when fasting is forbidden
Although fasting is considered a pious act in Islam, there are times
when fasting is prohibited:
a. Eid ul-Adha And 3 days following it because Mohammed said "You
are not to fast these days. They are days of eating and drinking and
remembering Allah", reported by Abu Hurairah.
b. Eid ul-Fitr
c. For Shia Muslims, the Day of Ashura, 10th of Muharram in the Hijri
calendar.
d. It is also forbidden to single out Fridays and only fast every Friday, as
Amr al-Ashari said that he heard Muhammad say "Verily, Friday is a
8
eid (holiday) for you, so do not fast on it unless you fast the day before
or after it."
e. Fasting everyday of the year is also forbidden; Muhammad said "There
is no reward for fasting for the one who perpetually fasts."
H. Swam While In Polar Region
As Quran says that (During Ramadan)eat and drink until the white
thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread" This results that
fasting is a duty for the Muslims only when days and nights are producing
otherwise fasting is not necessary. So the Muslims of Svalbard have to fast
only when days and nights are prominent by the sun. If Ramadan comes in
June/December (when days and nights are not prominent by the sun in
Svalbard, Norway) they may leave fasting and then complete their fasting in
March/September (when days and nights are prominent by the sun in
Svalbard, Norway). In Islamic Law it is called Qadha. Allah says: "Allah
intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He
wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He
has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
9
CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION
A. Conclusion
Fasting above all is an act of obedience and submission to the
Almighty. This submission and commitment is based upon the love of The
Almighty and the earnest effort to gain His pleasure and to avoid His
displeasure. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.A.) says that the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) said: "The Almighty and Master of Honor says: All other actions of a
person are for himself, except the case of his fasting which is exclusively for
Me and I shall pay (recompense) for him for the same. The fast is a shield
(against vice and the fire of Hell)." Therefore when anyone of you is fasting
he should abstain from loose talk and avoid verbosity and noisy exchange of
words. If somebody starts abusing him or picks up a quarrel with him, he
should tell him that, 'I am observing a fast.' By The Almighty in whose hands
is the life of Muhammad (S.A.W.), the breath of the mouth of one who is
fasting is more pleasant in the sight of The Almighty than the fragrance of
musk. A fasting person gets two kinds of pleasure: firstly he feels pleasure
when he breaks his fast, and secondly he will be joyful by virtue of his fast,
when he meets his Lord.
Fasting is an act of acknowledgment of The Almighty as The Only
Master and The Sustainer of the Universe. It is only through His bounties that
we derive our existence and our sustenance.
Fasting is an act of atonement for our errors and mistakes. Hazrat Abu
Sa'eed Khudri (R.A.A.) says that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: When a
person fasts for a day, for the sake of The Almighty, then The Almighty drives
away the Hell from him to a distance of seventy years of traveling. (Bukhari
and Muslim)
Fasting trains the believer in sincerity; unlike other acts of 'worship', it
is entirely based on self-restraint.
10
REFERENCE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawm
11
Alhamduilillah, this occasion we can made this paper for completing our
assignment of English for Islamic Studies. Without blessing that Allah has given
us, we couldn’t make this paper. Because of his blessing, time, place, health we
can made and completing our assignment. Shalawat and salam always are given to
Muhammad SAW, who took us from the darkness to the lightness and he is a great
example for our life.
We know that in the content of tis material or paper there are many
mistakes in typing and meaning and so on. We hope that the lecturer can guide
and explain us and our paper if there is some mistake this paper. Hopefully, with
making it we all know the essential of syahadah, and we can apply in every aspect
in our action. Amin
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ....................................................................................................
i
TABLE OF CONTENS................................................................................
ii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
A. Background of The Study...................................................
1
CHAPTER II SWAM (FASTING)
A. Definition Of Swam............................................................
2
B. Swam in Al Quran...............................................................
2
C. Types of Swam in The Quran..............................................
4
D. Conditons of Swam.............................................................
4
E. Benefits of Swam................................................................
6
F. Detriments of Swam............................................................
7
G. Days for Swam....................................................................
7
H. Swam While In Polar Region.............................................
9
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION
A. Conclusion...........................................................................
10
REFERENCE...............................................................................................
