Sawm (Fasting) SS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Sawm means to not eat, drink, or do certain other actions from dawn until sunset. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. When we fast, we follow Allah’s command and learn to be patient and thankful.

Types of Fasting

1. Obligatory (Wajib) Fasting:
   1. Fasting during the month of Ramadan
   2. Fasting to make up for missed Ramadan fasts
   3. Fasting as a punishment for breaking certain rules
   4. Fasting to fulfill a promise made to Allah
2. Voluntary (Nafl) Fasting:
   1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
   2. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)
   3. Fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)
   4. Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal
   5. Fasting three days in the middle of each month

The Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is special because:

• The Holy Quran was first revealed in this month
• Fasting in this month is required for all adult Muslims
• It is a time of extra prayers, charity, and good deeds
• The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) is in this month, which is better than 1000 months

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

Who Must Fast?

Fasting is required for Muslims who are:

• Adult (have reached puberty)
• Sane (of sound mind)
• Healthy (not sick)
• Not traveling long distances
• Not pregnant or nursing (though they should make up the fasts later)
• Not menstruating or experiencing post-childbirth bleeding (they make up the fasts later)

How to Fast Properly

1. Before Dawn (Suhoor):
   1. Eat a meal before dawn (Suhoor)
   2. Make the intention (niyyah) to fast
2. During the Day:
   1. Do not eat or drink anything
   2. Do not smoke
   3. Do not have marital relations
   4. Try to avoid bad behavior like lying, backbiting, or fighting
3. At Sunset (Iftar):
   1. Break the fast when the sun sets
   2. It is Sunnah to break the fast with dates and water
   3. Say the dua (prayer) for breaking the fast

Benefits of Fasting

Physical Benefits:

• Gives the body a chance to rest and heal
• Can help with weight management
• May improve health conditions
• Teaches self-control with food and drink

Spiritual Benefits:

• Increases taqwa (God-consciousness)
• Teaches patience and self-discipline
• Makes us grateful for Allah’s blessings
• Helps us understand how poor people feel
• Strengthens our willpower
• Brings us closer to Allah

Social Benefits:

• Creates unity as Muslims fast together
• Encourages giving charity to those in need
• Strengthens family bonds through shared meals
• Builds community through group prayers

Things That Break the Fast

1. Eating or drinking on purpose
2. Vomiting on purpose
3. Beginning menstruation
4. Having marital relations
5. Injections that provide nutrition

Things That Do Not Break the Fast

1. Eating or drinking by mistake (then stopping when you remember)
2. Swallowing saliva
3. Tasting food without swallowing (for cooking)
4. Taking a shower or swimming
5. Using toothpaste (without swallowing)
6. Using perfume or smelling nice things
7. Vomiting without meaning to

Special Acts During Ramadan

1. Taraweeh Prayer: Special night prayers during Ramadan
2. Increased Quran Reading: Many Muslims try to read the entire Quran
3. Itikaf: Staying in the mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan
4. Laylatul Qadr: Looking for the Night of Power, especially in the odd nights of the last 10 days
5. Extra Charity: Giving more to help others

Eid-ul-Fitr

After Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr:

• Special Eid prayer in the morning
• Giving Zakat-ul-Fitr (special charity) before the prayer
• Wearing nice clothes
• Visiting family and friends
• Exchanging gifts
• Eating special foods

Lessons We Learn From Fasting

1. Taqwa: Becoming more aware of Allah and what He wants from us
2. Gratitude: Being thankful for food, water, and all blessings
3. Empathy: Understanding how hungry people feel
4. Self-control: Learning to control desires and bad habits
5. Community: Feeling connected to Muslims around the world
6. Charity: Being more generous to those in need
7. Patience: Training ourselves to be patient in difficult times

Hadith About Fasting

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.”
• “When one of you is fasting, he should not behave badly or speak rudely. If someone fights with him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.'”
• “Fasting is a shield (protection).”

Conclusion

Fasting is not just about not eating and drinking. It is about becoming a better person. When we fast, we train our bodies, minds, and souls. We learn to control our actions and become more aware of Allah’s presence. Fasting helps us become more patient, grateful, and kind to others.