Sawm and the Fasting of Ramadan


What is Sawm?
Sawm or Fasting, during the holy month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of
Islam. The fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a
richer perception of God. Sawm during Ramadan or any time is recognized as
physically demanding but spiritually rewarding.

It is the duty of all healthy Muslims to observe the fast for this whole
month. It is done so that we will know what humility really is. Fasting is
also an exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to
the sufferings of the poor.

Who is it prescribed upon?
Fasting of Ramadan is a worship act which ordained upon every adult Muslim,
male or female if he/she is mentally and physically fit and not on a
journey. Exceptions: women during their period of menstruation and while
nursing their child, and also in case of travel and sickness for both men
and women. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy
person for every day missed.

Abstention and self control
Abstention means abstention completely from eating, drinking and intimate
sexual contact from dawn to sunset and curbing even the smallest of evil
intentions and desires.
It is not a month of starvation since nutrition and hydration are ensured at
night although it is recommended to be taken in a mood of asceticism. As one
conquers the daily habits and endures hunger and thirst, Ramadan furnishes a
first class drill in self-restraint and will power (and what would humanity
be if the faculty of self restraint is gone?)

Eating and Drinking
Ramadan also is a joyful month. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a
special meal, iftar, "break-fast; "perform additional worship, tarawih,
after evening prayer; and throng the streets in moods that are festive and
communal.

Improving physical and mental health
A fast does have positive health benefits, the stomach has been working for
24 hours a day non stop fasting will give it a rest. Although beneficial to
health it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By
cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting
person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in
one's spiritual life. Fasting is a very enriching experience as one
transcends the needs of our material component and cherishes the spiritual.
The month feels like going "into maintenance" and is almost like charging
your batteries for the rest of the year.

Teaching Mankind
It teaches man the principle of sincere love to God. Fasting teaches man
patience, unselfishness, moderation, willpower, discipline, spirit of social
belonging, unity and brotherhood.
It is not difficult to do so and this is only for one month. Is it too much
to ask? The poor are forced to do it for the 24 hours a day all year round.
When we know how lucky we are to live a comfortable live and our duty next
is to help the poor.

When does it occur?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It begins with the
sighting of the new moon. The month of Ramadan is part of the lunar
calendar, and since this is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar,
Ramadan comes eleven days earlier every year which allows fasting in various
seasons and weather throughout a life time.

What happens at the End of Ramadan
Intensified worship and charity are a feature of the month. At its
conclusion Muslims perform a special collective morning prayer. Celebration
start at the end of the Eid with a spirit of joyous achievement by four days
of celebration called eid al-fitr, the feast of the Breaking of the Fast.
Customarily, it is a time for family reunion and the favored holiday for
children who receive new clothing and gifts from family members and friends.

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