8.11 Fasting (Sawm): Observance and Significance

2026 📋 Syllabus Objectives

Candidates should study:

  • The way fasting (Sawm) is observed
  • The significance of fasting
  • Those who are exempted from fasting

📖 Main Content

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1. Introduction to Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting is the fourth Pillar of Islam. In Arabic, it is called Saum or Sayam, which literally means to desist or abstain from something. It is one of the most important acts of worship a Muslim performs.

  • Fasting in Ramadan was made compulsory through the revelation of Qur'an 2:183-185 in Sha'ban, 2 A.H. in Madinah.
  • Fasting is not a form of self-punishment or torture. It is an act of self-restraint and devotion to Allah SWT.
  • Fasting was also prescribed for earlier nations before Islam, showing that it is a timeless form of worship.

Definition of Fasting: A Muslim abstains from eating, drinking, smoking, marital relations, and all acts displeasing to Allah SWT, from Subh Sadiq (the time of real dawn) until sunset.

Quranic Evidence for the Obligation of Fasting:

Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183

Verse: "O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety."

Context: In this verse, Allah SWT directly addresses the believers and makes fasting obligatory upon them. The verse also highlights that fasting was not new — it was prescribed for earlier communities too. Most importantly, it reveals the core purpose of fasting: to attain piety (Taqwa).

2. How is Fasting Observed? (Method of Fasting)

The following steps describe how a Muslim observes a fast during the month of Ramadan:

Step 1: Sehri (Pre-Dawn Meal)

  • Before the fast begins, a Muslim eats a pre-dawn meal called Sehri (also written as Sahri or Sahar).
  • This meal must be eaten before Subh Sadiq (real dawn).
  • Prophet Muhammad PBUH encouraged taking Sehri, saying:

Hadith: "Take meals a little before dawn, because there is a blessing in taking meals at that time."

Context: Prophet Muhammad PBUH is highlighting that Sehri is a blessed act. It is not merely about eating; it is a Sunnah act that brings spiritual reward and helps the believer sustain the fast through the day.

Step 2: Niyyah (Intention)

  • Every fast must begin with a Niyyah — a sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah SWT.
  • The intention can be made in Arabic or in one's own language.
  • There is no valid fast without intention. This shows that fasting is an act of worship, not just a physical exercise.

Step 3: Imsak (Abstaining During the Day)

During the fast, a Muslim must completely abstain from:

  • Eating and drinking of any kind
  • Smoking
  • Sexual intercourse
  • Any act that displeases Allah SWT

This period of abstinence runs from Subh Sadiq (real dawn) until sunset.

Step 4: Iftari (Breaking the Fast)

  • At sunset, the fast is broken with Iftari.
  • It is a Sunnah to break the fast with dates or water.
  • After Iftari, the Maghrib prayer is offered.
  • In the evenings of Ramadan, Tarawih prayers are also offered. These are special night prayers performed throughout the month.

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