Swawum (Fasting)
The fourth pillar of Islam: sawm (fasting) in Ramadaan
Fasting means abstaining from things which break the fast, such as food, drink and intercourse, from the break of true dawn until sunset, with the intention of fasting.
The relationship of patience to faith is like that of the head to the body. Allah has enjoined upon this ummah fasting for one month of the year, in order to draw closer to Allah, to avoid that which Allah has forbidden, to get used to being patient, to bring the nafs (self) under control, to compete in generosity and to demonstrate cooperation and mutual compassion. Allah says
“O you who have faith! Observing the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious” [al-Baqarah 2:183]
What are the virtues of Ramadan?
The month of Ramadan is a great month, in which Allaah revealed the Quran. The reward for good deeds, acts of charity and acts of worship are multiplied in this month. In it is Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. The gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the shayateen (devils) are tied up.
Who must fast in Ramadan? Allah has made fasting the month of Ramadan obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim, male and female alike, as He says;
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights of the the month (of Ramadan ), he must observe fasting that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number of days must be made up from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. He wants that you must complete the same number of days, and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [Quran 2:185]
There is a great reward with Allaah for fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: