Sawm Flashcards
What is sawm?
the fourth pillar, means fasting
When should a Muslim fast?
can fast voluntarily at any time. compulsory during month of Ramadan - all over age of puberty (though special exemptions)
What is not allowed during sawm?
food, drink, smoking, lying, gossiping, swearing, anger, sex from dawn till dusk
What else happens during sawm?
two special meals a day: iftar at night and suhur before dawn
extra prayers
whole of Qur’an read over month of Ramadan
why is sawm important?
- fulfils fourth pillar of Islam
- Ramadan is a way of thanking God for the Qur’an, the greatest gift
- closer to God
- promotes self-control, needed to practise faith properly
- unites community
- brings families together and strengthens bonds
How do Muslims celebrate the night when Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an
Laylat al-Qadr -‘Night of Power and Excellence’
all try to attend mosque on 27th night of Ramadan
celebrated with special prayers and read the Qur’an
Why is the Night of Power and Excellence important for Muslims?
- commemorates revelation of Qur’an
- commemorates calling of Muhammad
- some Muslims believe it is the Night of Destiny- God decides everything that will happen in coming year
- praying on this night is the best prayer
(a hadith says is better than praying for 1000 months) - praying in mosque on Laylat al-Qadr can bring forgiveness for all sins
SofA for sawm
Surah 2 says Muslims must fast for set number of days during Ramadan to learn self- restraint
Surah 96: ‘On the Night of Power, Muhammad was commanded by God’
