Sawm ( fasting) means to abstract. It is the 4th pillar of islam, & it is to refrain ourselfes from eating starting from sunrise to subset in the 9th month of the muslim calender which is Ramadhan.
Healthy muslims who are able to fast stop all their eating/ drinking during those hours. The people who are exempt from fasting are the old, young children, poorly, travellers, pregnant or breastfeeding.
This act was first perscribed in 623 and it is pure obediance to allah.
This month for muslims is known as a very blessed month, as it is the time when the holy qur'an was revealed & also in which prophet muhammad( pbuh) states the gates of heaven are opened & hell is locked.
BENEFITS OF FASTING....
Muslims believe that fasting is a sheild from wrong doing. It also teaches us to develop self control within us. The reward for fasting & keeping away from all the forbidden things is equivalent of having all your sins forgiven. Abandoning your normal life, engaging more in ibadah ( worship), reading the qur' an more & remembering allah is also highly advisable.
LAST 10 DAYS OF RAMADHAN...
As mentioned before the holy qur'an was revealed in ramadhan in the last 10 days, but it is not clear exactly when this night occures. It is called Layla - tul - qadr. The night of power/ decree. Muslims spend all last 10 nights in prayer.
This month also encourages us to remember the poor more & give charity to the needy as much as we possibly can.....
