3. Fasting (Sawm):
Fasting is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan. Muslims
must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk during this month, and are
to be especially mindful of other sins. The fast is meant to allow Muslims to
seek nearness and to look for forgiveness from Allah, to express their
gratitude to and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and to remind
them of the needy. During Ramadan, Muslims are also
expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining
from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, profane language, gossip and to try to
get along with fellow Muslims better. In addition, all obscene and irreligious
sights and sounds are to be avoided.
People who can
miss the fast:
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory, but is forbidden for
several groups for whom it would be very dangerous and excessively problematic.
These include pre-pubescent children, those with a medical condition such as diabetes,
elderly people, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Observing fasts is not
permitted for menstruating women. Other individuals for whom it is considered
acceptable not to fast are those who are ill or traveling. Missing fasts
usually must be made up for soon afterward, although the exact requirements
vary according to circumstance.
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