The Meaning of Sawm

What does sawm mean and how important is it to Muslims?

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• Sawm means, to abstain from doing something.
• In the Sharee’ah, sawm means, to abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
• Sawm is obligatory upon every mature and able Muslim, during the month of Ramadaan, which is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar.

Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’aan

“The month of Ramadaan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’aan, 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; and whoever is ill or on a journey- then an equal number of other days.” (Soorat al-Baqarah: 185)

• Allah ﷻ gives Muslims a special reward for fasting. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said that Allah ﷻ said,

“Every act of the children of Aadam (عليه السلام) is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it.” [Muslim]

When Muslims fast they should avoid:

1. Backbiting
2. Swearing
3. Spreading rumors
4. Listening to bad talk and music
5. Lying
6. All other misdeeds

• When Muslims fast, they should try to recite the Qur’aan more, remember Allah ﷻ , give more charity and strive to worship Allah ﷻ . This is especially important during the last ten days of the month. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ increased his worship in the last ten days of Ramadaan.

Discussion questions for comment

1. What is the meaning of Sawm:
   a) In Arabic
   b) In the Sharee’ah?
2. In which month are Muslims required to fast ?
3. In your own words, explain what Allah says about Ramadaan in Soorat al-Baqarah

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