Shaum Means Fasting More Deeply, Understand the Obligatory Requirements and Differences with Shiyam

Kapanlagi.com - Islam was first revealed in the Arabian peninsula. Then, Islam was spread by the Prophets and Messengers of Allah SWT until it spread to all corners of the world, including the homeland. So it's no wonder that many terms in Islam come from the Arabic language. Shaum is one of them. In general, shaum means fasting.

In addition to shaum, in Islam there is also the term shiyam. Having a similar pronunciation, the meaning of shiyam is often considered the same as shaum, meaning fasting. However, if examined more deeply, it turns out that there is a difference in meaning between shaum and shiyam. As a Muslim, of course we need to know the difference as basic knowledge, and so as not to misunderstand. So, what is the difference?

Compiled from various sources, here is an explanation of shaum means fasting as well as the differences with shiyam.

1. Meaning of Shaum

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As mentioned earlier, shaum generally means fasting. This meaning may already be ingrained in the understanding of every Muslim. This is because it has been taught since ancient times that the word fasting in Indonesian comes from the Arabic word, shaum or shiyam. 

As we know, fasting is an act of worship done by refraining from eating, drinking, and other carnal desires from dawn until sunset. Thus, the general understanding of the meaning of shaum also includes this explanation.

However, it turns out that shaum has a deeper meaning than the general explanation of fasting. Shaum is not just about refraining from hunger, thirst, and other desires such as sexual intercourse. But more than that, according to Imam Al-Ghazali in the Book of Ihya 'Ulumiddin, shaum is the truest form of fasting. 

According to Imam Al-Ghazali, shaum is not just about refraining from hunger, thirst, and carnal desires. As an act of worship, shaum is also carried out by refraining from speaking, listening, and thinking about anything that has the potential to spoil the act of fasting. Thus, to carry out shaum, purity is needed in intention, action, and even thought.

2. Difference between Shaum and Shiyam

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Etymologically, shaum and shiyam come from the same basic word form, which is shawama. This is what makes shiyam and shaum often considered to have the same meaning, which is fasting. As a fasting worship, shaum and shiyam are carried out with the same rules, namely abstaining from hunger, thirst, and lust from dawn until sunset.

However, as previously explained, shaum also involves abstaining from other things such as speaking, hearing, and thinking about things that can ruin the reward of fasting. This is where the difference between shaum and shiyam lies. Shaum has a deeper meaning and a more difficult level than shaum or fasting in general.

3. Mandatory Conditions for Shaum

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Now we have understood that shaum means fasting, which involves abstaining from hunger, thirst, lust, speaking, hearing, and thinking about things that can ruin the reward of fasting. Therefore, we must strive to perfect this worship. Thus, fasting is not only shiyam but also goes deeper, which is shaum.

However, to carry out the worship of fasting or shaum, there are several mandatory conditions that must be met. Here are some mandatory conditions for carrying out the worship of fasting or shaum.

1. Being a Muslim.

It is an absolute requirement to carry out the worship of fasting or shaum according to Islamic law.

2. Already baligh (able to distinguish right from wrong).

In males, it is marked by the release of semen and in females, it is marked by menstruation.

3. Mentally sound or not insane.

People who are mentally unsound or insane are exempted from the obligation to fast. Because they will not be able to reap the benefits of the fasting they undergo.

4. Able to fast without forcing oneself.

Muslims who are sick or elderly are not obliged to fast if they are unable to do so. If they are still able to make up for it later, they are allowed to do so. If not, they are obliged to make up for their fasting obligation by paying fidyah.

4. Obligation to Fast

Despite the slight difference between the meanings of shaum and shiyam, fasting remains an important worship in Islam. In fact, fasting is the third pillar of Islam. This means that fasting is not just an ordinary worship. There are many wisdoms and lessons that can be learned from fasting.

Therefore, fasting is a worship that must be carried out by every Muslim, especially the obligatory fasting of Ramadan. The command to perform shaum worship means fasting more deeply, including in Surah Al Baqarah verse 183, which means:

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