Sawm
Fasting in Ramadan, the third pillar of Islam
Section C · Living the Muslim Life
Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadan is the third pillar of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). This topic examines the purpose and significance of Sawm, those who are exempt, and the importance of Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) within Ramadan.
Key Points
- 1Sawm means fasting, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, sexual relations and sinful behaviour from Fajr to Maghrib throughout Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic calendar)
- 2Qur'an 2:183 gives the purpose: 'that you may become righteous (muttaqun)', Sawm is fundamentally about building Taqwa (God-consciousness)
- 3Ramadan is special because the Qur'an was first revealed in this month, fasting commemorates this divine gift
- 4The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar (traditionally with dates and water, following the Prophet's Sunnah); the pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor
- 5Exemptions from fasting: travellers, the ill, pregnant/breastfeeding women, elderly (Fidyah, compensation payment instead), children (not yet obligatory)
- 6Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan (often the 27th), 'better than a thousand months'; Muslims observe it with prayer, Qur'an recitation and I'tikaf
- 7Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a festival of gratitude, family, prayer and Zakat al-Fitr (charity given before the Eid prayer)
- 8Fasting teaches: self-discipline, empathy for the poor, gratitude for blessings, spiritual focus and community solidarity
Key Terms
Sawm
Fasting, the third pillar of Islam. Abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from Fajr to Maghrib throughout Ramadan to build taqwa (righteousness).
Ramadan
The 9th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, the month of fasting. It is holy because the Qur'an was first revealed during this month.
Iftar
Breaking the fast at sunset. Traditionally begun with dates and water, following the Prophet's Sunnah. Often a community/family occasion.
Suhoor
The pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins at Fajr (dawn prayer). The Prophet recommended taking Suhoor as it is a blessed act.
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power (or Night of Decree), the night the Qur'an was first revealed. Falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Described in Qur'an 97 as 'better than a thousand months'.
I'tikaf
Spiritual retreat in the mosque during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly to seek Laylat al-Qadr. The person stays in the mosque dedicating all time to worship.
Fidyah
The compensation payment made by those who are permanently unable to fast (e.g. seriously ill, elderly), feeding a poor person for each day missed.
Exam Passage
Qur'an 2:183-185
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous – [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
This passage is used in the (d) assess question for this topic. Learn it carefully.
Exam Tips
Explain · 6 marks
For 'explain why Laylat al-Qadr is important for Muslims today', THREE points: (1) it commemorates the night the Qur'an was first revealed, a cosmic event; (2) Qur'an 97 says worship on this night is worth more than 1,000 months; (3) it encourages intensive worship and reflection, renewing faith annually. Section C (a) = 1 mark, give one clear single fact.
Assess · 12 marks
Qur'an 2:183-185 gives THREE reasons for fasting: righteousness (taqwa), acknowledging the month the Qur'an was revealed, and gratitude. Use ALL THREE in your 12-mark answer. For 'Sawm builds taqwa more than any other pillar': AGREE, the Qur'an explicitly states this purpose; DISAGREE, Salah provides five-daily reminders of Allah; Hajj transforms character completely.
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Related Topics
The Revelation of the Qur'an
The Qur'an was revealed during Ramadan, Sawm directly commemorates the event described in 1.2
Islamic festivals
Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, Islamic festivals (3.7) are directly linked to Sawm
Zakah and Khums
Zakat al-Fitr (given at end of Ramadan) links fasting to the Zakah pillar