Meaning, Types and Significance of Sawm for Primary 4

Sawm (Fasting)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of Sawm (fasting);
2. state the types of Sawm;
3. identify the significance of Sawm;
4. describe Sawm (fasting).

Meaning of Sawm

Sawm is an Arabic word that means “to abstain” or “to refrain”.

In Islamic terms, Sawm means to abstain from food, drink, and other things that break the fast, from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), with the intention of worshipping Allah.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a special act of worship that Muslims perform to show their obedience and devotion to Allah.

Qur’an Reading and Memory Verse

The Holy Qur’an teaches Muslims about the importance and rules of fasting. The main verse that makes fasting obligatory for Muslims is:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Ayah 183:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Meaning: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

This verse reminds Muslims that fasting is a command from Allah and helps them become more righteous and God-conscious.

Types of Sawm

There are different types of Sawm in Islam. Some are obligatory, meaning they must be performed, while others are supererogatory, meaning they are optional but bring great rewards.

Obligatory Fasting

Obligatory fasting is Sawm that every Muslim must perform if they are able. Not performing it without a valid reason is a sin.

The types of obligatory fasting include:

1. Ramadan Fasting: This is the most well-known type of obligatory fasting. Muslims fast for the entire month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

2. Expiation Fasting (Kaffarah): This type of fasting is performed to make up for certain mistakes or broken oaths. For example, if a person breaks an oath or commits certain sins, they may be required to fast for a specific number of days as an expiation (Kaffarah).

Supererogatory Fasting

Supererogatory fasting is optional fasting that Muslims perform to gain extra rewards from Allah. These fasts are not compulsory but are highly recommended.

Examples of supererogatory fasting include:

1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Muslims follow his example to earn rewards and blessings.

2. Fasting on Arafat Day: Arafat Day is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It is the day when pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat during Hajj. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly recommended and is believed to forgive sins of the past and coming year.

Significance of Sawm

Fasting has many important benefits and lessons for Muslims. These benefits are known as the significance of Sawm.

Spiritual Upliftment

Fasting helps Muslims feel closer to Allah. When a person fasts, they learn to control their desires and focus on worshipping Allah. This strengthens their faith and makes them more aware of Allah’s presence in their lives. It helps in developing self-control and patience.

Love and Affection

When a person fasts, they experience hunger and thirst. This helps them understand the feelings of poor people who often go without food and water. This experience increases their love and affection for others, especially those less fortunate, and encourages them to help them.

Health Promotion

Fasting gives the body a rest from continuous eating and digestion. It can help improve a person’s health by allowing the digestive system to cleanse itself. It also encourages healthy eating habits during the non-fasting hours.

Endurance

Fasting teaches Muslims patience and endurance. It requires a person to resist hunger, thirst, and other desires for many hours. This practice builds strong willpower and the ability to endure difficulties, which are important qualities in life.

How to Observe Sawm

Observing Sawm involves specific actions and intentions. To perform Sawm correctly, a Muslim follows these steps:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Before dawn, a person must make the intention (Niyyah) in their heart to fast for the sake of Allah. This intention can be made the night before or before Fajr (dawn) prayer.

2. Pre-dawn Meal (Sahur): It is recommended to eat a light meal before dawn breaks. This meal is called Sahur and helps provide energy for the day of fasting.

3. Abstinence: From the moment of dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), the person must abstain from:

   1. Eating any food.
   2. Drinking any liquid.
   3. Other actions that break the fast, such as smoking or engaging in marital relations.

4. Breaking the Fast (Iftar): As soon as the sun sets (Maghrib), the fast is broken. It is Sunnah (practice of the Prophet) to break the fast with dates and water. This meal is called Iftar.

5. Good Conduct: During fasting, Muslims are encouraged to avoid bad habits like lying, backbiting, and arguing. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also from bad deeds and words.