Wazaif Ramadan
- Author died
- 1392 AH
- Editions
- Wazaif Ramadan
Wazaif Ramadan (Duties of Ramadan) is a concise devotional treatise by the Najdi Hanbali scholar Abd al-Rahman ibn Qasim (1312/1319–1392 AH / 1894/1901–1972 CE) outlining the spiritual duties, merits, and acts of worship associated with the month of Ramadan .
Composition and Purpose
The work is an abridgment of the section on Ramadan from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali's classical seasonal manual Lata'if al-Ma'arif (Subtle Insights of Knowledge), supplemented with additional material and commentary compiled by Ibn Qasim . In his introduction, Ibn Qasim notes that he prepared this concise guide to invigorate spiritual resolve, urge believers to seek out divine blessings during the sacred month, and encourage diligent devotion during its days and nights . In printed form, the book constitutes a brief volume of 76 pages .
Contents
The treatise gathers prophetic traditions, statements of early scholars (the salaf), and poetic verses to guide the reader through Ramadan's primary devotional themes. Its discussions include:
- The Virtues of Ramadan: Prophetic reports on the opening of the gates of Paradise, the closing of the gates of Hell, and the multiplication of rewards throughout the month .
- The Merit of Fasting: The spiritual fruits and manifold rewards of the fast, framing fasting as an act of patience that gathers endurance in obedience, restraint from prohibition, and fortitude through hardship .
- The Last Ten Nights and Laylat al-Qadr: The virtue of the final ten days of Ramadan, night vigils (qiyam al-layl), and supplications recommended for Laylat al-Qadr, drawing on the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and early generations .
Reading and Transmission
Wazaif Ramadan has been utilized in study circles and mosque gatherings during Ramadan. Notably, it was among the texts read in the lessons of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz, where it was recited by Muhammad Ilyas Abd al-Qadir . The book is also documented as part of the Hanbali literature dedicated to fasting and seasonal devotion .
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