FOURTH PILLAR OF ISLAM

الصوم (As-Sawm) – Fasting

Sawm, or fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as cultivating spiritual discipline, self-control, and empathy.

Obligation of Fasting

1. Quranic Command:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)

2. Who Must Fast:

• All adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable.

• Exceptions include:

• The sick or those with chronic conditions.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women (if fasting harms them or the baby).

• Travelers (who can make up missed fasts later).

• Elderly or those unable to fast permanently (they must feed a poor person for each missed day).

What Fasting Entails

1. Physical Abstinence:

• From dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), Muslims must refrain from:

• Eating or drinking.

• Smoking or using tobacco products.

• Sexual relations.

2. Spiritual and Behavioral Restraint:

• Avoid sinful behavior such as lying, gossiping, arguing, or harmful actions.

• Focus on worship, charity, and self-reflection.

3. Breaking the Fast:

• The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar.

• It is recommended to break the fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Purpose and Benefits of Fasting

1. Spiritual Growth:

• Fasting enhances taqwa (consciousness of Allah) by reminding Muslims to obey Allah in all aspects of life.

2. Self-Discipline:

• It teaches patience, self-control, and the ability to resist temptations.

3. Empathy and Gratitude:

• Experiencing hunger helps Muslims empathize with the less fortunate and increases gratitude for blessings.

4. Physical and Mental Benefits:

• While primarily a spiritual act, fasting can also have health benefits, like improving digestion and detoxifying the body.

Key Acts During Ramadan

1. Increased Worship:

• Muslims strive to pray more, recite the Quran, and perform good deeds.

• The night prayer (Tarawih) is performed in congregation after Isha.

2. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree):

• Occurs in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

• Worship on this night is better than 1,000 months. (Quran 97:3)

3. Zakat al-Fitr:

• A charitable contribution made at the end of Ramadan, ensuring everyone can celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr: Celebration After Fasting

• Marks the end of Ramadan.

• A joyous day of celebration, where Muslims:

• Perform the special Eid prayer.

• Give Zakat al-Fitr.

• Share meals with family and friends.

Fasting Beyond Ramadan

While Ramadan is the main period of fasting, Muslims also observe voluntary fasts:

1. Six days of Shawwal (after Ramadan).

2. Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) – For non-pilgrims, it expiates sins of the previous and coming year.

3. Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) – Recommended for its expiatory rewards.

4. Mondays and Thursdays – Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

Breaking the Fast Unintentionally

• If someone eats or drinks by mistake, the fast remains valid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)