Fasting (Sawm)

Almost every religion on earth encourages some form of fasting. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the prophets before him (peace be upon them) all called upon their followers to fast: "O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may be pious and learn self-restraint." (2:183) Islam prescribes complete fasting - complete abstinence from food, drink (including water), smoking, and sexual activity from dawn until the time of the sunset prayer (about twenty minutes after the sun actually sets).

Although fasting is recommended on many days, it is required during every day of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. One reason why the month of Ramadan was decreed by Allah for this honor is because the Qur'an was first revealed during the month of Ramadan on a night called "The Night of Destiny" (laylat al-qadr). Muslims believe that on this night, every year, Allah determines the fate of all people for the year to come, and a chapter of the Qur'an was revealed about this night:

Verily, We have sent it [the Qur'an] down on the Night of Destiny

And what would make you know what the Night of Destiny is?

The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months;

He sends down the angels, and the Spirit during it by His will for every matter;

Peace! Till the rising of the dawn. (Chapter 97)

So that people would worship Allah copiously for many nights, the exact night of the Night of Power has been kept a secret, but it most likely falls on the 19th, the 21st, or the 23rd of the month of Ramadan.

As with prayer, the benefits of fasting are innumerable and can only be appreciated by those who practice it. Fasting strengthens the willpower, teaches discipline, encourages sympathy with the poor, breaks bad habits, improves the health, and establishes a sense of religious brotherhood and sisterhood. But the strongest benefits are spiritual; Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), has said: "Fasting is to deepen and strengthen faith." Fasting sharpens the spiritual awareness and imbues a sense of gratitude towards Allah.

Aside from giving up their own food and drink, those who fast are also encouraged while fasting to give charity towards the poor and needy in society.

An Introduction to Islam

The Advent: Monthly AIM Newsletter

Holy Month of Ramadhan in Islam

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