Fasting (Sawm)

Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting. All adult Muslims are required to fast in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad began in this month.
When Muslims fast they do not eat or drink from dawn until sunset. They also try their best to be kind, polite and not to lie, backbite or lose their temper.

There are several reasons that Muslims fast – the most important one is to grow closer to God (taqwa). It also helps them to feel for the poor. Fasting also teaches a person self control and discipline.

There are also some medical benefits to fasting, while the body is not busy digesting food, it has time to rest and detoxify.

Click here for a wordsearch on Ramadan and fasting.