Sawm, or fasting, is the third pillar of Islam. #
All Muslims who have reached the age of puberty are required to fast during the month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims are required to:
- not eat or drink (including water) from dusk until dawn every day for the entire month.
- no lying and other bad actions throughout the fast.
- not fight, argue, use foul language, or engage in any other forbidden behavior.
Sawm is a way to practice self-discipline. Muslims should make an effort to discipline their moral and ethical behavior.
Muslims should do charitable and good deeds for others throughout the fast, and intensify their worship and Quran reading.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to break his fast with a date. It is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and is practiced by many during Ramadan.
The goal of fasting is to: #
- Cultivate righteousness (Taqwa), both in our actions and thoughts.
- By refraining from sinful behavior and working on self-control, fasting helps us grow spiritually.
- It brings benefits to our physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional state.
Eid ul Fitr #
Eid ul Fitr is one of the most famous Islamic holidays. It celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Muslims show their appreciation to Allah on this day for giving them the strength and health to observe the Holy month of Ramadan. Muslims say prayers and express gratitude to Allah for His favors and blessings.
Zakat al-Fitr
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At the end of Ramadan, every Muslim is expected to give Zakat al-Fitr or Zakat ul Fitrah as a sign of gratitude to Allah for allowing him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify people who fast from any improper behavior and to help the poor and needy.
