What is Saum / Fasting

The Arabic word for fasting is called "sawm" in the Quran. The word sawm literally means “to abstain”. Chapter Maryam of the Quran says that Mary the mother of Jesus said “I have vowed a "sawm" (fast) for the sake of the Merciful, so today I shall not speak to anyone.” [Quran 19:26].  According to Shariah, the word sawm means to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting.

In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year as mentioned in the verse above [Al-Baqarah 2:183]. The Quran further says "The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, wherein is guidance for humankind and the clear signs of guidance and distinction. Thus whosoever among you witness the month must fast…" [Al-Baqarah 2:184].

The entire Muslim world is unanimous in the principal of fasting in the month of Ramadan and considers it obligatory upon every person who is physically capable adult Muslim, male or female, who has reached puberty, is sane and who is not sick or traveling.

Fasting in not obligatory to a person who has not reached puberty, is insane, a  pregnant woman, a woman nursing a baby,  a woman in her menses or post-natal bleeding, a person in journey or a person who is sick.

RAMADAN TIMINGS FOR THE CITY OF ZURICH -2024