O you who believe! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you

Let’s explore the meaning and significance of fasting (صَوْم) in Islam, as mentioned in the Quran.

1. What is Fasting (صَوْم)?
   • Fasting (صَوْم), also known as sawm, refers to abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
   • The term “sawm” is derived from the Arabic word meaning “to refrain” or “to abstain.”
2. Purpose of Fasting:
   • Allah addresses believers in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).
   • The primary purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa (piety) and closeness to Allah.
   • By abstaining from physical needs during fasting, believers cultivate self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual awareness.
   • Fasting serves as a reminder of the less fortunate and encourages acts of charity and compassion.
3. Spiritual Benefits:
   • Self-Control: Fasting teaches self-control over desires and urges.
   • Increased Devotion: The extra acts of worship during Ramadan, such as increased prayers and recitation of the Quran, strengthen faith.
   • Empathy: Experiencing hunger and thirst fosters empathy for those who face these challenges daily.
   • Forgiveness: Fasting provides an opportunity for seeking forgiveness and purification of the soul.
   • Community Bonding: The communal aspect of breaking fast together fosters unity among Muslims.
4. The Month of Ramadan:
   • Fasting is obligatory during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
   • Ramadan is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and seeking Allah’s blessings.
   • The fast begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib).
   • The pre-dawn meal is called suhoor, and the meal to break the fast is called iftar.

In summary, fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual practice that goes beyond physical abstinence. It is a means to draw closer to Allah, purify the heart, and strengthen one’s faith.

Read Complete Translation and Tafseer here.