What is Sawm?
Sawm means fasting: abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Muslims fast for the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is considered the holiest month because the Quran was first revealed during this time.
Purpose of Fasting
The Quran describes fasting as a way to attain Taqwa (Allah consciousness, piety, and self discipline). It’s not just about avoiding food and drink, but also controlling anger, avoiding sinful speech or actions, and developing empathy for the poor and hungry.
Rules of Fasting
- Starts: Just before Fajr prayer with a meal called Suhoor.
- Ends: At Maghrib prayer with breaking of the fast (Iftar), traditionally with dates and water.
- Forbidden during the day: Eating, drinking, smoking, sexual relations.
- Encouraged acts: Extra prayers (Taraweeh), charity (Zakat – Fitra before Eid), reading Quran, and acts of kindness.
Who Must Fast?
Every adult Muslim who is healthy and able.
Exemptions: Children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or nursing women (if fasting harms them), travelers, and women during menstruation or postnatal bleeding. Missed fasts are usually made up later or compensated by feeding the poor (fidya).
End of Ramadan
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr, a festival of breaking the fast, which begins with a special congregational prayer and charity given to the poor (Zakat – Fitra).
