Sawm Flashcards
What does sawm commemorate?
Fasting in the month of Ramadan commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation of the Qur’an. This happened on the 27th night of Ramadan and is known as the Night of Power.
What do Muslims do during this month?
Go without food and drink during the daylight hours for the whole month. (Practice commanded in the Qur’an and that Muhammad followed).
Who is exempt from fasting?
The sick, people who are travelling on long journeys and pregnant women or women who are menstruating.
Why are the final 10 days of Ramadan especially important?
The Hadith says that it was during this time that the Night of Power occurred. Some Muslims will make a point of taking these 10 days as a holiday so they can focus on worship.
What is believed about the practice of Muhammad to spend these last 10 days doing?
To spend the last 10 days of Ramadan at the mosque in study of the Qur’an and prayer.
What is a taraweeh prayer?
Prayers said every night at the mosque during Ramadan?
What do Muslims that have not attended previous taraweeh prayers aim to do?
Go to the taraweeh prayer during the last 10 days.
What brings an end to Ramadan and sawm?
The new moon, indicating the start of the month of Shawwal. Marked with the celebration of Id-Ul-Fitr (festival of fast breaking).
What does participating in sawm mean for Muslims?
By participating in sawm, Muslims believe that their sins will be forgiven by Allah.
What does sawm help them to do?
Appreciate the needs of others, develop a greater sense of empthay and ideally a greater willingness to help. Muslims are thankful to Allah for all that he has given them and their dependence on him should increase.
What is a muttaqi?
A person full obedient to Allah. Sawm helps Muslims to become this.
What is taqwa?
The development of obedience to Allah. This is what helps keep Muslims away from sin.
Many Muslims will spend extra time studying the Qur’an and praying during the month of Ramadan. What does this do?
This increases their sense of closeness to Allah. It heightens their awareness and understanding of their faith and draws them together as a united community.
Key quote: Surah 2:183
‘O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.’
Key quote: Surah 2:187
‘You can tell a white thread from a black one in the light of the coming dawn. Then resume the fast till nightfall.’
