What Is Sawm?
Sawm refers to fasting in the month of Ramadan. It is the fourth pillar of Islam and an act of worship observed once a year by adult Muslims.
From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from:
- Food
- Drink
- Intimate relations
But fasting in Islam is more than physical restraint. It is spiritual discipline — a way to purify the heart, strengthen self-control, and deepen awareness of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Islam is built upon five… fasting in Ramadan…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 8; Sahih Muslim 16)
This places fasting among the foundational pillars of the religion.
Why Do Muslims Fast?
The primary purpose of fasting is spiritual growth.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).”
(Qur’an 2:183)
Taqwa means awareness of Allah — living with mindfulness of His presence and accountability.
Fasting trains the believer to control desires and prioritise obedience over impulse.
The Month of Ramadan
Ramadan holds special significance because it is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.
Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Qur’an 2:185)
For this reason, Ramadan is a month of:
- Increased prayer
- Qur’an recitation
- Charity
- Reflection
It is often described as a spiritual reset.
What Happens During the Fast?
Each day of Ramadan:
- The fast begins at dawn (Fajr).
- It ends at sunset (Maghrib).
The believer refrains from physical nourishment — but also from sinful speech and behaviour.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
This shows that fasting is not merely hunger — it is moral discipline.
The Spiritual Reward of Fasting
Fasting holds a unique status among acts of worship.
The Prophet ﷺ reported that Allah says:
“Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1904; Sahih Muslim 1151)
Scholars explain that fasting is special because it is hidden — only Allah truly knows who is fasting sincerely.
Unlike prayer or charity, it can be done privately without others knowing.
This sincerity gives fasting immense reward.
Who Is Required to Fast?
Fasting in Ramadan is required for:
- Adult Muslims
- Those who are physically able
- Those not travelling
Islam provides concessions for:
- The sick
- The elderly
- Travellers
- Pregnant or nursing women (with specific rulings)
Allah says:
“And whoever is ill or on a journey — then an equal number of days are to be made up.”
(Qur’an 2:185)
Islam balances obligation with mercy.
The End of Ramadan
Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a day of gratitude and community.
Before Eid prayer, Muslims give a special charity known as Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that even the poor can celebrate.
The Prophet ﷺ made this charity obligatory before the Eid prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503).
This reinforces the link between worship and social responsibility.
Sawm: A Training for Life
Fasting teaches:
- Patience
- Self-control
- Gratitude
- Empathy for the hungry
- Discipline over desires
It reminds believers that life is not only about physical satisfaction — but spiritual growth.
Through hunger, the heart softens.
Through restraint, the soul strengthens.
Conclusion
Sawm is more than abstaining from food and drink.
It is a month-long journey of purification.
It reconnects believers with the Qur’an.
It increases charity.
It deepens prayer.
It strengthens discipline.
And through fasting, the believer learns that true nourishment comes from closeness to Allah.