Islam

Question 1

What is sawm?

Answer 1

Sawm is the fourth pillar and means fasting.

Question 2

When does the obligation to fast begin?

Answer 2

The obligation to fast begins on the first day of Ramadan (the ninth month of the islamic year).

Question 3

What is suhur?

Answer 3

Suhur is the meal just before fasting starts at dawn.

Question 4

What is iftar?

Answer 4

Iftar is the meal breaking the fast at night.

Question 5

Who should fast?

Answer 5

All muslims above the age of puberty except the sick, the elderly, breastfeeding women and menstruating women.

Question 6

How much of the Qu’ran should be read each day during ramadan?

Answer 6

One thirtieth of the Qu’ran is read each day so that at the end of Ramadan the whole Qu’ran has been read.

Question 7

What is the history of sawm?

Answer 7

Muslims believe that fasting has always been a part of islam.

Question 8

Surah 2 says ‘Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you.’ What does this mean?

Answer 8

For generations, people have fasted and this means that we should fast as well.

Question 9

Why is sawm during Ramadan important for Muslims?

Answer 9

• Fulfilling the fourth pillar of islam.
• Thanking Allah for the Qu’ran
• Closer to God
• Self control

Question 10

What is Laylat al-Qadr? What do muslims believe about the night of power?

Answer 10

Laylat al-Qadr is the night of power.
Muslims believe:
- Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qu’ran
- Prayers are equivalent to 1000 months of prayers
- Religious insight