11
2
PAPER
SWAM (FASTING)
By :
1.
2.
3.
4.
M.Riki AM
Ropi’ah
Ating Alawi
Ahmad Murdi
SEKOLAH TINGGI AGAMA ISLAM SYEKH MANSHUR
(STAISMAN) PANDEGLANG
BANTEN
1435 H / 2014 M
3
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of The Study
Siyam is one of the main pillars of Islam. It is mentioned in the Holy
Qur'an, "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed
to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint." (Quran 2:183)
Based upon the Qur'an, it has been the consensus of Muslims
throughout history that a Muslim who rejects the legitimacy of Siyam rejects
Islam as well. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said about the significance
of the month of Ramadan: "A great month, a blessed month, containing a night
which is better than a thousand months. The Almighty has appointed the
observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the passing of its
nights in prayer as voluntary practice. If someone draws near to The Almighty
during it with some good act, he will be like one who fulfills an obligatory
duty in another month, and he who fulfills an obligatory duty in it will be like
one who fulfills seventy obligatory duties in another month."
A quote from another Hadith states: "The month of Ramadan is the
month of endurance and the reward for endurance is paradise. It is a month
whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is
freedom from hell."
1
CHAPTER II
SWAM (FASTING)
A. Definition Of Swam
Sawm (Arabic: صوم,plural: Siyam) is an Arabic word for
fasting
regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. In the terminology of Islamic law, sawm
means to abstain from eating and drinking (including water) during daylight
hours. The observance of sawm during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is
one of the Five Pillars of Islam, but is not confined to that month. Ṣiyam is
derived from Syriac: ṣawmā. Literally, it means "to abstain", cognates to
Hebrew tsom..
Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking and engaging in conjugal
sexual relationships from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). Whilst fasting,
Muslims are also obliged to abstain from smoking and other comforts such as
chewing gum. Fasting is essentially an attempt to seek nearness to Allah and
increase one's piety. One of the remote aims of fasting is to empathize with
those less fortunate members of society who do not always have food and
drink readily available. One must also try to avoid cursing and thinking evil
thoughts, with the aim of controlling the tongue and temper during the fasting
hours. Fasting is also viewed as a means of controlling one's desires (of food,
drink and sex) and focusing more on devoting oneself to God.
Sawm also carries a significant spiritual meaning. It teaches one the
principle of love: because when one observes fasting, it is done out of deep
love for God and to learn self-restraint.
B. Swam in Al Quran
In the Quran, this practice is mentioned:
2
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was
decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous ." (Q.S AlBaqara ayat 183)
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on
a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made
up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom
[as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever
volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you
only knew." (Q.S Al-Baqara ayat 184).
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a
guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So
whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever
is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends
for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to
3
complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided
you; and perhaps you will be grateful.(Q.S Al-Baqara ayat 185)
C. Types of Swam in The Quran
1. Food Fasting (Sawm ut Taam).
2. Money Fasting (Sawm ul Maal).
3. Word Fasting (Sawm ul Kalam).
Usually "Fasting" means Food Fasting.
D. Conditons of Swam
1. Intention (Niyyah)
The intention of the fast is to represent a special time of
purification and religious devotion.
2. General conditions
Throughout the duration of the fast itself, Muslims will abstain
from certain provisions that the Quran has otherwise allowed; namely
eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. This is in addition to the standard
obligation already observed by Muslims of avoiding that which is not
permissible under Quranic orShari'ah law (e.g. ignorant and indecent
speech, arguing and fighting, and lustful thoughts). Without observing this
standard obligation, Sawm is rendered useless, and is seen simply as an act
of starvation. The fasting should be a motive to be more benevolent to the
fellow-creatures. Charity to the poor and needy in this month is one of
most rewardable worship.
If one is sick, nursing or traveling, one is considered exempt from
fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to sickness, nursing or traveling
must be made up whenever the person is able before the next month of
Ramadan. According to the Quran, for all other cases, not fasting is only
permitted when the act is potentially dangerous to one's health - for
example; those elderly who are too weak to fast for extended periods of
time, diabetics, nursing, and pregnant women, but this must be made up by
4
paying a fidyah which is essentially the iftaar, dinner and suhur for a
fasting person who requires such financial help.
