The Benefits of Sawm

The benefits that Sawm holds for a Muslim
benefits of during the month of Ramadaan

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• The following ahaadeeth give us an idea of the benefits (virtues) of fasting:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Sawm is a shield against the Hellfire like the shield of one of you in battle.” (Ahmad and others)

The Prophet ﷺ said:”Verily the fasting person has a supplication that will not be rejected when he breaks his Sawm (i.e. at the end of the day).” (Ibn Maajah)

• Sawm provides many benefits for the soul, society, and health. One of the spiritual benefits of Sawm is that it helps Muslims to again patience. It teaches one self-control and helps one to practice restraint. Sawm also brings about Taqwaa (piety) in the soul and increases it.
  The abovementioned ahaadeeth also point out how Sawm protects a Muslim. One of the social benefits of sawm is that it encourages unity justice, and equality within the Muslim community. It is intended to help all people in a community and increase the feeling of brotherhood in Islam, whereby all Muslims love each other for the sake of Allah. All Muslims who fast experience a feeling of mercy and a desire to do good deeds. Sawm also protects the society from evils and bad habits.
• There are many health benefits of Sawm. It cleanses the intestines and is good for the stomach. It also purifies the body and removes excess fat from the stomach. It is true that a person feels fitter and stronger when fasting because the body is cleansed of all impurities in the process.
• Sawm during the month of Ramadaan has many benefits which cannot be compared to the rest of the months. The most important benefit lies in the removal of all the sins of the one who observes Sawm during this month. A Muslim must seize all opportunities that are beneficial to him or her.

قال رسول الله من صام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه (رواه البخاري ومسلم)

The Prophet said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan with faith and awaiting the reward with Allah alone, will have his previous sins forgiven.” Al-Bukhaari and Muslim

• These many rewards will not be achieved by only staying away from food and drink. It will be achieved by those who observe Sawm in the proper manner, staying away from lies, backbiting, and bad behavior. While fasting, a Muslim keeps his ears, eyes, tongue, and all other parts of his body away from evil, so that all parts of his body are obedient to Allah. When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hellfire are closed. This indicates to all Muslims the importance of fasting during the month of Ramadaan, and the great spiritual reward that awaits the person who observes Sawm. In the last night of Ramadaan, Allah forgives all the sins of those who really observed Sawm in the proper manner and removes every act of disobedience from their record of deeds.
• It is clear that Sawm has many benefits for a Muslim who practices it in the proper manner. The benefits increase during Ramadaan and every person must make an effort to secure all the spiritual benefits that can be obtained during this special month.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (سورة البقرة : ١٨٣)

What we learn from the lesson:

1. Sawm provides many benefits for the soul, society and health.
2. It strengthens a Muslim’s patience.
3. Sawm brings about Taqwaa (piety).
4. It encourages unity, justice and equality within Muslim communities.
5. Sawm protects the society from evils and bad habits.
6. Sawm during the month of Ramadaan holds many benefits.
7. When Ramadaan starts, the gates of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed.