Fasting (sawm) during the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam, a sacred act that purifies the soul and strengthens taqwa (God-consciousness). It teaches patience, self-restraint, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Allah commands:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
"O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنْبِهِ"
"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven."
— Sahih al-Bukhārī (38)
Etiquette of fasting includes:
Intending the fast sincerely for Allah.
Avoiding anger, backbiting, and vain speech.
Eating the pre-dawn meal (suhoor).
Breaking the fast promptly at sunset (iftar) with dates or water.
Increasing worship, charity, and Qur'an recitation.
The companions loved Ramadan; Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) would intensify his worship, and Aisha (RA) described the Prophet's devotion during the month as more intense than at other times.
Fasting refines character, renews spirituality, and brings immense reward.