Fasting Ramadan [Sawm]

Fasting [Ṣawm]: During the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from Fajr [first light] until Maghrib [sunset]. Fasting teaches Muslims many lessons such as self-purification, piety, patience, discipline, sympathy and compassion. Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self-purification.  By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life.