What is Sawm (fasting)?
Sawm, also known as Islamic fasting, is an essential act of worship in Islam. It refers to abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, and negative speech or behavior from dawn to dusk. Fasting in Islam becomes obligatory for Muslims past the age of puberty, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This spiritual practice strengthens faith, promotes self-discipline, and deepens the connection with Allah.
Why is Sawm Important?
Sawm (Islamic fasting) holds deep spiritual significance, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This sacred period includes Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), the night when the Qur’an was first revealed to mankind. Fasting in Ramadan is a time of increased worship, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. It serves as a means of purification, reflection, and spiritual growth, making it one of the most important pillars of Islam.
References from the Quran
How Does Sawm Show Devotion to Allah?
Sawm (Islamic fasting) is a powerful act of devotion and obedience to Allah. During this sacred time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and worldly desires from dawn to dusk, as commanded by Allah. This self-discipline allows believers to develop spiritual awareness, self-control, and deep reflection on their faith and purpose in life—which is to worship Allah.
Fasting in Ramadan strengthens the Muslim’s connection with Allah, fostering patience, gratitude, and humility. Sawm is a unique form of worship, offering immense spiritual rewards for those who observe it sincerely for the sake of Allah alone.
References from the Hadith:
حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ، إِلاَّ الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، وَلَخَلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ ".
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Allah said), 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk."
Narrated by: Abu Huraira
Sawm Facts
Sawm – A Pillar of Islam
Sawm (fasting) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it mandatory during Ramadan. However, Muslims can fast voluntarily throughout the year as an act of worship or to make up for missed fasts.
Ramadan Dates Change Each Year
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Ramadan shifts forward by approximately 11 days each year, impacting its occurrence across different seasons.
Exemptions from Fasting
Certain individuals are exempt from fasting, including:
Women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding
Those suffering from illness or health conditions
Anyone unable to fast due to valid reasons
Breaking the Fast with Dates – A Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would break his fast with dates, making it a beloved Sunnah practiced by Muslims worldwide during Iftar.
References from the Hadith
قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَنْ وَجَدَ تَمْرًا فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ لاَ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَى مَاءٍ فَإِنَّ الْمَاءَ طَهُورٌ "
The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever has dried dates, then let him break the fast with that, and whoever does not, then let him break the fast with water, for indeed water is purifying."
Narrated by: Anas bin Malik
What is Sahoor?
Sahoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before beginning the fast in Ramadan. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is highly recommended as it provides strength for the day of fasting. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Eat Sahoor, for in Sahoor there is blessing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This meal not only nourishes the body but also brings spiritual rewards, making it an important part of fasting in Islam. While there is no specific Sahoor dua in Hadith, it is sufficient to make a verbal or heartfelt intention (niyyah) before Fajr
Intention for Fasting (Niyyah for Sawm)
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
Why “Tomorrow” in Intention of Fasting?
The Islamic day begins at Maghrib (sunset), the fasting period starts at Fajr and ends at Maghrib. This is why the intention (niyyah) for fasting mentions “tomorrow” (غَدٍ)—because the fast begins after Fajr, not immediately after Maghrib.
References from the Hadith:
إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى دُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوْ إِلَى امْرَأَةٍ يَنْكِحُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ
The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.
Narrated by: Umar bin Al-Khattab
What is Iftar?
Iftar is the meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset during Ramadan. It is a moment of gratitude and reflection, where Muslims thank Allah for granting them the strength to fast. Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), it is recommended to break the fast with dates and water before performing the Maghrib prayer.
Most Authentic Dua for Iftar (From Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah)
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.
Dua For Iftar
Fasting (Sawm) in Islam is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a spiritual journey of self-discipline, devotion, and seeking closeness to Allah. Through fasting, Muslims develop patience, gratitude, and empathy for those in need. Observing Sahoor and Iftar with the right intentions enhances both physical strength and spiritual rewards. May Allah accept our fasts and grant us the blessings of Ramadan.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى أَبُو مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ، أَخْبَرَنِي الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ وَاقِدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ سَالِمٍ - الْمُقَفَّعُ - قَالَ رَأَيْتُ ابْنَ عُمَرَ يَقْبِضُ عَلَى لِحْيَتِهِ فَيَقْطَعُ مَا زَادَ عَلَى الْكَفِّ وَقَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا أَفْطَرَ قَالَ " ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ "
I saw Ibn Umar holding his beard with his hand and cutting what exceeded the handful of it. He (Ibn Umar) said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said when he broke his fast: Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.
Narrated by: Marwan ibn Salim al-Muqaffa
Iftar Timing
Iftar should be done immediately after sunset (Maghrib time) without delay. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that hastening to break the fast is part of his Sunnah:
References from the Hadith
لاَ يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ
The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.
Narrated by: Sahl bin Sa`d
Conclusion
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