Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students. Today we’re going to talk about Sawm, or fasting during the month of Ramadan, which is the fourth pillar of Islam. Sawm is not just about staying hungry or thirsty — it’s about self-control, patience, and becoming closer to Allah. In the Qur’an, Allah tells us that fasting was prescribed for Muslims so that we may attain Taqwa, which means awareness and fear of Allah. That means fasting helps us remember that Allah is always watching us, and this keeps us from doing wrong.
Fasting in Ramadan became obligatory in the second year after Hijrah. Every adult Muslim who is healthy and able must fast from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). During this time, we must avoid eating, drinking, and sinful behavior. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that fasting is one of the five pillars upon which Islam is built, so it’s a very serious and important duty.
Now let’s think about the spiritual purpose behind fasting. Fasting teaches us patience and self-discipline. It reminds us how poor people feel when they don’t have enough to eat or drink, which should make us more grateful and generous. But fasting is not just about avoiding food and drink — it’s also about avoiding bad habits like lying, arguing, or being rude. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that if someone doesn’t give up bad speech and actions, then Allah doesn’t need them to give up food and drink. So, true fasting is both physical and moral.
One of the most beautiful things about fasting is its reward. Allah says that every act of worship has a reward, but fasting is special — its reward is known only to Allah Himself. That’s because fasting is done purely for Him. No one can see if we’re fasting or not, so it’s an act of sincerity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that fasting is like a shield, protecting us from sinful behavior. And when someone annoys us during fasting, we should simply say, “I am fasting,” and stay calm.
Let’s also talk about Suhoor and Iftar, two very important parts of fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged us to eat Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, because it has blessings. And when it’s time to break the fast at Iftar, he taught us to do it quickly — not to delay it — and to begin with dates or water. It’s a small Sunnah, but following it brings great reward and connects us to the Prophet’s way.
Islam is a religion of ease, not hardship. That’s why there are exemptions from fasting for people who cannot manage it. For example, the sick, the elderly, travelers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and women during menstruation are excused. Children don’t have to fast until they reach puberty. And if someone is unable to fast at all, like the chronically ill, they can feed a poor person for each missed fast. Allah clearly says in the Qur’an that He wants ease for us, not hardship.
Now, Ramadan itself is a very special month. It’s the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, and that makes it extra sacred. Muslims increase their worship — we pray more, give charity, read the Qur’an, and perform Tarawih prayers at night. And there’s also one very blessed night — Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree — which is better than a thousand months. Worship on that night brings forgiveness and huge rewards from Allah.
Lastly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for believers on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, “O Allah, I stopped this person from food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for them.” Imagine that — our fasts will actually speak for us before Allah!
To wrap up, remember that fasting in Ramadan is not just a ritual — it’s a training for life. It teaches us patience, gratitude, and self-control. It reminds us to help the poor and to avoid sin. Through fasting, we become stronger in faith, closer to Allah, and kinder to others. So when we fast, let’s make sure it’s not just about staying hungry, but about purifying our hearts and actions as well.
