Ṣawm — Fasting in Ramadan (Years 8–11) — Islamic Studies

Fasting from dawn to sunset in Ramadan; its purposes, who is excused, and the celebration of Eid al-Fiṭr.

Ṣawm is the fourth pillar: fasting during the month of Ramadan. From dawn until sunset, a Muslim refrains from food, drink and other things that break the fast, turning the whole day into an act of worship and self-control.

Why this matters Fasting builds taqwā — mindfulness of Allah. By choosing to go without, even in private, a Muslim strengthens their willpower, feels empathy for the hungry, and learns that they can master their desires rather than be ruled by them. Ramadan renews the heart each year.

How the fast works

Muslims wake before dawn for a light meal (suḥūr), then fast through the daylight hours. When the sun sets, they break the fast (ifṭār), traditionally with dates and water, before the Maghrib prayer. Ramadan is also a month of extra prayer, reading the Qur'an, and generosity.

The purposes of fasting

Taqwā — growing conscious of Allah in all we do.
Empathy — feeling the hunger of the poor and being moved to help them.
Self-control — training the body and mind to resist wants and habits.

Who is excused

Islam is a religion of mercy, and fasting is not required from those who cannot bear it. Those excused include:

Young children who have not yet reached the age of fasting.
People who are ill, and those who are travelling.
The very elderly, and, according to the guidance of the schools, women in certain circumstances such as pregnancy or nursing when it would harm them or the child.

Some who miss fasts make them up later; others give a set amount of food to the needy instead, as the schools explain.

Eid al-Fiṭr

When Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fiṭr, the festival of breaking the fast. There is a special Eid prayer, giving of charity to the poor (so all can share in the joy), good food, new clothes and visits to family and friends. It is a happy reward after a month of worship.

A day of fasting in Ramadan, from the pre-dawn meal to breaking the fast at sunset.

Common exam mistake: giving a vague answer like “some people don't have to fast”. The exemptions are specific named groups — young children, the ill, travellers, the very elderly, and, per the schools, women in certain circumstances such as pregnancy or nursing when it would cause harm.

Exam technique: name the specific excused groups precisely rather than a general statement, since mark schemes reward each named category (children, ill, travelling, elderly, and the circumstances the schools describe).

Put these parts of a fasting day in order:

Suḥūr — the meal eaten before dawn
Fajr — the fast begins
Fasting through the daylight hours
Maghrib — the fast is broken with ifṭār