Ibn Uthaymin
48 Sualan fi al-Siyam
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- 48 Sualan fi al-Siyam
48 Sualan fi al-Siyam (Forty-Eight Questions on Fasting) is a concise Islamic legal treatise containing answers by the Saudi scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (d. 1421 AH / 2001 CE) on the rules and practices of fasting during Ramadan.
Background and Compilation
The work was compiled and arranged by Abu Muhammad Salim ibn Muhammad al-Juhani of al-Rass in al-Qasim. Al-Juhani formulated the collection of questions, which Ibn Uthaymin answered. After assembling the text, al-Juhani presented the compilation back to Ibn Uthaymin, who reviewed it and authorized its publication to educate Muslims on the prescribed rulings of fasting.
Structure and Content
The treatise begins with an introductory discourse on the merits of Ramadan, the call to repentance, and major historical milestones that took place during the month, including the initial revelation of the Quran, the Battle of Badr in 2 AH, and the Conquest of Mecca on Friday, 20 Ramadan 8 AH. It then outlines the legal definition of fasting—refraining from invalidators from dawn until sunset for the sake of Allah—and discusses its primary spiritual purpose, which is training the soul to abandon desires to achieve piety (taqwa).
The main body consists of forty-eight specific questions and legal responses concerning the practical and doctrinal aspects of fasting and Ramadan, including:
- Invalidators of fasting: The first question details the nullifiers of the fast—eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, intentional ejaculation, nutritive injections, deliberate vomiting, menstruation, post-natal bleeding, and cupping (hijamah). It also establishes the three conditions under which an action invalidates the fast: knowledge of the ruling and time, conscious remembrance (excluding forgetfulness), and intention (excluding coercion or accident).
- Night prayer (Qiyam Ramadan / Tarawih): Questions examine the recommended number of rak'ahs for the nocturnal prayer, affirming that while there is no fixed mandatory limit, performing eleven or thirteen rak'ahs follows the prophetic Sunnah, and advise worshippers to remain with the imam until the prayer concludes.
- Pilgrimage in Ramadan: The final question (Question 48) addresses the misconception that performing 'Umrah in Ramadan is an obligation; Ibn Uthaymin clarifies that while 'Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, performing it during Ramadan is recommended (mandub) and carries the reward equivalent to Hajj.
Answer updated