Sawm — The Blessed Fast
Obligation
Fasting Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam, obligated in the Quran (2:183): "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa."
Who Must Fast?
Sane, adult MuslimsPhysically capableNot travelling (unless hardship)Women not in menstruation or post-natal bleedingWhat Breaks the Fast (Muftirat)?
Eating or drinking intentionallySexual relationsIntentional vomitingInjection of nutrientsMenstruation beginningWhat Does NOT Break the Fast
Unintentional eating (forgetting)Rinsing mouth (without swallowing)Injections for medical treatment (scholarly difference)Using miswak (tooth stick)Applying eye drops (scholarly difference)Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power in the last 10 nights — better than 1,000 months (Quran 97:3). Seek it in the odd nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
Voluntary Fasts
6 days of Shawwal (after Ramadan)Mondays and Thursdays13th, 14th, 15th of each Islamic month (Ayyam al-Bid)Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) + day before or after