Sawm

Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam. It means fasting. When fasting, Muslims do not eat, drink or have sexual relations.

Muslims practise Sawm by fasting every year in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The Qur’an was also first revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) during Ramadan.

By practising Sawm, a Muslim develops sympathy for suffering. It also demonstrates discipline and obedience to Allah. Muhammad (pbuh) reported Allah as saying “He suspends eating, drinking and gratification of his sexual passions for My sake.”

Muslims do not have to fast if they are under 12, too old, pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling or sick.