Sawm — Fasting

Sawm, or fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, often beginning with dates and water as the Prophet Muhammad did. The pre-dawn meal is called suhoor. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month — it was during Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting is intended to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), self-discipline, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It is also a time of increased prayer, Quran recitation, and community. The night prayers during Ramadan (Tarawih) are especially valued. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), believed to fall in the last ten nights of Ramadan, is described in the Quran as "better than a thousand months." Children, the elderly, pregnant women, travelers, and the sick are exempt from fasting.

"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness" — Quran 2:183