Sawm

Ṣawm () is an Arabic word for Fasting regulated by Islamic Jurisprudence . It can be done for different reasons and at different times, but it is primarily done by Muslim s during the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan . It is one of the Five Pillars Of Islam .

ETYMOLOGY

The word ''sawm'' is derived from Syriac ''sawmo''.

DEFINITION

Muslims that participate in a fast are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual intercourse between Dawn ( Fajr ) and sunset ( Maghrib ).

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Beginning the Fast

In accordance with traditions handed down from the --> 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 suhoor, 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 she can before the next month of Ramadhan (Muslim month of fasting). Women, at times when not menstruating, must fast as Allah (SWT) indicates that all religious duties are ordained for both men AND women.

Fasting during Ramadan

See Also: Islamic fasting on the Islamic month of Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is specifically mentioned in three consecutive verses of the Qur'an:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

''O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.'' (Yusuf Ali, 2:183)

أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ وَأَن تَصُومُواْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

''(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.'' (Yusuf Ali, 2:184)

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيَ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُواْ الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ اللّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

''Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.'' (Yusuf Ali, 2:185)

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

traditions in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism .

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Sawm