Swawm

Sawm (Fasting) in the Holy Month of Ramadhan – One of the Five Pillars of Islam

Sawm, or fasting, in the holy month of Ramadhan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a compulsory act of worship upon every adult Muslim who is physically and mentally able. As a pillar of the religion, it is not optional or symbolic; it is foundational to Islamic practice and spiritual development. Through Sawm, faith is translated into disciplined obedience.

Allah states in the Qur’an: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa” (Qur’an 2:183). The objective of fasting is the cultivation of taqwa  conscious awareness of Allah that governs behaviour, intention and decision-making. Sawm therefore develops both spiritual vigilance and moral restraint.

Ramadhan holds unique status because it is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed (Qur’an 2:185). Throughout this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). The fast begins with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and ends with Iftar at sunset. This structured daily discipline reinforces self-control, time consciousness and accountability before Allah.

However, Sawm extends beyond physical abstention. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that whoever does not abandon false speech and wrongful conduct, Allah has no need of his leaving food and drink. This clarifies that fasting is a holistic exercise: it purifies speech, moderates anger, refines character and strengthens sincerity. The believer learns to control desires and align conduct with Islamic ethics.

Ramadhan also strengthens social cohesion and responsibility. Experiencing hunger cultivates empathy for those in hardship. Acts of charity increase, including Zakat and voluntary Sadaqah. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr to ensure that the vulnerable can celebrate with dignity. This reflects Islam’s integrated model of spiritual devotion and social justice.

Islam provides balanced concessions. Those who are ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant or otherwise unable to fast are exempt, with clear guidelines for making up missed days or providing compensation (fidya) where appropriate. This demonstrates that while Sawm is obligatory, Islam does not impose undue hardship.

The final ten nights of Ramadhan are particularly significant, especially Laylat al-Qadr, described as better than a thousand months (Qur’an 97:3). Increased prayer, Qur’an recitation and supplication during these nights deepen spiritual transformation and repentance.

In conclusion, Sawm in the holy month of Ramadhan is not merely abstention from food and drink. It is a structured programme of self-discipline, ethical refinement and spiritual elevation. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it anchors faith in consistent action, renews the believer’s relationship with Allah, and reinforces responsibility towards society.