Sawm

• Sawm


  Fasting during the month of Ramadan
• Role and significance of sawm


  • One of the 5 pillars of Sunni Islam
  • 10 Obligatory act of Shi'a Islam
• Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar but it is a different date in the Gregorian calendar each year
• Quran: '"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God."'
• Fasting in the month of Ramadan


  1. Do not eat

  2. Do not drink

  3. Do not have sex
• The month in which Muhammad started to receive the revelations of the Quran from God

  Ramadan
• During Ramadan, some Muslims will read the Qur'an from start to finish to remind them of the importance of God's message
• Fasting during Ramadan helps Muslims to focus on God whilst facing the physical challenges
• Quran: 'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, with clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong'
• Breaking the fast at night (iftar)


  1. Eat something small such as dates

  2. Eat the main meal
• Benefits of fasting


  • Muslims believe they are rewarded by God
  • Reminds them to be thankful for food
  • Gives them greater awareness of those without enough food
  • Encourages generosity and charity
  • Many muslims, pray, read quran, visit mosque