Ṣawm (Fasting) (صَوْم) or fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and a profound act of worship that connects Muslims with Allah through self-control, discipline, and reflection. Unlike Zakāh, which emphasizes social responsibility, or Ṣalāh, which establishes daily devotion, Ṣawm develops taqwā (God-consciousness) by teaching Muslims to resist desires and focus on spiritual growth.
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’ān:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
At JH Quran Academy, we emphasize that Ṣawm is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but about purifying the heart, improving character, and strengthening faith.
1. What is Ṣawm (Fasting)?
Ṣawm (Fasting) means to abstain. In Islamic law, it means refraining from food, drink, sexual relations, and sinful behavior from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), with a sincere intention to worship Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ explained:
“Fasting is a shield. So the one who is fasting should not use foul speech or act ignorantly. If someone fights him, let him say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1894; Sahih Muslim, 1151)
2. Qur’ānic Foundations of Fasting
Fasting in Ramadan is directly commanded in the Qur’ān:
- “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.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185) - “And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
These verses highlight that fasting is both an obligation and a blessing.
3. Who Must Fast?
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on every:
- Adult Muslim
- Sane and healthy
- Resident (not traveling)
- Free from menstruation or post-natal bleeding (for women)
Exemptions:
- Children (before puberty)
- Elderly unable to fast
- Sick or travelers (must make up later or give fidyah if unable)
4. Spiritual Goals of Ṣawm
The main purpose of fasting is to attain taqwā (God-consciousness).
a) Discipline of Desires
Fasting controls hunger, thirst, and physical urges.
b) Spiritual Reflection
In Ramadan, Muslims increase Qur’ān recitation, prayers, and dhikr.
c) Social Compassion
Experiencing hunger creates empathy for the poor.
d) Reward from Allah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah says: Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. The fasting person leaves his desires, food, and drink for My sake.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1904; Sahih Muslim, 1151)
5. Daily Routine of Ramadan
- Suḥūr (Pre-dawn meal): Sunnah and source of blessing.
“Eat suḥūr, for in suḥūr there is blessing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1923) - Fasting Hours: From Fajr to Maghrib, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sinful acts.
- Iftār (Breaking fast): Sunnah to break fast with dates and water.
“The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1957) - Tarāwīḥ & Qiyām al-Layl: Special nightly prayers in Ramadan.
6. Types of Fasting in Islam
- Obligatory (Farḍ): Ramadan fasts, vowed fasts, expiatory fasts (kaffārah).
- Voluntary (Nafl): Sunnah fasts like Mondays & Thursdays, ʿArafah, ʿĀshūrāʾ, and six days of Shawwāl.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved fasting to Allah after Ramadan is the fasting of Allah’s month, Muḥarram.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1163)
7. Benefits of Fasting
Spiritual Benefits
- Increases sincerity (only Allah knows one is fasting).
- Strengthens self-control.
- Wipes away sins.
Physical Benefits
- Helps detox the body.
- Builds healthy eating habits.
- Improves metabolism when practiced properly.
Social Benefits
- Promotes charity and generosity.
- Strengthens community ties during ifṭār gatherings.
8. Consequences of Neglecting Fasting
Fasting in Ramadan is a major obligation. Neglecting it without excuse is a serious sin.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever breaks a day of Ramadan without a concession or illness, he cannot make it up by fasting the rest of his life, even if he fasted it.”
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, 1672)
9. Practical Guidance for Muslims
- Plan meals wisely to avoid overeating at ifṭār.
- Focus on Qur’ān and dhikr rather than just hunger.
- Avoid time-wasting activities like excessive entertainment.
- Give zakāt and ṣadaqah during Ramadan for multiplied reward.
At JH Quran Academy, our teachers guide students on how to spiritually maximize Ramadan, from tajwīd classes to tafsīr sessions.
Frequently Ask Question
Ṣawm is fasting in Islam, abstaining from food, drink, and desires from Fajr to Maghrib.
Children, elderly, sick, travelers, pregnant or nursing women, and women in menstruation.
Eating, drinking, sexual relations, intentional vomiting, and actions nullifying intention.
Allah Himself rewards it directly (Hadith Qudsi, Bukhari 1904).
Yes, missed fasts due to illness or travel must be made up later.
No, there are also voluntary fasts (Mondays, Thursdays, ʿArafah, ʿĀshūrāʾ, etc.).
Conclusion
Ṣawm is a journey of discipline, purification, and closeness to Allah. It teaches Muslims to control their desires, feel for the needy, and strengthen their relationship with the Qur’ān.
At JH Quran Academy, we help students understand the true essence of fasting—not only abstaining from food, but also from anger, gossip, and heedlessness. By combining Qur’ānic learning with practical guidance, we prepare Muslims to make every Ramadan a source of lifelong transformation.
May Allah accept our fasts, forgive our sins, and grant us taqwā.