Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
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.
The meal before starting your fast is called "Suhoor".
The meal for opening your fast is called "Iftaar".
It is Sunnah to open your fast with dates, as practiced by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Sawm is a way to practice self-discipline. Muslims should make an effort to discipline their moral and ethical behavior.
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.
Muslims should do charitable and good deeds for others throughout the fast and intensify their worship and Quran reading.
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.
On this day, Muslims show their appreciation to Allah for giving them the strength and health to observe the Holy month of Ramadan.
They say prayers and express gratitude to Allah for His favors and blessings.
On Eid ul Fitr, people plan delicious feasts, wear new clothes, visit relatives, exchange Eid greetings and gifts, and distribute sweets.
Zakat al-Fitr
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.