How To Do The Sawm Fasting In Islam – The Fourth Pillar

Sawm – One of the Five Pillars of Islam

Sawm (or Saum) is the Arabic term for fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. It refers to the practice of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs; it takes place every day from dawn until sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The timing of Ramadan changes each year, as it is determined by the sighting of the new moon. 

The historical background of Sawm in Islam dates back to the early days of the religion. The practice of fasting during Ramadan was established in the second year of the Islamic calendar, after the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. It was during this time that he received the first revelations of the Quran, and Ramadan was designated as the month for fasting.

The Guidelines of Fasting in Ramadan

Sawm is an essential aspect of Islamic practice. They guidelines and restrictions ensure that Muslims observe the fast in the proper manner, with the right intention and mindset.

The Do’s of Sawm

• Intention: Begin fasting with a sincere intention to do this for the sake of Allah.
• Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs: Muslims are required to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn until sunset.
• Observing the fast for the whole month of Ramadan: Islamic fasting extends to the entire month of Ramadan, from the first day until the last.
• Breaking the fast at sunset: It’s required to break one’s fast at sunset with dates and water or any other food or drink.
• Performing the Tarawih prayer: Tarawih is a special prayer performed during Ramadan after the Isha prayer

And The Dont’s of Sawm

• Sinful behavior: Avoid sinful behavior, including lying, cheating, and engaging in any immoral activity.
• Anger and disputes: Try not to get into arguments or fights with others during Ramadan.
• Gossip and backbiting: Avoid gossiping and talking negatively about others during Ramadan.
• Worldly distractions: Reduce your engagement with worldly activities during Ramadan and focus on your spiritual development.

The Daily Routine of Muslim Fasting

• Suhur: A pre-dawn meal that is eaten before the start of the fast.
• Salat Al Fajr: The first of the five daily prayers, the Fajr prayer is performed before dawn.
• Fast: The period from dawn until sunset, that no food and drink is consumed.
• Salat Al Dhuhr: The second of the five daily prayers, performed after midday.
• Salat Al Asr: The third of the five daily prayers, performed in the afternoon.
• Salat Al Maghrib: The fourth of the five daily prayers, the Maghrib prayer is performed just after sunset.
• Iftar: The meal eaten to end the fast at sunset.
• Salat Al Isha: The fifth of the five daily prayers, performed in the evening.
• Tarawih: A special prayer performed after Salat Al Isha during Ramadan.
• Recitation of the Quran: it’s highly encouraged to read and reflect on the Quran during Ramadan.
• Sadaqah: Charitable giving that is encouraged during Ramadan.
• Reflection and self-improvement: Ramadan is a time for introspection, self-reflection, and self-improvement.

9 Tips for A Productive Sawm

• To observe the fast properly, you must follow certain guidelines and maintain the right mindset throughout the month. Here are some tips:
• Make a sincere intention: The intention is essential in Sawm, as it serves as a motivation for fasting. Make a sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah and seek his blessings.
• Wake up early for Suhur: Suhur is the pre-dawn meal; eat a nutritious meal before the start of the fast to provide your body with the necessary energy to fast throughout the day.
• Hydrate well during non-fasting hours: Drink enough water during the eating hours to prevent dehydration during the day.
• Avoid overeating during the evening: Don’t exaggerate in food and drink during your eating window.
• Follow a balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet with a variety of food groups and avoid excessive consumption of sweets and fried foods.
• Keep up with prayers and reading the Quran: Try to attend the Tarawih prayer and recite the Quran regularly.
• Practice charity and kindness: The fasting person must seek ways to help others, including volunteering, donating, and showing kindness and respect to others.
• Avoid sinful behavior: Avoid lying, cheating, and engaging in any immoral activity.
• Stay connected with family and friends: Make an effort to stay connected with family and friends and participate in community events.

What Food is Served at Iftar?

During the evening of Ramadan, also known as Iftar, Muslims can eat any halal food they like without any restrictions. However, it is recommended to start with dates and water, as it is believed that Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with dates and water.

