The Objectives of Fasting (Maqāṣid al-Ṣawm)

The Objectives of Fasting (Maqasid Al-Sawm) by Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam is a scholarly work that explores the underlying objectives (maqasid) of fasting (sawm) in Islam. Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam (d. 660 AH) was a distinguished Islamic scholar from Damascus who later passed away in Cairo. A master of Shafi’i jurisprudence (Fiqh Shafi’i), he attained the level of independent legal reasoning (ijtihad).

He was a mentor to notable scholars such as Al-Qarafi, Ibn Daqiq, and Abu Shama. Renowned for his contributions to Quranic exegesis (Tafsir), Hadith commentaries, and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), his works remain influential in Islamic thought.

Summary of The Objectives of Fasting (Maqasid Al Sawm):

The book explores various aspects of fasting which include, but are not limited to its obligation, wisdoms, benefits and spiritual significance. In this book, the author discusses the following topics: 

• The Obligation (Wujub) of Fasting (Sawm)
• The Virturue of Fasting
• The Ettiquite of Fasting
• What to Refrain From When Fasting
• The Sigificance of Seeking the Night of Power (Layla Al Qadr)
• Devotional Retreat (I’tikaf), Generosity and Increased Recitation of the Quran
• Following up Ramadan by the 6 Fasts of Shawwal
• The Unspecified Fast
• The Voluntary Fast
• The Days in Which Fasting is Prohibited

Upon course completion, students will be granted Ijazah, connecting them back to the author of the text, and embedding them within the islamic heritage.