Roza is the fourth pillar of Islam. It was made compulsory during the 2nd Hijri. The Arabic term for roza is Sawm. Similarly, the English term used for roza is fasting. Fasting in Islam is compulsory in the month of Ramadan, and it is Nafl (voluntary) in other months. The farz or compulsory Islamic fasting can be of 30 or 29 days.
Definition of Sawm
- Secular Definition of Sawm: Abstaining from drinking and eating from break of dawn to sunset. The focus of secular definition is only on eating and drinking.
- Islamic Definition of Sawm: The abstinence from not only eating and drinking but also from every evil thing and increasing the remembrance of Allah is called fasting. Moreover, it should not be for show off but only to please Allah.
Lexicology of Sawm
The Arabic word Sawm means abstain. Sawm means abstain from eating, drinking, satisfying sexual desires, and doing things that are against Shariah from dusk to dawn.
History of Fasting in Islam
The history of Fasting is very old. Every Prophet observed fasting, from Adam (A.S) to Muhammad (PBUH).
Purpose of Fasting in Islam
There are numerous purpose of Sawm in Islam. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Restraint: fasting in Islam teaches a person sabr or patience. Although everything from water to food is at the display of a Muslim, yet he avoids satisfying his appetite and quenching his thrust for pleasing Allah.
- Empathy: a Muslim who keeps roza feels the pain of others who do not have access to water and food. Therefore, he starts working for the welfare and benefit of other Muslims. Hence, roza teaches a Muslim empathy.
- Sacrifice: it is often observed that during the month of Ramadan Muslims do more charity. Fasting teaches them to sacrifice for the goodness of other fellow Muslims.
These are some of the purposes of Fasting in Islam.
Allah says in Surah Baqarah ayat 183
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Allah says in Surah Baqarah ayat 185
“So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it.”