Sawm

The third pillar of Islam is sawm (fasting – especially during the month of Ramadan); Muslims abstain from food and drink and gambling and all sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

Sawm is an Arabic term used to describe the act of fasting. Muslims who have passed puberty are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which means abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, and indecent speech and behavior from sunrise to sunset.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and includes the night on which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind, known as Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree). The month of Ramadan therefore represents an important moment for humanity and requires special devotion from Muslims.

“It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed as a guide for mankind, clear messages providing guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So everyone of you who is present that month should fast and anyone who is sick or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. The Almighty Allah wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the appointed time and glorify Him for guiding you so that you may be grateful.” (Quran | 2:185)

During this sacred time, Allah asks Muslims to temporarily abstain from their needs and basic desires that make up our human selves.

This provides an opportunity for Muslims to gain a sense of control over their needs, desires and distractions, giving them room for a heightened sense of introspection and their purpose in life – the worship of Allah.

Keeping Sawm (fasting) only for the sake of Allah is a special act of devotion for which there is a unique reward.

In the Hadith Qudsi Allah (SWT) says:

“All the deeds of the children of Adam are for them except fasting, which is for me and I myself will reward it.”

Sawm is one of the five pillars of Islam and is therefore obligatory during Ramadan. However, Muslims may observe Sawm at any time of the year as a form of worship or to make up for missed fasts.
The Islamic calendar works on a lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today. As a result, the month of Ramadan appears to shift by approximately 14 days each year.
Fasting is exempted for those who are menstruating, for those who are nursing or pregnant, for those who are suffering from ill health or for any other good reason.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) broke the fast with a date (desert fruit). It is a popular sunnah that many practice during Ramadan.

In a famous hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates (desert fruit), for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water, for it is pure.” (Tirmidhi)