Sawm

• Fasting


  The fourth pillar
• Ramadan


  The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the main period of fasting
• Those exempt from fasting


  • The elderly
  • The youngest
  • Those who are travelling
  • Those who are ill / unwell
• The Qur'an says those who do not fast should do so at another time and/or help the needy (1:184)
• What is prohibited during fasting in Ramadan


  • No food or drink
  • No smoking
  • No sexual activity
  • No bad thoughts
  • No bad deeds
• Sawm


  Remembering the 'Night of Power' when Angel Jibril revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad, at the end of Ramadan
• Benefits of sawm


  • Develops devotion to God - brings you closer to Him
  • Develops concern / sympathy for those in need
  • Develops self-discipline and self-control
  • Brings the Islamic community together
• Sawm (fasting)


  • One of the Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts
  • A foundational practice for Muslims
• Sawm develops devotion to God


  • Brings you closer to Him
  • Increases your appreciation for his provision
  • Develops gratitude
• Sawm


  • A 'blessing not burden'
  • Helps to develop self-restraint
  • Has health benefits
• Sawm


  • Shows obedience to God and his will
  • Helps develop self-discipline / control
• Sawm


  • Helps develop concern for and sympathy with the poor
  • Helps understand the importance of charity (link to Zakat)
• Sawm


  Helps Muslims to remember the importance of the Qur'an, which was first revealed during Ramadan
• Sawm brings the Muslim community (ummah) together