Meaning of Fasting in Every Religion - Islam

Fasting in Islam is known as Sawm or siyam, were sawm means to abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking and engaging in conjugal sexual relationships from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). This is in addition to the standard obligation already observed by Muslims of avoiding that which is not permissible under Quranic or shari`a law (e.g. ignorant and indecent speech, arguing and fighting and lustful thoughts). Without observing this standard obligation, sawm is rendered useless and is seen simply as an act of starvation. The fasting should be a motive to be more benevolent to the fellow-creatures. Charity to the poor and needy in this month is one of the most rewardable worships.
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