Fasting in Islam
1. What Is Fasting in Islam?
Fasting in Islam is called "sawm," which literally means "to hold back." In practice, it means holding yourself back from eating, drinking, sexual activity, and other things that break the fast—from dawn until sunset—with the intention of worshipping Allah. It's a very personal act of worship, because only Allah knows if you're truly fasting or not.
2. Is Fasting Really Obligatory?
Yes, fasting during the month of Ramadan is absolutely required for every capable Muslim. It's the fourth pillar of Islam. In the Qur'an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183), Allah says: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become more mindful (of Allah)." So it's not just a ritual—it's a way to grow in faith and discipline.
3. Who Has to Fast?
Fasting is required for any Muslim who is mature (has reached puberty), mentally sound, and physically able. Women who are on their period or postpartum bleeding are exempt but must make up the missed days later. People who are seriously ill or traveling can skip fasting but also have to make it up once they're able.
4. When Do Muslims Fast?
Fasting is done during Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Each day, the fast begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). Between those times, Muslims must not eat, drink, or engage in intimate relations. It's a full-day spiritual practice repeated for the whole month.
5. What About the Intention (Niyyah)?
Having the right intention, or niyyah, is essential for fasting. You need to make the intention every night before the fast starts. You don't have to say it out loud—it's enough to have it in your heart. You're doing this for Allah, and that inner intention is what makes the fast valid.
6. What Breaks the Fast?
The fast is broken if someone eats, drinks, or has sexual relations on purpose during the fasting hours. Other things that can break the fast include vomiting intentionally, menstruation, and releasing sexual fluids due to stimulation. If the fast is broken on purpose, it has to be made up, and sometimes a penalty (kafarah) applies.
7. What's the Purpose of Fasting?
Fasting isn't just about skipping meals. It's about becoming a better person—spiritually, emotionally, and morally. It teaches patience, self-control, empathy for the poor, and deepens your connection with Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all their past sins will be forgiven."
8. It's More Than Just Hunger and Thirst
Fasting also means avoiding gossip, lying, arguing, and other bad behavior. The Prophet ﷺ once said: "Many people fast and get nothing from it but hunger and thirst." That's a warning—your attitude and actions matter just as much as avoiding food and drink.
9. Are There Other Types of Fasting?
Yes, there are also recommended fasts outside of Ramadan. These include fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month (called Ayyamul Bidh), the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), and the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah). There are also obligatory fasts for vows or to make up for missed fasts or sins.
10. What If Someone Doesn't Fast on Purpose?
Skipping a fast without a valid reason is a major sin in Islam. If someone breaks their fast on purpose—especially by having sex during the day—they must fast for two consecutive months or feed 60 poor people as a penalty (this is called kafarah). It shows how seriously Islam takes fasting. But Islam also offers mercy and flexibility for those with valid excuses.