Sawm (صوم, ṣawm) is an Arabic word for fasting regulated by the Islamic jurisprudence. It can be done for different reasons and at different times, but it is primarily done during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is done because of the mandate in the Qur'an.

Etymology

The word sawm is derived from Syriac sawmo.

Definition

Muslims that participate in a

Rules and regulations

Beginning the Fast

In accordance with traditions handed down from Muhammad, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called the sehri. All eating and drinking must be finished before sunrise. Unlike the zuhr and maghrib prayers, which have clear astronomical definitions (noon and sunset), there are several definitions used in practice for the timing of "true dawn" (al-fajr as-sadq), as mentioned in the hadith. These range from when the center of the sun is 12 to 21 degrees below the horizon which equates to about 40 to 60 minutes before civil dawn. There are no restrictions on the morning meal other than the restrictions on Muslims diet. After completing the sehri meal, Muslims recite the fajr prayer.

Prohibitions while fasting

Eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib).

Certain Muslims are excused from fasting. According to the Qur'an, not fasting is permissible for those for whom fasting is potentially dangerous to their health, and to the elderly who are too weak to fast for extended periods of time. For example, diabetics are not expected to fast, nor are nursing and pregnant women.

Observing the fast is not permitted for menstruating women. However, when a woman's period has ceased, she must bathe and continue fasting. Any fasts broken/missed due to menstruation must be made up whenever

Fasting during Ramadan

Main article: Islamic fasting on the Islamic month of Ramadan

Islamic Fasting is done as a according to the Basic Muslim Beliefs during the Islamic Month of Ramadan. It is obligatory, and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Failure to fast during the month of Ramadhan (if you are of sound mind, have the means to do so and are not in any physical hardship) is classed as a sin.

On the day of Ashura

Islamic Fasting is recommended on the day of Ashura. The days for fasting are on the 9th and 10th of the first Islamic month, Muharram. It is said that if a muslim fasts on these days all his/her sins from the previous year will be forgiven, therefore has much reward with Allah (SWT).

Part of the Greater Jihad

It can also be done voluntarly, as part of the Greater Jihad. The Sawm can teach the believers patience and self-control. Most importantly the fast is also seen as a great sign of obedience by the believer to God. Faithful observance of the Sawm is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds and to help earn a place in paradise. It is also believed to be beneficial for personal conduct, to help control passions and temper, to provide time for meditation and to strengthen one's faith. Fasting also serves the purpose of cleansing the inner soul and freeing it of harm.

Breaking oaths

If an oath is given, but if circumstances dictate it to be broken, one needs to pray for three days.

Fullfilment of a prayer

One may make a prayer for something and include in it a vow to fast a specific period. If the prayer is accepted, then fasting is obligatory on that person.

Fasting in other religions

Lent in Christianity, Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, Fast of Esther, Tzom Gedalia and the Fast of the Firstborn, all in Judaism, are also times of fasting. In the Qur'an, in verse 183 of the second chapter (2:183), God says, "fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you." Nevertheless, the fasting practices are different from one another. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) generally fast for 24 hours on the first Sunday of each month. Like Muslims, they refrain from all drinking and eating unless they are children or are physically unable to fast. Fasting is also a feature of ascetic traditions in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Saoum