What Does the Quran Say About Fasting Exploring Ayahs on Sawm

What is Sawm in Islam? What is the Quran about fasting verses? Sawm, or fasting, is a profound act of worship that has its roots in the Quran’s teachings. It is a spiritual practice intended to cleanse the soul, develop self-discipline, and bring believers closer to Allah. It goes beyond simply avoiding food and liquids.

The Quran encourages believers to express thanks, introspection, and a greater understanding of Allah’s benefits by fasting. Let’s examine the wisdom of the Quran that underlies this wonderful deed and discover its deep significance for the human spirit.

What the Quran Says About Fasting: Key Verses on Sawm

There are many verses in the Quran about fasting that emphasize its significance. It is an act of devotion and self-discipline. Fasting brings us closer to Allah and guides us to the right path. Below we will discover some of the beautiful verses about fasting:

1. Quran about fasting: Obligation of Fasting

” O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183):]

This verse highlights the purpose of fasting which includes achieving taqwa (righteousness) and connects it with earlier communities, showing its universal significance.

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2. Duration of Fasting

Allah Almighty says in the Quran about fasting:

” ˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, is better for them. And to fast is better for you if only you knew.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)]

This verse from the Quran about fasting provides flexibility for those facing hardships while emphasizing the spiritual merit of fasting.

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3. The Month of Revelation: Ramadan

 “Ramaḍan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)]

This verse from the Quran about fasting emphasizes the spiritual link and thankfulness connected to this holy month by connecting the Quran’s revelation to the practice of fasting throughout Ramadan.

4. Quran about fasting: Night of Fasting

Allah Almighty says in the Quran about fasting:

” It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves. So He has accepted your repentance and pardoned you. So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you. ˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful ˹of Him˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)]

This verse makes it simpler for believers to observe this act of worship by offering helpful advice on the parameters of fasting.

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5. The Spiritual Advantages of Fasting

” Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for ˹all of˺ them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)]

This verse emphasizes that one of the good practices that leads to Allah’s forgiveness and great reward is fasting.

Quranic Verses on the Importance of Fasting in Islam

We learn from the Quran about fasting and its importance, here are some of them:

1. Fasting as a Path to Righteousness

” O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)] 

This verse underscores the primary objective of fasting is attaining taqwa (righteousness and consciousness of Allah).

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2. Quran about fasting: Fasting as a Universal Obligation

” ˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)]

From this verse from the Quran about fasting we understand that if a person is not capable of fasting then there are alternative measures. But if the person is capable of fasting then it is better to fast, as it is a highly rewarding act of worship.   

3. The Blessed Month of Ramadan

Allah says in the Quran about fasting:

“Ramaḍan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)]

The holy Quran was revealed to our beloved prophet in the month of Ramadan, which positions Ramadan as a sacred month.

4. Fasting as a Means to Forgiveness and Reward

Allah says in the Quran about fasting in Surah Al-Ahzab:

” Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for ˹all of˺ them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)]

From this verse, we understand that fasting brings us Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.  

5. Fasting as a Spiritual Training

The Quran says the following about fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them.

Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves. So He has accepted your repentance and pardoned you. So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you.

˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them.

This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful ˹of Him˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)]

This verse emphasizes the disciplined nature of fasting, helping believers to become more conscious of Allah and their boundaries.

6. Fasting as a Form of Patience

” And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45)]

While not explicitly mentioning fasting, this verse links patience (which fasting cultivates) to seeking Allah’s help, making it a critical act of submission and reliance on Him.

How to Implement the Quran’s Teachings on Fasting

Fasting according to the principles of the Quran is more than just denying oneself food, liquids, and other necessities. It entails matching the Quran’s teachings with one’s deeds, aspirations, and spiritual objectives. Here is a helpful manual for applying the lessons of the Quran regarding fasting:

1. Recognize the Goal of Fasting

The purpose of fasting, according to the Quran, is to develop taqwa or righteousness:

 “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)]

We learn from the Quran about fasting to Reflect on our intentions before fasting. Aim to strengthen your relationship with Allah and increase self-discipline.

2. Prepare for Ramadan

 “Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)]

• Begin by increasing your Quranic recitation and understanding.
• Set personal goals for self-improvement, such as giving up bad habits or increasing acts of worship.

3. Follow the Prescribed Rules of Fasting

Allah says in the Quran about fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

 “˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)]

 To begin your fast with energy, get up for suhoor, or the pre-dawn meal.

In accordance with the Sunnah, break your fast with healthy and acceptable foods at iftar, or sunset.

4. Makeup Missed Fasts if Necessary

” whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)]

If you miss fasting due to valid reasons, plan to make up those days after Ramadan. Alternatively, if you cannot fast, fulfill the fidya (compensation) by feeding a poor person.

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5. Seek Spiritual Connection with Allah

Allah says in the Quran about fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

” When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186)]

• Increase your memory of Allah and your dua (supplication) when fasting, particularly before breaking it.
• Make use of the fasting period to consider your connection with Allah.

6. Engage in Quran Recitation and Reflection

Make it a goal to recite, understand, and implement the teachings of the Quran during Ramadan, and learn from what the verses of Quran about fasting.

7. Practice Patience and Self-Control

Fasting is a spiritual exercise to cultivate patience and self-discipline, Allah says in the Quran about fasting:

” And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45)]

• Control your anger, negative speech, and harmful habits while fasting.
• Replace these with kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness of Allah.

8. Show Compassion and Generosity

Fasting reminds believers of the less fortunate. The Quran encourages charity:

“O believers! Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267)]

• Increase your charitable acts, such as feeding the poor or donating to those in need.
• Support communal iftar programs to spread blessings.

9. Maintain Night Worship and Dhikr

Allah says in the Quran about fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques.”

• Participate in private night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl) and Taraweeh prayers.
• Participate in dhikr (remembering Allah) regularly.

10. Seek Forgiveness

Allah says in the Quran about fasting in Surah Al-Ahzab:

“The fasting men and fasting women… for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)]

Constantly seek forgiveness for past mistakes and strive for Allah’s pleasure, knowing the spiritual rewards of fasting are immense.

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Conclusion

Ramadan, as outlined in the Quran, provides an opportunity to strengthen your bond with Allah and purify your soul. Fasting during this holy month is not simply an act of worship; it is a means to renew your faith and connection with the divine. Embrace the chance for a spiritual renewal and recommit yourself to a path of righteousness and good deeds this Ramadan.

Don’t hesitate to contact the qualified professionals at Ulum Al-Azhar for assistance in learning more about Quran and Tajweed. Book a free Consultation session and start learning! 

FAQs

What did Prophet Muhammad say about fasting?

The prophet said that Fasting opens a gate in paradise called Ar-Raiyan. If you observe fasts then you will enter through it on the day of Resurrection.

How many times has fasting been mentioned in the Quran?

The holy Quran mentioned fasting around 13 times in total.