Fasting (Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam and a deeply spiritual act of worship that involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is most famously observed during the month of Ramadan, a time of heightened devotion, self-restraint, and community. But fasting in Islam is more than physical abstinence — it is a means of attaining taqwa (God-consciousness), cleansing the soul, and developing discipline and empathy.
Fasting was prescribed for Muslims as it was for previous nations, highlighting its universal importance. It is a divine command meant to cultivate piety and closeness to Allah.
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous." 2:183
Fasting is an opportunity to break habits, purify the heart, and renew one’s commitment to Allah.
The obligatory fast is during Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. From Fajr (dawn) until Maghrib (sunset), Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, marital relations, and sinful behavior. Each day begins with suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and ends with iftar (meal to break the fast).
"And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset." 2:187
Fasting is not meant to cause hardship, and exceptions exist for the sick, elderly, travelers, pregnant/nursing women, and others.
The essence of fasting is not just to go hungry — it is to build taqwa. Fasting disciplines the ego, weakens desire, strengthens willpower, and teaches gratitude and empathy for the less fortunate.
"Fasting is a shield; so when one of you fasts, let him not behave obscenely or act ignorantly. And if someone insults him, let him say, 'I am fasting.'" Hadith - Bukhari
Every moment of restraint becomes a form of worship, and every hunger pang reminds the soul of its need for Allah.
Ramadan is a sacred time of mercy, forgiveness, and liberation from the Fire. It includes increased Qur’an recitation, night prayers (Tarawih), charity, and reflection. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.
"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an – a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion." 2:185
Fasting in Ramadan is not only a command — it is a celebration of faith, patience, and unity.
The reward for fasting is immense — it is so special that only Allah knows its true value. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that all actions have a known reward, "except fasting — it is for Me, and I shall reward it."
"Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven." Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim
Fasting is also a shield from Hellfire and a source of elevated ranks on the Day of Judgment.
Beyond Ramadan, Islam encourages voluntary fasting throughout the year. Some recommended fasts include:
These fasts help maintain the spiritual momentum of Ramadan and draw the believer closer to Allah throughout the year.
Fasting is one of the most personal and powerful acts of worship in Islam. It teaches patience, humility, gratitude, and submission. It purifies the body, sharpens the heart, and elevates the soul.
By observing fasting with sincerity and mindfulness, Muslims fulfill a core pillar of their faith and journey toward becoming more conscious, disciplined, and compassionate servants of Allah.