the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
It is a divinely prescribed annual training exercise
to attain physical and spiritual well being.
The Arabic word for this exercise is sawm or
'abstaining from certain things.'
Muslims are required to abstain from food,
drink and sex from dawn to sunset.
Exemptions are given to those in special situations
such as sickness, menstruation and long distance
travel. They are required to replace the missed
days.
The beginning of the fast is preceded by taking
a small meal (sahur) followed by declaring one's
intention (niat) to fast to please Allah The Most
Merciful.
The niat distinguishes the fast of Islam from
just starving under a diet plan.
Muslims break their fast (iftar) at the time
of the call to prayer for the maghrib prayer.
During the hours of fasting, Muslims carry
on with their normal duties but with
greater awareness of the need to avoid
sinful acts and increase their good deeds.
The Prophet (pbuh) was reported to have said:
"Whoever did not give up lying and practicing
falsehood, Allah is in no need of his giving up
food and water." [Bukhari]
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