Fasting (Saum)

Introduction

•4th Pillar of Islam.

•Literally means to desist or abstain from something. Also called Saum or Sayam.

•Made compulsory on Night of Miraj, Shabaan, 2 A.H.

•Fasts are started when the new moon of the month of Ramadan is sighted, and stoppedwhen the new
moon of the month of Shawwal is seen.

•Sole aim to guard against evil and make a man pious.

•Fasting is abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, marital relationships and all actsthat do not please
Allah from Subh Sadiq till sunset.

•Fasting was also prescribed for previous nations of Allah.

•Fasting is not self-torture. It is self-restraint.

Importance of Fasting

I) In Quran

Allah says:
“Fasting is for me and only I will give its rewards.”
II) In Hadith

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) says:

“Fasting is a shield.”

Philosophy of Fasting

The philosophy of fasting is to make man’s soul kind,

strengthen his determination and moderate his instincts.

Spiritual, moral, and social impacts of Fasting

I.Creates fear of Allah / Taqwa (piety). (Spiritual impact)

II)Strengthens faith in Allah. (Spiritual impact)

III) Disciplines Muslims. They learn self-restraint. (Spiritual impact)

IV) Fasting increases moral resistance of man. (Moral impact)

V) It is the best way to control passion. For example if a man has rich food, he will get a strong passion
which is the cause of all evils.. (Moral impact)

VI) Fasting fosters brotherhood, as believers understand that they are fasting forAllah and are on the
same mission. (Social impact)

VII) Muslims feel the hunger pangs of the poor and understand their plight. (Social impact)

VIII) S cientifically, it is a healthy balance in the nutrition of Muslims. (Social impact)

IX) Affects human economic life positively: Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting isthe month in which
the believers’ provision is increased. (Social impact)

Conclusion

In short, this pillar of Islam has been prescribed by Allah, and a Muslim is requested to
believe and act according to them and they contribute to the wellbeing of both the individual
and the society.