It is also recommended to eat a light and healthy meal to avoid any discomfort or health issues after a long day of fasting.

Many people prepare traditional foods for Iftar, such as samosas, pakoras, and other savory snacks, as well as sweet treats like baklava, kunafa, and other desserts. Ultimately, the choice of food is up to the individual, but it is encouraged to make healthy and nourishing choices during Ramadan.

Who Can Be Excluded From Fasting in Ramadan?

While fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adults, there are some exceptions:

• Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast, but they can practice fasting for a few hours each day to prepare themselves.
• Elderly people who are unable to fast due to age-related issues or health conditions are exempt from fasting and can donate to feed a poor person for each day of fasting missed.
• Pregnant women or breastfeeding women can choose not to fast if it poses a risk to their health or their child’s health and can offer a fidyah or make up for the missed fasts later.
• People with medical conditions that make fasting dangerous can also choose not to fast and offer a fidyah or make up for missed fasts later.
• People who are travelling can break their fast and make up for the missed fasts later. 

What Breaks The Fast of Sawm?

Normally the fast ends each day at sunset with Iftar. However, there are actions that can destroy the fast and invalidate its spiritual benefits, such as:

Eating or drinking: Consuming any food, drink, or medication, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or any other substance.
• Engaging in sexual activity: Sexual intercourse or sexual activity of any kind.
• Vomiting: Vomiting, intentionally or unintentionally.
• Menstruation or postpartum bleeding: Menstruating women or while in postpartum bleeding are exempt from fasting during this period.

Breaking the fast intentionally without a valid reason has consequences, both in this life and the hereafter. It is considered a sin and requires expiation. The expiation for this, is either to fast for 60 consecutive days or to feed 60 poor people. 

If someone misses a fast due to a valid reason, such as illness or travel, they can make up the fast at a later date. They should fast for an equal number of days to the ones missed, and it should be done before the next Ramadan.

In case of an inability to fast, such as due to chronic illness or old age, one can provide a fidyah, which involves donating to feed a poor person for each day of fasting missed.

The Tarawih Prayer: Congregational or Individual?

Tarawih is a special prayer performed during Ramadan after the Isha (evening) prayer. It is a recommended prayer, not obligatory, and involves recitation of the Quran in units of two. Tarawih is a highly regarded prayer in Islamic practice and has been performed since the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

Islamic scholars have different opinions on whether Tarawih is a congregational or individual prayer. Some believe it should be done in a group to promote unity and create a sense of belonging, while others think it can be done alone for more personal reflection.

Whether done alone or in a group, Tarawih is an important part of Islamic practice and a chance for increased spiritual devotion during Ramadan.

The End Of The Sawm Fast: Eid Al Fitr

The end of the month-long fast of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, which  means “festival of breaking the fast.” This is a significant event for Muslims all over the world and is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar.

On the day of Eid, people gather with their families and friends to offer special prayers and give thanks to Allah for the blessings received during Ramadan. It is a time for forgiveness, reflection, and renewal of one’s faith.

It’s a tradition to exchange gifts and share meals with each other, including sweet treats that are often associated with Eid, such as dates and vermicelli pudding. The end of the fast is a time for joy, celebration, and gratitude in the Islamic world.

Challenges on Islamic Fasting in the Modern World

Fasting can be a challenging practice for modern Muslims due to various obstacles and challenges that they face. Here are some of the difficulties one may encounter while fasting in the modern world:

Work and school schedules

Modern work and school schedules may make it difficult to observe the fast properly. Long work hours, physical labor, or rigorous school schedules may cause fatigue and make it challenging to stay away from food or drink.

Climate and weather conditions

In certain parts of the world, temperatures during Ramadan can be very high, making it difficult to fast. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can pose significant health risks, especially for those who engage in outdoor work or activities.

Social gatherings and events

During Ramadan, Muslim people may miss out on social gatherings or events that involve food and drink. This can lead to feelings of isolation or exclusion, especially for those who are unable to participate due to their fasting obligations.
Despite these challenges, fasting remains an important and widely embraced practice in Islam.

