Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting, and it is the fourth pillar of Islam. Here we briefly explores the practice of Sawm (fasting) in Islam with references, so anyone can understand this holy practice of Muslims. Here we cover its definition, rules, significance, and other additional information. Let's dive in.
Definition of Fasting
Fasting means abstaining from certain activities for a specific time. In Islam, fasting is called sawm. It is an obligatory act of worship and a pillar of Islam.
Fasting rules in Islam require you to stay away from taking food, drinking, and sexual activity for a specific time of day, from sunrise to sunset more precisely.
Fasting is not just a physical act. It also helps develop self-control and God-consciousness.
The definition of fasting in Islam is connected to earlier religious practices. Allah says in the Quran:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous” (Quran 2:183)
Other religions, like Christianity and Judaism, also observe fasting.
In Islam, it strengthens faith and builds discipline. Overall, by sawm, Muslims fulfill their duty to Allah (SWT) while purifying their soul. It is a way to grow spiritually, seek forgiveness, and show compassion to others.
Types of Fasting
There are many types of fasting in Islam that we can broadly categorize into two main categories. Let’s see which are these.
Obligatory Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligatory act for every healthy adult Muslim. As Allah has said in the Quran,
شَهۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ هُدٗى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٖ مِّنَ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَٱلۡفُرۡقَانِۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُۖ
"The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, 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.”
[Al-Baqarah 2:185]
Hence, Ramadan is a special time for Muslims to focus on spiritual growth and increase moral values.
Voluntary Fasting
Any fasting or sawm that is not an obligation (Fard) for a Muslim falls in this category.
Voluntary fasting is known as nafl or sunnah depending on when or why you are fasting. Sunnah, meaning it follows the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
These fasts allow Muslims to deepen their connection with Allah outside Ramadan. These fasts can be observed on any permissible day. But some days have extra values for fasting.
Important Voluntary Fastings
Below is a list of voluntary fasts that are mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with their details.
- Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on these days. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
“The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
[Al-Tirmidhi, 747]
Abu Qatadah al-Ansari reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He replied,
"I was born on that day, and that’s when I received the Revelation."
[Muslim, 1162]
From these hadiths you can understand the significance of Mondays and why it is rewarding to fast on these days.
- The Six Days of Shawwal
Observed after Ramadan, fasting six days of Shawwal is equivalent to fasting for an entire year. These days can be non-consecutive but cannot include the day of Eid al-Fitr.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1164a]
- The White Days (Ayyam al-Bid)
These are the 13th, 14th, and 15th day of each Islamic lunar month. They are called "White Days" due to the full moon lighting up the night. Fasting on these days is like fasting perpetually.
Qatadah Ibn Malhan al-Qaysi narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to encourage us to fast on the white nights: the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month. He said,
"This is like keeping perpetual fast."
[Sunan Abi Dawud 2449]
- The Day of Arafah
Observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, this is the most blessed day of the year. Fasting on this day is Sunnah and helps to expiate the sins of the past and coming year. Those who are not performing Hajj should fast on this day.
When asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162b]
- The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)
Fasting on this day atones for the sins of the previous year. It is Sunnah to fast on the 9th or 11th along with it to distinguish Muslims from other traditions celebrating Muharram. The following are mentioned in the Hadiths,
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the past year."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162]
He also encouraged fasting on the 9th with it, saying:
"If I live until next year, I will fast the 9th day (of Muharram)." [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1736]
- Fasting in Sha’ban
The Prophet (PBUH) would fast most of Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan. It is a preparation for Ramadan, but excessive fasting is discouraged after the second half.
Aisha (RA) said:
"The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast so much in Sha’ban that I thought he would not break his fast, and he used to not fast so much that I thought he would not fast."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1969]
- First Nine Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
These days are highly virtuous, with fasting recommended, especially on Arafah (9th). Fasting on these days is Sunnah. Engaging in other good deeds during this period is also emphasized. It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast during the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah. He said:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days."
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1727]
- Fasting on Alternate Days (Fasting of Prophet Dawud)
The most beloved form of fasting, where one fasts every other day. This requires significant discipline and is recommended for those who can handle it. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud: he used to fast one day and not fast the next."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3420]
Why Do We Fast During Ramadan?
Let’s explore why we fast during this holy month one by one.
- An Obligation in Islam
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims must fast if they are able to, it is ordained in the Holy Quran. This act shows commitment to Allah (SWT). It strengthens faith and brings countless rewards.
- A Path to Forgiveness
Fasting helps Muslims seek forgiveness for past sins. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 38]
Therefore fasting in Ramadan is a chance to reflect and renew one’s relationship with Allah (SWT).
