Sawm

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a very holy month for Muslims.  It is believed that Muhammed* had the first revelation of the Qur’an during this month on the Night of Power (Laylat-ul-Qadr).  The exact date of Laylat-ul-Qadr is not known, however, it is widely accepted by many as being on the 27th Ramadan. “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”
•  The Qur’an states that observing Laylat-ul-Qadr brings the equivalent to a thousand months of blessing
• Muslims will also try to read the whole of the Qur’an during the month of Ramadan.  The Qur’an is split into 30 sections called juz and one juz is read each day until its completion
•  Ramadan is also a holy month as it is the month in which the pillar of Sawm is completed.  Sawm is an annual fast for 29/30 days depending on the sighting of the moon to indicate a new month has started and the fast is over.  Fasting, like all pillars, is fard (obligatory).  Adult Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual relations during daylight hours.  The fasting is commanded in the Qur’an:

  “…fasting is decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
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  It is believed that the devil is chained up for this month and the gates of heaven are said to be open, this means that Muslims should find it easier to concentrate on their worship and have no excuses for sinning as there is no devil to tempt them.   According to a hadith, fasting is described by Muhammed* as a shield as it protects a person from falling into sin because during the month of Ramadan they are displaying Taqwa (God consciousness) which helps them to avoid sinful actions.
• Muslims during Ramadan fast during daylight hours.  They are advised to have a prefast meal before sunrise known as Suhur.  After the sun has set they are then able to break their fast with a meal known as Iftar.  Many Muslims will break their fast with dates and water as this follows the Sunnah of Muhammed*.  There are also additional prayers that can be performed in congregation and are led by the imam known as Tarawih prayers; they take place after the Isha night time prayer following the Sunnah of Muhammed* during Ramadan.  
• “You may eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinguishable to you from the dark thread at dawn. Then you shall maintain the fast until the night.”
• The purpose of fasting is:

  • To show obedience to Allah as it was commanded by Him for his followers to fast

  • Allows Muslims to display and learn self-discipline which is an important quality for religious believers

  • Ability to display empathy with the poor who often go without food and clean water

  • Provides a chance each year to recharge their spirituality

  • Provides a sense of unity as Muslims all over the world fast together

  • Completing a pillar will bring spiritual reward