It is seen as a way to demonstrate devotion and commitment to Allah, and to gain spiritual and social benefits. In fact, fasting is also practiced in other religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, and is often seen as a way to demonstrate self-discipline and enhance spiritual awareness.

The Importance of Sawm Fasting in Islam

Sawm is an important practice in Islam that holds significant religious and spiritual significance. Here are some reasons why Sawm is important:

Religious and spiritual significance

Sawm is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential aspect of Islamic practice. It serves as a way to express one’s devotion and commitment to Allah, and it is believed that by observing the fast properly, Muslims can gain the benefits and rewards of the holy month of Ramadan.

Developing self-discipline and empathy

Fasting requires significant self-discipline and self-control, which can help Muslims to develop these qualities in other areas of their lives.

It can also help to develop empathy and compassion for the less fortunate, as fasting can provide a sense of solidarity with those who experience hunger and thirst on a daily basis.

Relationship between Sawm and other Islamic practices

Fasting during Ramadan is not an isolated practice, but rather one that is connected to other Islamic practices, such as prayer, charity, and the recitation of the Quran.

Muslims are encouraged to engage in these practices during Ramadan to deepen their relationship with Allah and to benefit from the spiritual rewards of the holy month.

The Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan

Sawm has numerous benefits that extend beyond just the religious and spiritual aspects. Here are some of them:

Health benefits

Fasting can have positive effects on physical health. It can promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. Fasting also gives the digestive system a rest and can improve gut health.

Psychological benefits

Fasting can have positive effects on mental health. It can increase mindfulness and self-awareness, improve mood and emotional regulation, and promote feelings of gratitude and contentment. Fasting can also help to develop self-discipline and self-control.

Social benefits

Fasting can bring people together and promote a sense of community. It can create opportunities for shared meals and social gatherings, as well as foster a sense of solidarity with those who experience hunger and thirst on a daily basis. Fasting can also promote empathy and compassion for others.

The Spiritual Significance of Sawm Fasting in Islam

Mindfulness

Fasting can promote mindfulness and self-awareness. By keeping away from food and drink during the day, you can become more aware of your bodily needs and develop a greater sense of self-control and self-discipline.

Fasting can also help to cultivate a greater awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions, which can promote greater emotional regulation and resilience.

Enhancing the quality of life

Fasting can have a positive impact on overall quality of life. By promoting physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection, fasting can contribute to a greater sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment.

Additionally, the spiritual benefits of fasting can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Spiritual Awareness in the Name of Allah

Saum is an act of devotion to Allah; it shows one’s commitment to the Islamic faith. It involves a combination of physical and spiritual practices, including prayer, charity, and the recitation of the Quran. Fasting provides an opportunity for increased spiritual awareness and reflection, as well as a chance to seek forgiveness and to renew one’s commitment to the faith.

More than that, it’s an opportunity to seek forgiveness for one’s sins, deepen one’s relationship with Allah, and practice acts of charity and kindness towards others.

Overall, Sawm is a way to express one’s devotion and commitment to Allah, and to gain the benefits and rewards of the holy month of Ramadan.

Quran Verses on Sawm – The Fourth Pillar of Islam

Surah Al Baqarah:183

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.

Surah Al Baqarah:184

˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.

Surah Al Baqarah:185

The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

Surah Al Baqarah: 187

…. You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful ˹of Him˺.

To sum up, Sawm holds significant importance in Islam. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential practice for Muslims. It’s a way for the faithful to demonstrate their devotion and commitment to Allah, develop self-discipline and empathy, and deepen their relationship with Allah and their faith.

It is important to follow the guidelines for fasting and the restrictions on certain activities. Fasting helps in seeking forgiveness and blessings during Ramadan. It’s also a chance to deepen their understanding of the Quran and to connect with their communities.

Therefore, it is a call to action for all Muslims to observe Sawm and to strive to make the most of it during the holy days of Ramadan.