time in eating food and meeting his needs in the night. Here ‘mostly’ refers to the ‘whole’.

He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه further stated: From this blessed Hadees it has been learnt that the one who has good health and strength should observe more and more Siyam. However, the one who is weak should not observe Siyam as they may affect his Siyam of Ramadan. The same is the purpose of the Ahadees in which it was stated, ‘Do not observe Sawm after half of the Sha’ban.’

(Sunan-ut-Tirmizi, Hadees 738; Nuzha-tul-Qaari, vol. 3, pp. 377-380)

Dear Islamic brothers! Have you noticed the extent to which our Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would like this sacred month! Though Siyam are not obligatory in this month, yet the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would observe Siyam abundantly. Now just ponder over the fact that being Sayyid-ul-Ma’soomeen [the chief of infallibles], the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would spend most of the days of this blessed month in observing Siyam, so how necessary is it for the sinful people like us to observe Siyam in this blessed month? We should also form the habit of observing Nafl Siyam besides observing the Siyam of Ramadan. It has countless religious benefits along with abundant worldly benefits for us. The protection of Iman (faith), protection from sins, salvation from Hell and the attainment of Paradise are religious benefits.

As far as worldly benefits are concerned, it saves time and expenses [which are spent during the day in eating and drinking (water etc.)] in the state of observing Sawm, makes the stomach better and gives rest to the stomach along with protection against many other diseases.

The essence of all these benefits is to bring about the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. We should also try to get countless religious and worldly benefits by experiencing difficulties for some days. Moreover, the reward for observing Nafl Siyam is so much that one longs to keep observing Sawm [one after another].

The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said: Hoping for reward the one who observes one Nafl Sawm, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will make him away 40 years (distance) from Hell. (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, pp. 255, vol. 8, Hadees 24148)