Kitab-us Saum | The Book of Fasting

Kitab-us Saum | The Book of Fasting

Kitab-us Saum is a clear, practical, and spiritually grounded guide to one of Islam’s most beloved acts of worship. Compiled by the Majlisul Ulama of South Africa, this carefully structured book brings together the essential rulings and deeper meanings of ṣawm in a format that is easy to read, easy to use, and easy to return to — whether you are preparing for Ramadan or simply seeking to fast with greater awareness and correctness.

Why This Book Matters Today

Fasting holds a unique place in a believer’s heart — yet many Muslims find themselves uncertain about its finer rulings, especially when real-life situations arise during a busy Ramadan. Kitab-us Saum gently fills that gap. It presents the guidance you need in a calm, organised manner, helping you fast not just by habit, but with knowledge — and through that knowledge, nurture the taqwā and self-discipline that fasting was always meant to cultivate.

What Makes This Book Unique

• Concise and easy-to-follow format — perfect for quick reference during a busy month
• Firmly rooted in classical Hanafi jurisprudence
• Brings together legal rulings and spiritual insight in a single readable guide
• Key Arabic terms explained clearly in English — no prior knowledge assumed
• Practical layout designed for real daily use throughout Ramadan

Key Themes and Knowledge Inside

• The definition and purpose of fasting (ṣawm) — why we fast, not just how
• Conditions required for a fast to be valid
• Types of fasting: obligatory and voluntary
• Common actions that invalidate a fast — and how to avoid them
• Everyday مسائل (masā’il) encountered during Ramadan
• Spiritual growth through عبادah, mindfulness, and inner discipline

Author’s Scholarly Authority

This book is compiled by the Majlisul Ulama of South Africa — a body of scholars with a long-standing reputation for grounding their work in established Hanafi sources while presenting it in a way that is accessible and practically useful. Their approach reflects the best of traditional Islamic scholarship: anchored in classical texts, but attentive to the real needs of today’s Muslim.

Who Should Read This Book

• Muslims who want a confident, clear understanding of fasting rules
• Students of Islamic jurisprudence building their foundation in fiqh
• Teachers preparing Ramadan lessons or halaqah discussions
• New Muslims looking for structured, trustworthy guidance
• Anyone who wants their عبادah to be grounded in knowledge, not guesswork

Practical Benefits for the Reader

• Avoid the common mistakes that can unknowingly affect the validity of your fast
• Understand the wisdom and purpose behind fasting — not just its outward rules
• Approach Ramadan with confidence, clarity, and spiritual intention
• Keep it close as a quick-reference companion throughout the month
• Develop the mindfulness and inner discipline that fasting is truly meant to build

Edition and Publication Quality

• Title: Kitab-us Saum | The Book of Fasting
• Compiled By: Majlisul Ulama of South Africa
• Publisher: Idara Impex
• Language: English
• Pages: 48
• Edition: Paperback (2016)
• ISBN-10: 8171013120
• ISBN-13: 9788171013128

Continue Your Learning Journey

Looking to expand your reading further? Explore more enriching titles like Knowledge Encyclopedia: Space to support a love of structured learning alongside your Islamic studies.

Qur’anic & Sunnah Guidance on Fasting

“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied manifold. A good deed will be multiplied ten times up to as many as seven hundred times, or as much as Allah wills. Allah says: ‘Except for fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desire and his food for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joys, one when he breaks his fast and another when he meets his Lord. The smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1638)

Mutarrif, from the tribe of Banu ‘Amir bin Sa’sa’ah narrated that ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As Ath-Thaqafi invited him to drink some milk that he poured for him. Mutarrif said:

“I am fasting.” ‘Uthman said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Fasting is a shield against the Fire just like the shield of anyone of you against fighting.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1639)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and the hope of reward will be forgiven his previous sins. (Sunan Ibn Majah 1641)

It was narrated that ‘Umair bin Anas bin Malik said:

“My paternal uncles among the Ansar who were among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) told me: ‘The new crescent of Shawwal was covered with clouds, so we fasted the next day. Then some riders came at the end of the day and testified to the Prophet (ﷺ) that they had seen the new crescent the night before. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded them to break their fast and to go out to offer the ‘Eid prayer the following morning.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1653)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kitab-us Saum about?

Kitab-us Saum explains the rulings, conditions, and spiritual purpose of fasting according to Hanafi fiqh — presented in a simple, readable, and genuinely useful format.

Is this book suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is written in plain English and assumes no specialist background, making it accessible to anyone with a sincere desire to learn.

Does it cover only Ramadan fasting?

No — it covers both obligatory and voluntary fasts, so its guidance extends well beyond Ramadan.

Is this based on a specific school of thought?

Yes, it is grounded in the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, one of the four major madhabs of Sunni Islam.

Can it be used for teaching purposes?

Absolutely. Its clear structure and concise format make it well suited for classroom use, study circles, and Ramadan preparation programmes.