Sawm (صَوْم)- Fasting
Sawm (Arabic: صَوْم) means fasting — the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). It’s one of the Five Pillars of Islam 🕋, making it a core part of Muslim faith and practice.
📖 The Spiritual Purpose of Sawm
“يٰٓـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا كُتِبَ عَلَيۡکُمُ الصِّيَامُ کَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِيۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِکُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُوۡنَۙ “
“Yaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanoo kutiba ‘alaikumus Siyaamu kamaa kutiba ‘alal lazeena min qablikum la’allakum tattaqoon”
Meaning- “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may become righteous.”
📅 When is Sawm Observed?
🌙 1. Ramadan (Obligatory Fasting)
- 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar
- Fasting is mandatory for all adult Muslims
Lasts 29–30 days, depending on moon sighting
🤍 2. Voluntary Fasting (Sunnah/Nafl)
Mondays & Thursdays 🌄
- White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of lunar month) 🌕
- Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) 🕋
- Ashura (10th Muharram)
🕰️ Daily Fasting Schedule
Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): Before Fajr 🌅
Fasting period: Dawn to sunset
Iftar (breaking the fast): At Maghrib 🌇
❌ During fasting hours, Muslims must abstain from:
🍽️ Eating and drinking
🚭 Smoking
❤️ Sexual relations
🗣️ Lying, gossip, arguing, and other negative actions
🎯 Why Do Muslims Fast?
🧠 Spiritual Benefits
Builds taqwa (God-consciousness)
Strengthens faith and connection to Allah
Encourages Quran recitation and prayer
🤝 Moral & Social Benefits
Promotes self-control and humility
Creates empathy for those in need
Fosters community through shared worship and iftar gatherings
💪 Physical Benefits
Rest for the digestive system
Can encourage mindful, healthier eating habits
🌙 Who is Excused from Fasting?
Not everyone is required to fast. Those who are exempt include:
👶 Children (not yet reached puberty)
🤒 Sick individuals
🧕 Women during menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
✈️ Travelers
👵 Elderly or chronically ill (must feed a poor person per day — fidya)
🍽️ Iftar: Breaking the Fast
At sunset, Muslims traditionally break their fast with:
🌴 Dates and 💧 water (Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ)
Then enjoy a nourishing meal with family or the community
Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is also highly recommended for strength and blessings.
✅ Fasting Etiquette (Adab of Sawm)
To gain the maximum reward, Muslims are encouraged to:
🧎 Pray more (especially Taraweeh during Ramadan)
📖 Read and reflect on the Quran
💸 Give charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
🗣️ Avoid arguments, bad language, and wasting time
🕊️ Make lots of du’a (supplication)
