Fast (Sawm)

The word ‘Sawm' refers to the obligation for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. During the days of Ramadan all adult Muslims will give up the following things during the hours of daylight, from sunrise to sunset:

Food or drink of any sort.

Smoking.

Sexual activity.

Any wrong doing which is prohibited to do in Islam.

Note: Muslims who are physically or mentally unwell may be excused from holding fast.

Among these people who may be excused for holding fast are:

Very old Muslims which find it very difficult to hold fast.

The pregnant women,

Breast-feeding women, who if hold fast it will effect her breast feeding her child.

Women in her time of month (menstruation time).

A Muslim who is travelling more than 45 miles away from His or her place of residence.

Above mentioned were some of the problems that allow a worshipper to not hold fast.

Once the sun has set, Muslims are allowed to eat and drink. However, although it is the custom in many countries that the evening meal for breaking the fast, known as (‘Iftaar), should not resemble a banquet. Because Month of Ramadhan and holding fast is about holding oneself from eating and drinking in order the body and digestion system can have rest or use the excess fat which has been reserved around the body. Therefore the breaking of the fast is not an excuse to eat excessively.

Muslims should not eat a huge meal in ‘Suhur' before sunrise, though food should be always eaten in moderation.

Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well.

There are many reasons for fasting.

• First and foremost is the fact that by holding fast, Muslims are obeying the commands of Allah.
• Holding fast will remind Muslims to remember the poor and needy who do not have food or provisions.
• The hunger that is felt gives Muslims some indication of the suffering of others and acts as a persuasion to remember these people and to help them.
• 
  Fasting also helps Muslims to develop their character and faith. Fasting teaches believers self-control helping them to free themselves from the bonds of reliance on set meal times. Abstaining from food and drink also helps Muslims to focus on worship, giving them time to reflect on their faith and strengthen it.

Recently, scientists have discovered many biological benefits of holding fast. The research shows, during the time that a person is not eating, the body digestion system can focus on its other functions like balancing the red and white blood cells or fourteen other important functions, rather than focusing constantly on digestion of food. Therefore fasting improves a person's health as their organs are able to repair and work properly.

At the end of month of Ramadhan, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid Al-Fitr. They attend special morning prayers. then celebrate with food and often gifts.

However, Muslims are reminded to remember that the lesson they learned from this holy month should not be forgotten; they should not indulge in food and waste it simply because they have the opportunity to eat during daylight hours again.