Item 4 in Five Pillars of Islam
Sawm — Fasting During Ramadan
Observe the prescribed fast during Ramadan, subject to recognised exemptions and conditions.
- Position
- 4
- Form
- Practice or observance
- Obligation
- Mandatory
- Wording status
- Editorial paraphrase
- Intended audience
- Muslims
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Sawm — Fasting During Ramadan
Original term: Ṣawm
Source wording
Editorial paraphrase: Observe the prescribed fast during Ramadan, subject to recognised exemptions and conditions.
Literal meaning
Observe the prescribed fast during Ramadan, subject to recognised exemptions and conditions.
Broader interpretation
Interpretation depends on the framework's historical purpose, intended audience and relationship to its other principles.
Ethical purpose
To shape conduct or character in a way consistent with the wider ethical framework.
Modern application
Modern application requires attention to consent, rights, evidence, foreseeable harm and changing social conditions.
Criticism and difficult cases
Application can become difficult when this principle conflicts with another duty, when harm is indirect, or when ancient social assumptions do not fit modern conditions.
Truth By Reason analysis
Truth By Reason assesses this principle according to evidence, rights, intentions, foreseeable consequences and consistency with the treatment of all affected beings.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari 8 Primary source