sawm

Sawm refers to the Islamic practice of fasting, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

Sawm (or ṣawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and signifies the mandatory fasting observed during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It involves abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and inappropriate behavior from dawn until sunset.

The fast is both physical and spiritual, intended to cultivate piety, patience, empathy, and mindfulness of God (taqwā). The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, traditionally starting with dates. A light pre-dawn meal, suḥūr, is also encouraged.

Sawm is obligatory for all adult Muslims, except for certain categories: children, the sick, elderly, travelers, menstruating women, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Compensation through fasting at a later time or charitable giving (fidya) is possible for those unable to fast.

While Ramadan fasting is the most prominent form, additional voluntary fasts are encouraged in Islamic tradition, though they are not obligatory.