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This is the first of a trilogy of talks dedicated to fasting in the three monotheistic traditions. 

The obligation of fasting during the month of Ramadan is a familiar one. In this seminar, Professor Abdel Haleem will outline what exactly is meant by fasting in the Islamic tradition, the forms that it takes (i.e. obligatory, voluntary, and as atonement), the various rules that govern the Ramadan fast (i.e. when, how, and why), and its goals and objectives.

The Qur’anic verses discussing the fast of Ramadan offer concise and comprehensive guidelines. Moreover, the linguistic style and persuasive language employed in these key verses allows us to appreciate how, when ordaining an obligation, the Qur’an persuades the faithful towards willing compliance. The seminar will include a discussion on the inner dimensions and virtues of fasting and how the observance of Ramadan is part and parcel of building a connection with God individually and communally, with reference to Muslims in Egypt and in Britain.

About the speaker

Muhammad Abdel Haleem is Director of the Centre of Islamic Studies and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Qur’anic Studies (Publilshed by EUP,). He has authored numerous works on the Qur’an, its language, style and translation and co-authored the Arabic–English Dictionary of Qur’anic Usage (2007). Professor Abdel Haleem‘s translation The Qur’an: A New Translation (OUP, 2004-2016) is a bestselling popular translation.