According to the Quran and the Sunnah, if someone cannot afford
fasting due to illness or traveling they are permitted to suspend fasting and
continue at a more opportune time or condition of health. However, the
question of those suffering a permanent disease has not been resolved. One
view is that they can waive the obligation to fast if advised by a medical
expert. Furthermore, it is held that they can provide a poor person with a
meal for each day of fasting waived. Nonetheless, such a delinquent
person must be willing to fast when in health.
Observing
the
fast
is
not
permitted
for
menstruating
women. However, when a woman's period has ceased, she must bathe and
continue fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to menstruation must be
made up whenever she can before the next month of Ramadan. Women
must fast at times when not menstruating, as the Quran indicates that all
religious duties are ordained for both men and women.
3. Breaking the fast and the consequences
During Ramadan, if one unintentionally breaks the fast by eating or
drinking then they must continue for the rest of the day and the fast
remains valid. For those who intentionally break the fast by eating,
drinking or having sexual intercourse, the consequences is;
a. Free a slave, and if that is not possible,
b. Fast for two consecutive lunar months (approximately 60 days), and if
that is not possible,
c. Feed and/or clothe 60 people in need
During voluntary fasts, if one unintentionally breaks the fast then
they may continue for the rest of the day and the fast remains valid. If one
unintentionally breaks the fast there is no sin on them because it is
involuntary.
5
4. Breaking oaths and the consequences
If an oath is given and circumstances dictate that it must be broken
(or if the one giving the oath deliberately breaks it), one must offer
expiation (kaffara) by freeing a slave and if that is not possible, feed
and/or clothe 10 poor people and if that cannot be done because due to
lack of financial means or poor people cannot be found, fast for three
consecutive days.
5. Beginning and ending the fast
In accordance with traditions handed down from Muhammad,
Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called the suhoor. All eating and drinking
must be finished before azaan-ul-Fajr, the pre-dawn call to prayer. Unlike
the Salat-ul-Zuhr and Salat-ul-Maghrib prayers,
which
have
clear
astronomical definitions (after-noon and after-sunset), there are several
definitions used in practice for the timing of "true dawn" (al-fajr as-sadiq),
as mentioned in the hadith. These range from when the center of the sun is
12 to 21 degrees below the horizon[9] which equates to about 40 to 60
minutes before civil dawn. There are no restrictions on the morning meal
other than the restrictions on Muslims diet. After completing the suhoor,
Muslims recite the fajr prayer. No food or beverage are allowed to go
down the throat after the suhoor. However, water unlike food may enter
the mouth, but not go down the throat during wudu.
The meal eaten to end the fast is known as al-Iftar. Muslims,
following the Sunnah of the Prophet, Muhammad, break the fast with
dates and water, before praying Salat-ul-Maghrib, after which they might
eat a more wholesome meal.
E. Benefits of Swam
Fasting inculcates a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as Muslims can
feel and experience that which needy and hungry humans feel. However, even
the poor, needy, and hungry participate in the fast. Moreover, Ramadan is a
6
month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together, the latter
offering more reward than if eating alone. Most importantly, the fast is also
seen as a great sign of obedience by the believer to Allah. Faithful observance
of the Sawm is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds and to help
earn a place in paradise. ninth month of Islam calendar. It is hard, but it bring
those closer to God.
Sawm is intended to teach believers patience and self-control in their
personal conduct, to help control passions and temper, to provide time for
meditation and to strengthen one's faith. Fasting also serves the purpose of
cleansing the inner soul and freeing it of harm. Some scholars, following the
earliest understanding of the uses and objectives of the ritual of fasting
strongly object to identifying mundane objectives of the ritual such as physical
and psychological well being. To them the ritual of fasting is purely a worship
and should not be treated as an exercise mixed with worship. The objectives of
the fast is to inculcate taqwa (God-consciousness) in a believer. As mentioned
earlier, fasting can also be observed voluntarily (as part of the Greater Jihad).
