Practices in IslamSawm

Sawm is fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Ramadan is special because it is believed to be the month in which the Prophet Muhammad began to receive revelations of the Qur’an.

Muslims who are unwell may be excused from some or all of the fast. Children under 12, the very old, and those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating or travelling also do not have to fast. Any adult who does not fast for any other reason apart from these should try to make up the fast later or donate to the poor instead.

Muslims are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds during Ramadan. The break from the routine of preparing and eating meals leaves time for extra prayer and contemplation of God, and reading the Qur’an more often.

Reasons for fasting

There are many valuable reasons for sawm, such as:

• obeying God and exercising self-discipline
• becoming spiritually stronger
• appreciating God’s gifts, which may otherwise be taken for granted
• developing empathy for the poor
• giving thanks for the Qur’an, which is believed to have been revealed in the month of Ramadan
• sharing fellowship with other Muslims

Suhur

During Ramadan, many Muslims try to eat a simple meal called suhur just before dawn, to sustain their energy through the day. There is no particular food eaten at suhur – individual families eat a variety of foods according to the culture in which they live. In the UK, it is typical to eat foods that release energy throughout the day, such as bananas, other fruits and wholegrain cereals. The idea is to keep it simple and eat enough nourishing food to feel sustained throughout the fast without being indulgent or feasting.

Iftar

When night falls, many Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar. Other Muslims break their fast with dates or water before having their meal later, as this is what the Prophet Muhammad did. Families and communities often come together in celebration for the evening meals of Ramadan.

Night of Power

It is believed that, on the Night of Power, angels come down to Earth. The Qur’an says that this night is better than a thousand months (Surah 97:3). Laylat Al-Qadr is the holiest night of the year. Muslims try to stay awake for the whole night to pray and study the Qur’an.

The Night of Power is celebrated during Ramadan. It is seen as a time of thanksgiving for the Qur’an.

Muslims come together to celebrate in the mosque, and it is believed that this is a time when Allah forgives their sins. During the month of Ramadan, the whole of the Qur’an is read from beginning to end.