Sawm (Fasting)
Fasting teaches patience, self-control, and empathy for the poor. It is not only abstaining from food and drink but also from sinful acts. Ramadan is a time of reflection, worship, and spiritual growth.
Highlights
Fasting Hours
Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).
Spiritual Growth
Fasting teaches patience, self-control, and gratitude.
Month of Ramadan
It is the holiest month, where the Qur’an was revealed.
Dua for Closing the Fast (Sehri – Intention before Fajr)
It is not necessary to say exact words aloud; making the intention in the heart is enough. But many people recite:
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaitu min shahri Ramadān
👉 “I intend to fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”
Dua for Opening the Fast (Iftar – at sunset)
When breaking the fast, the Prophet ﷺ used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنتُ، وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika āmantu, wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu, wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu
👉 “O Allah! I fasted for You, I believe in You, I rely upon You, and with Your provision I break my fast.”
Another authentic supplication for iftar is:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba adh-dhama’, wabtallatil-‘urooq, wa thabatal-ajr in shaa Allah
👉 “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
Frequently asked questions
It is fasting during Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and sinful acts.
Every healthy adult Muslim, except children, elderly, sick, pregnant, or travelers.
Eating, drinking, or engaging in prohibited acts during fasting hours.
To gain closeness to Allah, self-discipline, and empathy for the poor.
