Sawm: Fasting in Ramadan

Obligation

Sawm (الصوم) refers to fasting during the month of Ramadan, the fourth pillar of Islam. It was prescribed in the second year after the Hijrah. Allah says: 'O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa' (Quran 2:183).

Definition

Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from the true dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), with the intention of worship. The intention must be made before Fajr for obligatory fasts according to the majority of scholars.

Conditions

Fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim who is sane, has reached puberty, is resident (not traveling), and is physically able. Women who are menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding do not fast but must make up the missed days later.

What Breaks the Fast

Deliberately eating or drinking, marital relations, intentional vomiting, menstruation or postnatal bleeding, and cupping (according to some scholars). Unintentional eating or drinking due to forgetfulness does not break the fast according to the hadith: 'Whoever forgets and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for Allah has fed him and given him drink' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1933).

Exemptions

The sick, travelers, pregnant and nursing women (if they fear harm), the elderly who cannot fast, and those with chronic illness may break their fast. Travelers and the sick make up the days later. Those permanently unable to fast pay fidyah (feeding one poor person per missed day).