- Build Empathy
Fasting lets us feel the hunger that many face daily. It builds gratitude for what we have and feel empathy for those who lack basic needs. This act also teaches generosity and unity by encouraging charity.
- Connecting with Allah (SWT)
Ramadan helps Muslims focus on their Creator. Fasting builds taqwa (God-consciousness) and strengthens faith. The Quran says,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ
"O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah."
[Al-Baqarah 2:183]
- Practicing Self-Discipline
Fasting teaches us to restrain from desires. It reduces worldly distractions and reminds Muslims of their purpose. This simple practice helps achieve spiritual growth.
- The Night of Power
Laylat-al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Worship during this night carries rewards equal to 1,000 months. Allah (SWT) says,
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَٰهُ فِي لَيۡلَةِ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ
“Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree”
[Al-Quran 97:1]
When Do Muslims Fast?
Muslims fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This month holds special meaning as it marks the time when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Quran. But how long do Muslims fast? The sawm starts at dawn and ends at sunset.
Fasting is not limited to Ramadan. Muslims can fast on other days, as mentioned before, except on certain forbidden days. These extra fasts are voluntary but rewardable acts of worship.
What are the days You cannot fast?
Fasting is a major act of worship in Islam, but there are days when fasting is not allowed. These restrictions follow specific guidelines. Here are them according to the fasting rules in Islam:
- You cannot fast on the two days of Eid ul-Fitr.
- Do not fast during the three days of Eidul-Adha.
- Avoid fasting only on Friday or Saturday unless required. But one must fast on Friday and Saturday in Ramadan. Fasting is also allowed if it falls on a sunnah fasting day.
- Never fast on the "Day of Doubt," the day before Ramadan unless it’s a usual fasting day.
- Women need their husband's permission for voluntary fasts.
Meals During Fasting
There are two special meals for Muslims when they fast. These are-
Suhur (Pre-Dawn Meal): Before fasting starts, Muslims eat a meal called Suhur. This happens before the Fajr prayer, the first prayer of the day. They eat light but filling food and drink water to prepare for the day. Suhur can be eaten until the first light of dawn when sunlight starts to appear.
Eating Suhur is very significant. As it prepares you for the fast for the upcoming day. As you stay nourished, you get more energy to say your prayers and dhikr. If this doesn't motivate you to get up and take Suhur, remember it is also a Sunnah.
Iftar (Breaking the Fast): Muslims break their fast with a meal called Iftar. It begins right after the Maghrib prayer at sunset. Most people eat dates and drink water first, just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. After that, they enjoy the main meal, which varies by culture and family traditions.
Basic Rules of Fasting
Now that you know when do Muslims fast, let’s break down the fasting rules in Islam clearly:
Who Is Required to Fast?
Fasting is required for all adult, sane, and healthy Muslims.
Actions That Invalidate the Fast
- Eating and Drinking
- Sexual activities during fasting hours.
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Menstruation
- Postpartum bleeding
- Smoking
Permitted Actions While Fasting
Bathing, using perfume, and taking injections do not break the fast.
Forgetfully eating or drinking also doesn’t invalidate it, as long as you stop when you remember.
How to Observe Fasting Properly
Make your intention (niyyah) daily before dawn. Avoid arguments, bad language, and negative behavior. Focus on prayer, charity, and reading the Quran.
Following these rules ensures your fasting is valid and spiritually beneficial. It’s a chance to connect deeply with faith.
Conditions when Obligatory Fasting is exempted
Non-muslims are not obligated to fast. Even some Muslims are exempted from fasting based on specific conditions according to fasting rules in Islam. As described in the Quran,
فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٖ فَعِدَّةٞ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُكۡمِلُواْ ٱلۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ
“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.”
[Al-Baqarah 2:185]
Let’s explore the conditions that exempts Muslims from fasting:
Minors: Children who haven’t reached puberty are not obligated to fast.
Mentally insane: Those who are mentally ill or unaware of their actions are exempted.
Travelers: Muslims who travel long distances can skip fasting but must make up for missed fasts later.
Ill people: Sick people can skip fasting and make up for it when they recover. Those with permanent illnesses can give fidya. Fidya is like a compensation you have to pay for each sawm that a sick person misses. You can pay it in monetary amounts or meals.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Women in these conditions can delay fasting and make it up later.
Menstruating women and post-natal bleeding: These women must skip fasting and make up for missed days later.
Elderly people: Elderly people who are unable to fast because health issues are also exempted from fasting.
These rules highlight when Muslims fast and when they are excused, ensuring everyone observes Islam’s teachings according to their abilities.
Conclusion
All in all, Sawm in Islam strengthens faith and teaches self-control and empathy. Muslims fast to obey Allah and seek forgiveness. Fasting reminds Muslims of their purpose and helps build stronger relationships with others.