Fasting in Islam

Sawm (Arabic: صوم, romanized: ṣawm; Hebrew: צום, romanized: tsom; Persian: روزۀ, romanized: ruzah; Turkish: Oruç; Urdu: روزہ, romanized: roza) is an Islamic practice of fasting, observed during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a fundamental practice for Muslims. The primary purpose of Sawm is to foster self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for those less fortunate. The practice is not unique to Islam; similar fasting traditions exist in other religions, including Judaism (e.g., Yom Kippur), Christianity, and Hinduism. During Ramadan, Muslims wake up before dawn to have a pre-fast meal known as suhoor and break their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marking the end of the fasting period.