Sawm

Question 1

What is Sawm?

Answer 1

fasting

the 4th pillar of Islam

Question 2

What is Ramadan?

Answer 2

the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when all Muslims are required to not eat or drink during daylight hours as well as avoid evil thoughts and deeds

Question 3

Surah 2:183

Answer 3

“o ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you”

Question 4

Who is exempt from Sawm?

Answer 4

the elderly
young children
pregnant women,
those travelling 
Muslims who are physically or mentally well

Question 5

What is the significance of Sawm?

Answer 5

• the Quran says that Sawm is an obligatory duty for Muslims to perform as it is one of the 5 pillars
• Muslims believe that fasting helps them to appreciate everything that Allah has provided them
• Help Muslims to learn self-discipline
• helps Muslims appreciate what Allah has provided, develop sympathy with the poor and realise the importance of charity
• Brings the ummah together and strengthens their unity

Question 6

What is forbidden during the daylight hours of Sawm?

Answer 6

• food
• sexual activity
• bad thoughts or deeds
• smoking

Question 7

What is Laylat al-Qadr

Answer 7

the night of power

when Muhammad received a religious experience while meditating in a cave on Mount Nur during Ramadan

Angel Jibril appeared to him and revealed the Qur’an from Allah

Question 8

What is the significance of Laylat al-Qadr?

Answer 8

• remeber the gift of the Qur’an being given to humanity
• to give Muslims the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for the things they have done wrong and worship Allah
• to commemorate Muhammad receiving revelation from Allah which is believed to be the final, perfect vision of Allah words

Question 9

What does the Qu’ran say about Laylat- al-Qadr

surah 97:3

Answer 9

worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months