Sawm

• "Fasting is prescribed for you" Surah 2
• "Fast until nightfall" Surah 2
• "Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey then on other days" Surah 2
• "It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed... so any one of you who sees in that month should fast" Surah 2
• Fasting is the fourth pillar. The main period of fasting is during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islam calendar.
• Sawm is about remembering the night of power when Angel Jibril revealed the Quran to Muhammed.
• Exemptions from fasting include

  • The elderly and youngest
  • Travellers
  • The sick
• "The Quran says those who do not fast should do so at another time"
• Whilst fasting there can be no:

  • Food or drink
  • Sexual activity
  • Smoking
  • bad thoughts
  • bad deeds
• Why is sawm important?

  • One of the five pillars and ten obligatory act. It is a foundational practice for Muslims.
  • Develops devotion and gratitude to God. Increases your appreciation for his provision
  • A 'blessing not burden'; it helps to develop self-restraint and is though to have health benefits.
  • It shows obedience to God and his will.
  • Develops self-discipline and control.
  • Helps develop concern/sympathy for the poor (link to Zakah)
  • Brings the Ummah together
  • Helps Muslims to remember the importance of the Quran which was first revealed during ramadan.