Sawm

Cultivating Discipline Through Sawm

“Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.”

The Divine Command

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo kutiba AAalaykumu assiyamu kama kutiba AAala allatheena min qablikum laAAallakum tattaqoon

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied, a single deed as ten times the like of it up to seven hundred times. Allah Almighty said, ‘Except for fasting, as it is for Me and I will reward it.'”

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Types of Fasting

Ramadan (Obligatory)

The fourth pillar of Islam, observed during the 9th month of the lunar calendar.

Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal is a blessed Sunnah.
Iftar: Breaking fast at sunset, ideally with dates.
Nullifiers: Eating, drinking, relations during the day.

Nafl (Voluntary)

Additional fasts to draw closer to Allah and gain extra rewards.

Weekly: Mondays and Thursdays.
Monthly: The White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of lunar month).
Annual: 6 days of Shawwal, Day of Arafah, Ashura.

Spiritual Goals

Maximize the blessings of your fast

Your Learning Path

Curated guides for every stage of your journey

Frequently Asked Questions

When does fasting begin and end?
Fasting begins at true dawn (Fajr time) and ends at sunset (Maghrib time). You must stop eating before Fajr and break your fast immediately after sunset.
What invalidates the fast?
Eating or drinking intentionally, sexual intercourse, induced vomiting, and menstruation/post-natal bleeding invalidate the fast.
Does swallowing saliva break the fast?
No, swallowing your own saliva does not break the fast. However, swallowing phlegm or someone else’s saliva should be avoided.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Children, travelers, the sick, pregnant or nursing women (if they fear harm), and women on their period are exempt. Missed days must usually be made up later.
What is the Niyyah (Intention) for fasting?
You must have the intention to fast before Fajr. For Ramadan, many scholars say one intention at the start of the month is sufficient, while others recommend a nightly intention.
Is brushing teeth allowed while fasting?
Yes, using a miswak or toothbrush is allowed, provided you do not swallow the toothpaste or water.
What is the reward for fasting?
Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi: ‘Fasting is for Me, and I shall reward for it.’ It is a shield from the Fire and a means of entering Paradise through the gate of Ar-Rayyan.
Can I use eye drops or ear drops?
Opinions vary, but generally, anything that does not reach the stomach/throat is permissible. Consult a local scholar for specific medical queries.