F. Detriments of Swam
Fasting on a long hot day carries a risk of dehydration. However, if one
is at medical risk of dehydration, which leads to serious consequences, then it
is permitted to break one's fast. An increase of negative health affects are
observed exclusively during the month of Ramadan due to fasting, such as
migraines, tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
circulatory collapse, and sleeping problems.
One study showed that Muslims are more irritabale during the month
of Ramadan. They are more likely to commit crime, and suffer from accidents
G. Days for Swam
1. Month of Ramadan
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is considered Fard.
7
2. Days of Oath
If you have an oath, for example: "If I graduate with a good mark, I
will fast for three days for Allah" then one must fulfil this. This type of
fasting is considered obligatory. Breaking the oath will result in a sin.
3. Days for voluntary fasting
Islam also prescribed certain days for non-obligatory, voluntary
fasting, such as:
a. each Monday and Thursday of a week
b. the 13th, 14th, and 15th day of each lunar month
c. six days in the month of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan)
d. the Day of Arafa (9th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar)
e. the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram in the Hijri calendar), with one
more day of fasting before or after it.
f. As often as possible in the months of Rajab and Shaban before
Ramadhan
g. First nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar (only for nonHajji's)
4. Days when fasting is forbidden
Although fasting is considered a pious act in Islam, there are times
when fasting is prohibited:
a. Eid ul-Adha And 3 days following it because Mohammed said "You
are not to fast these days. They are days of eating and drinking and
remembering Allah", reported by Abu Hurairah.
b. Eid ul-Fitr
c. For Shia Muslims, the Day of Ashura, 10th of Muharram in the Hijri
calendar.
d. It is also forbidden to single out Fridays and only fast every Friday, as
Amr al-Ashari said that he heard Muhammad say "Verily, Friday is a
8
eid (holiday) for you, so do not fast on it unless you fast the day before
or after it."
e. Fasting everyday of the year is also forbidden; Muhammad said "There
is no reward for fasting for the one who perpetually fasts."
H. Swam While In Polar Region
As Quran says that (During Ramadan)eat and drink until the white
thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread" This results that
fasting is a duty for the Muslims only when days and nights are producing
otherwise fasting is not necessary. So the Muslims of Svalbard have to fast
only when days and nights are prominent by the sun. If Ramadan comes in
June/December (when days and nights are not prominent by the sun in
Svalbard, Norway) they may leave fasting and then complete their fasting in
March/September (when days and nights are prominent by the sun in
Svalbard, Norway). In Islamic Law it is called Qadha. Allah says: "Allah
intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He
wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He
has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
9
CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION
A. Conclusion
Fasting above all is an act of obedience and submission to the
Almighty. This submission and commitment is based upon the love of The
Almighty and the earnest effort to gain His pleasure and to avoid His
displeasure. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.A.) says that the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) said: "The Almighty and Master of Honor says: All other actions of a
person are for himself, except the case of his fasting which is exclusively for
Me and I shall pay (recompense) for him for the same. The fast is a shield
(against vice and the fire of Hell)." Therefore when anyone of you is fasting
he should abstain from loose talk and avoid verbosity and noisy exchange of
words. If somebody starts abusing him or picks up a quarrel with him, he
should tell him that, 'I am observing a fast.' By The Almighty in whose hands
is the life of Muhammad (S.A.W.), the breath of the mouth of one who is
fasting is more pleasant in the sight of The Almighty than the fragrance of
musk. A fasting person gets two kinds of pleasure: firstly he feels pleasure
when he breaks his fast, and secondly he will be joyful by virtue of his fast,
when he meets his Lord.
Fasting is an act of acknowledgment of The Almighty as The Only
Master and The Sustainer of the Universe. It is only through His bounties that
we derive our existence and our sustenance.
Fasting is an act of atonement for our errors and mistakes. Hazrat Abu
Sa'eed Khudri (R.A.A.) says that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: When a
person fasts for a day, for the sake of The Almighty, then The Almighty drives
away the Hell from him to a distance of seventy years of traveling. (Bukhari
and Muslim)
Fasting trains the believer in sincerity; unlike other acts of 'worship', it
is entirely based on self-restraint.
10
REFERENCE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawm
11