Fasting (Sawm) is the fourth Pillar of Islam and a profound act of worship observed during the blessed month of Ramadan. It involves abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, and sinful behavior from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), solely for the sake of Allah ﷻ.

Fasting is not just a physical act—it is a spiritual training that instills patience, self-control, and God-consciousness (taqwa).

📖 Fasting in the Qur’an:

“O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

🌙 Purpose of Fasting:

• Strengthens the soul by weakening bodily desires

• Develops empathy for the poor and hungry

• Increases mindfulness of Allah (taqwa)

• Encourages gratitude and generosity

• Builds spiritual discipline and emotional control

🕰️ Daily Routine of Fasting:

• Suhoor (Pre-dawn meal) – before Fajr

• Fasting hours – no food, drink, or sin

• Iftar (Breaking fast) – at Maghrib, usually with dates and water

• Taraweeh prayers – night prayers in congregation during Ramadan

🧍‍♂️ Who Must Fast?

• Every adult, sane, healthy Muslim

• Exceptions include travelers, the sick, menstruating women, pregnant or nursing women (they must make up or feed the needy later)

🎁 Rewards of Fasting:

• Enormous spiritual reward; only Allah knows its full merit

• The gates of Jannah (Ar-Rayyan) are reserved for those who fast

• Dua (supplication) of the fasting person is not rejected

“Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it Myself.” – Hadith Qudsi (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Final Thought:

Fasting is more than hunger and thirst—it’s a sacred journey of the soul, a time of reflection, and an opportunity to purify the heart and reconnect with Allah. Ramadan is a gift, and fasting is its crown jewel.