3 Top Foundations of Sawm (Fasting Fourth Pillar Of Islam)

Sawm is the Arabic term of fasting, which is the fourth pillar of Islam. In this obligation, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan. Fast means to abstain from drinking, eating, sexual activities, and any other wrongdoings. Fasting is one of the most unique worships of Allah in the month of Ramadan and a great way to collect rewards and cement a special place in Jannah.

Muslims are bound to fast after they pass the pubertal stages. In this blog, we have laid down the foundation of Sawm and the importance of fasting. So, without wasting any moment, let’s get straight into it.

however Ramadan  2024 is expected to begin around Sunday, March 10th, 2024. However, it’s important to note that the exact date will be confirmed based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

If you want to optimize your fast, you can learn Quran online with some of the best resources in town.

How Do the Muslims Fast (SAWM)?

Every day after the dawn prayer gets called, Muslims are required to make an intention to fast. Fast is broken at the Maghrib prayer. Muslims are required to offer 5 times of prayers with a smooth reading of the Holy Quran. It is not advisable to sleep or sell your time in useless activities such as playing games, sleeping the entire day, and binge-watching.

Ramadan is meant to be worshipped unlike the other months and must be given special consideration.

There is one addition of the prayer in Ramdan called Taraweeh prayers. These are to be performed in the congregation right after offering Isha prayers. Taraweeh prayers are led by the Hafiz-e-Quran who recites surahs every night for the purpose of completing the Holy Quran within 30 days.

Why do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?

Ramadan is deemed the most vital month in the eyes of a Muslim. It is because Muslims get an incredible opportunity to do devoted worship and get connected to Allah closely. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and the Holy book was revealed during this month.

What Muslims Should Do in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan?

What makes Ramadan more special and blessed are the last 10 nights of the Holy Month. On these nights, Muslims are expected to do concentrated worship and ask for forgiveness. These nights give you an exceptional chance to get close to Allah, ask for forgiveness, and collect uncountable rewards from the Almighty.

Then comes the Layla tul qadar which happens on either 26th or 27th Ramadan. This is called the night of a decree or night of power. The first 10 verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this night by Angel Jibreel. And, that is the reason why God ranks higher this month than the 1000 months collectively.

“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand. “Peace!…This until the rise of Morn!”

Many Muslims prefer spending the last ten 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion. They seclude themselves from worldly affairs and dedicate their entire time to worshipping recital of the Holy Quran, and forgiveness. Men perform Itikaf in the neighborhood mosque while Women are advised to perform Itikaf at a clean and quiet place in their homes. This gets easier for Hafiz to engage effectively in this month, as they have a good chance to memorize Quran online and recite it continuously. 

Don’t forget to learn from the best Quran tutors online to get a solid grip on your memorization and other Islamic concepts.