Saum (Fast)

Fasting became obligatory in the 2nd year after Hijrah. This same year, Zakat and the Battle of Badr also occurred. The timing shows how fasting was part of building discipline and identity for the early Muslim community in Madinah.

The command of fasting is found in Surah al-Baqarah (2:183). The verse says fasting was prescribed for believers just as it was for previous nations. This links fasting with a universal tradition of worship and self-purification.

The kaffarah (atonement) for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without valid reason is either feeding 60 poor people or fasting 60 continuous days. This heavy penalty shows the seriousness of fasting. It acts as both punishment and purification.

Bab al-Riyan is the special door of Paradise for those who observed fasting. Only fasting people will enter through it. This honor shows the immense reward of Saum. It highlights fasting’s status among acts of worship.

Tarawih comes from the Arabic word for “rest.” It refers to the night prayer in Ramadan where breaks were traditionally taken between sets. It became a practice to pray long portions of the Qur’an in congregation.

The Battle of Badr occurred on 17th Ramadan, 2 A.H., the same year fasting became obligatory. Despite fasting, Muslims achieved victory against overwhelming odds. This showed the spiritual strength gained through Ramadan.

It was Umar ibn al-Khattab who arranged Tarawih in congregation during his caliphate. Before that, people prayed it individually or in small groups. Umar organized it under one imam, strengthening unity.

Ramadan is called Sayyid al-Shuhoor, meaning “Leader of months.” It is the most sacred month in Islam. Fasting, Qur’an revelation, and Laylat al-Qadr occur in it. Its virtues surpass all other months.

There are 5 days in the Islamic year when fasting is forbidden: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the three days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul Hijjah). These are days of feasting and gratitude, not abstinence.

Wajib means “ordained” or obligatory. It refers to acts that must be performed, though in some schools it is a level slightly below fard. In the context of fasting, it shows the binding nature of Ramadan fasts.

The first ashra (ten days) of Ramadan is known as Ashra al-Rahmah (Mercy). It emphasizes Allah’s boundless compassion. Muslims seek mercy through worship and repentance in these days.

The second ashra is Ashra al-Maghfirah (Forgiveness). Muslims focus on seeking Allah’s pardon for sins. It is a time of cleansing hearts through tawbah (repentance). Forgiveness opens the way to salvation.

The last ashra is Ashra al-Nijat (Salvation). It highlights freedom from Hellfire. These nights include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. Muslims intensify worship in these final days.

Sawm means fasting — abstaining from food, drink, and desires from dawn to sunset for Allah’s sake.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Qur’an 2:183: 'O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you...'

The fast begins at true dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib).

Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal taken before beginning the fast.

Iftar is the meal taken to break the fast after sunset.

Niyyah (intention) is required before dawn for a valid fast.