Sawm (الصوم) fasting. Is the fourth pillar of Islam.

It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) with the intention of worshiping Allah.

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FastING (Dua)

Niyyah (Intention) for Fast:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
“Nawaitu sawma ghadin lillahi ta’ala min shahri Ramadan.”
(“I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah in the month of Ramadan.”)

Recite Before Breaking the Fast

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem”
(“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”)

Recite After Breaking the Fast

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
“Dhahaba al-zama’u, wabtallati al-‘urooq, wa thabata al-ajru in sha’ Allah.“
(“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills”)

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KEY ASPECTS

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Obligatory Fasting (Ramadan)
  • Fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all adult Muslims, except for those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, nursing, elderly, or facing hardship.
  • The fast begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset) each day.
  • Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is encouraged before fasting begins.
  • Iftar (breaking the fast) is done at sunset, traditionally with dates and water, followed by a meal.

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Voluntary Fasting

In addition to Ramadan, fasting is recommended on:

  • Mondays and Thursdays (following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
  • The 13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month (White Days).
  • The Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) – great reward for forgiveness of sins.
  • The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) – to seek expiation for past sins.

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Who is Exempt from Fasting?

Those who are unable to fast due to illness, pregnancy, menstruation, breastfeeding, travel, or old age are exempt. They can:

  • Make up the fast later (if possible).
  • Pay Fidya (feeding a poor person per missed fast) if unable to make it up.

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Spiritual and Health Benefits of Fasting
  • Strengthens self-discipline and patience.
  • Encourages gratitude and empathy for the less fortunate.
  • Provides spiritual purification and a chance to seek forgiveness.
  • Supports physical health by detoxifying the body.

Fasting in Islam is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it is a time for self-reflection, prayer, increased worship, and strengthening the relationship with Allah.