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:
- Backbiting
- Swearing
- Spreading rumors
- Listening to bad talk and music
- Lying
- 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
- What is the meaning of Sawm:
a) In Arabic
b) In the Sharee’ah? - In which month are Muslims required to fast ?
- In your own words, explain what Allah says about Ramadaan in Soorat al-Baqarah
Ulama Institute #1
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