Sawm (Fasting in Islam) JSS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

 SAWN (FASTING IN ISLAM)

Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting in Islam. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which means it is a very important part of being a Muslim. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast for the whole month.

Why Do Muslims Fast?

Muslims fast because Allah (God) has commanded them to do so in the Holy Qur’an. Allah says:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

The main reasons for fasting include:

1. Obeying Allah: Muslims fast to follow Allah’s command and show their love and obedience to Him.
2. Becoming more righteous: Fasting helps Muslims become better people by teaching them self-control and patience.
3. Feeling empathy for the poor: When Muslims feel hungry during fasting, they understand how people who don’t have enough food feel every day.
4. Thanking Allah for His blessings: Fasting helps Muslims appreciate the food, water, and other blessings that Allah has given them.
5. Strengthening willpower: By controlling their desires for food and drink, Muslims strengthen their ability to resist other temptations and bad habits.

Who Must Fast?

Fasting in Ramadan is required for:

• Adult Muslims (who have reached puberty)
• Who are mentally sound (able to understand what fasting means)
• Who are physically healthy and able to fast
• Who are not traveling long distances
• Women who are not menstruating, pregnant, or nursing babies

Who Is Excused From Fasting?

Some people do not have to fast during Ramadan:

1. Children who have not reached puberty (though many children practice fasting to learn)
2. Sick people whose health might get worse if they fast
3. Travelers on long journeys (though they must make up missed fasts later)
4. Elderly people who are too weak to fast
5. Pregnant and nursing women who are worried about their health or their baby’s health
6. Women during their monthly periods (they must make up missed fasts later)
7. People with mental disabilities who cannot understand the meaning of fasting

People who miss fasts for temporary reasons (like sickness or travel) must make up those fasts later when they can. People who cannot fast at all due to permanent conditions (like chronic illness or old age) must feed a poor person for each day they miss (this is called Fidyah).

What Makes Fasting Valid or Invalid?

Things that break the fast (make it invalid):

1. Eating or drinking intentionally – If someone forgets and eats or drinks, their fast is still valid
2. Sexual relations during fasting hours
3. Deliberately vomiting
4. Beginning of menstruation or childbirth bleeding

Things that do NOT break the fast:

1. Bathing or swimming (as long as water is not swallowed)
2. Using toothpaste or mouthwash (as long as it’s not swallowed)
3. Smelling perfumes or cooking food
4. Taking injections or medicines that don’t provide nourishment
5. Unintentional vomiting
6. Swallowing your own saliva

Types of Sawm (Fasting)

There are different types of fasting in Islam:

1. Fard (Obligatory) Fasting:
   1. Fasting during the month of Ramadan
   2. Making up missed Ramadan fasts
   3. Fasting as a penalty for breaking certain religious rules
2. Sunnah (Recommended) Fasting:
   1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
   2. Fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month
   3. Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal (after Ramadan)
   4. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)
   5. Fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) and the day before or after it
3. Nafl (Voluntary) Fasting:
   1. Fasting on any day except the forbidden days
4. Makruh (Disliked) Fasting:
   1. Fasting only on Fridays or Saturdays
   2. Fasting on the Day of Doubt (when it’s not clear if Ramadan has started)
5. Haram (Forbidden) Fasting:
   1. Fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
   2. Fasting on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (Days of Tashriq)
   3. Fasting everyday without breaks
   4. Fasting when it might harm one’s health

A Typical Day of Fasting

Before Dawn (Suhoor time):

1. Muslims wake up before dawn to eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor
2. They make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated during the day
3. They make their intention (Niyyah) to fast for the day
4. They stop eating and drinking before Fajr prayer time begins

During the Day:

1. Muslims avoid eating, drinking, and other things that break the fast
2. They try to do more good deeds like:
   1. Reading the Qur’an
   2. Giving to charity
   3. Being kind to others
   4. Praying extra prayers
3. They avoid bad behavior like:
   1. Getting angry
   2. Using bad language
   3. Fighting or arguing
   4. Backbiting (talking badly about others)

At Sunset (Iftar time):

1. Muslims break their fast as soon as the sun sets (Maghrib prayer time)
2. Following the Prophet’s example, they often break their fast with dates and water
3. They say a special dua (prayer) for breaking the fast
4. They eat a meal called Iftar
5. Many Muslims go to the mosque for Maghrib prayer and later for Taraweeh prayers (special Ramadan night prayers)

Benefits of Fasting

Spiritual Benefits:

1. Increases God-consciousness (Taqwa)
2. Makes Muslims more grateful for Allah’s blessings
3. Helps Muslims focus more on worship
4. Teaches patience and self-discipline
5. Brings Muslims closer to the Qur’an (many try to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan)

Social Benefits:

1. Creates unity as Muslims worldwide fast together
2. Encourages charity and helping the poor
3. Strengthens family bonds through shared suhoor and iftar meals
4. Teaches empathy for those who are less fortunate
5. Builds community through communal iftar gatherings

Health Benefits:

1. Gives the digestive system a rest
2. May help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
3. Can help with weight management
4. Might improve mental focus and clarity
5. May strengthen willpower that helps break bad habits

Ramadan: The Month of Fasting

Ramadan is special for many reasons:

1. The Qur’an was first revealed in this month
2. The last ten nights contain Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power), which is better than a thousand months
3. Good deeds are rewarded much more in this month
4. It’s a time for increased prayer, charity, and reading the Qur’an
5. Families and communities come together for iftar meals and prayers

Eid al-Fitr: Celebrating the End of Ramadan

After completing the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr:

1. Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr (a special charity) before the Eid prayer
2. They take a bath and wear their best clothes
3. They attend a special Eid prayer at the mosque or prayer ground
4. They greet each other saying “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid)
5. They visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals
6. Children often receive money or gifts

Conclusion

Sawm (fasting) is not just about avoiding food and drink. It is a complete training program for the body, mind, and soul. Through fasting, Muslims learn self-control, empathy, gratitude, and closeness to Allah. The month of Ramadan is a special time when Muslims around the world unite in this important act of worship.

Fasting teaches important life lessons that Muslims carry with them throughout the year. By feeling hunger, they remember the poor. By controlling their desires, they strengthen their willpower. By increasing their worship, they draw closer to Allah. These lessons make fasting one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam.