References: The Articles Of Faith And The Pillars Of Islam: Fasting, Sawm, Including The Way It Is Observed, Its Significance And Those Exempted

The Articles Of Faith And The Pillars Of Islam: Fasting, Sawm, Including The Way It Is Observed, Its Significance And Those Exempted

Qur’anic References (Obligation of Fasting)

• “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā.” (2:183)
• “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an…” (2:185)
• “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread…” (2:187)

Hadith References (Importance of Fasting)

• The Prophet said: “Islam is built upon five… fasting in Ramadan…”
• The Prophet said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.”
• The Prophet said: “Fasting is a shield.”

How Fasting (Ṣawm) Is Observed

Intention (Niyyah)

Hadith References

• “Actions are judged by intentions.”

Time of Fasting

Qur’anic References

• “Eat and drink until dawn becomes clear… then complete the fast until night.” (2:187)

Daily Routine

• Begin fast:
  • Before dawn (Suḥūr)
• End fast:
  • At sunset (Iftār)

Acts Avoided During Fast

• Eating and drinking
• Marital relations
• Sinful actions

Qur’anic References

• “Fasting is prescribed…” (2:183)

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course

Significance of Fasting

1. Development of Taqwā (God-Consciousness)

Qur’anic References

• “So that you may attain taqwā.” (2:183)

Key Concept

• Strengthens:
  • Awareness of Allah

2. Self-Discipline and Control

Hadith References

• The Prophet said: “Fasting is a shield.”

Key Concept

• Controls:
  • Desires and habits

3. Empathy for the Poor

Qur’anic References

• “And feed the poor…” (2:184)

Key Concept

• Develops:
  • Compassion

4. Spiritual Growth

Qur’anic References

• “The month of Ramadan… guidance for mankind.” (2:185)

Key Concept

• Encourages:
  • Qur’an recitation
  • Worship

5. Forgiveness of Sins

Hadith References

• “Whoever fasts Ramadan… will have his sins forgiven.”

Key Concept

• Opportunity:
  • For purification

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course

Those Exempted from Fasting

Qur’anic References

• “Whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days…” (2:184–185)

Categories of Exempted People

• Sick persons
• Travellers
• Elderly
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (if harm feared)

Key Concept

• Flexibility:
  • In Islam
• Missed fasts:
  • Must be made up (Qaḍā) or compensated (Fidyah)

Additional Practices in Ramadan

Increased Worship

Qur’anic References

• “Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Decree.” (97:1)

Hadith References

• The Prophet encouraged:
  • Night prayer (Tarāwīḥ)

Charity

• Increased giving:
  • During Ramadan

Summary Table

Key Concepts from References

• Ṣawm:
  • One of Five Pillars
• Combines:
  • Physical and spiritual discipline
• Encourages:
  • Taqwā, patience, compassion

Frequently Used References in Exams

• 2:183 → Obligation
• 2:185 → Ramadan
• 2:187 → Timing
• 2:184 → Exemptions
• Hadith: “Fasting is a shield”

How This Topic Appears in Exams (Reference Use)

• Students should:
  • Explain:
    • How fasting is observed
  • Describe:
    • Its importance
    • Exemptions
  • Use:
    • Qur’anic and Hadith references
• Link:
  • Fasting → Spiritual and social benefits

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course