Pillars of Islam
What is Sawm? Fasting in Islam explained
Sawm is fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. It is the fourth pillar of Islam and is required of healthy adult Muslims.
Sawm is fasting in Islam. During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims do not eat, drink or have marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). It is the fourth pillar of Islam. People who are sick, travelling, pregnant, breastfeeding or elderly may be excused and make up the fasts or pay Fidya.
What is Sawm in Islam?
Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting. In Islam it means holding back from food, drink and marital relations from dawn until sunset, with the intention of worship. The fast in the month of Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.
The Qur’an says that fasting was prescribed for believers so that they may become mindful of Allah (Qur’an 2:183).
Why do Muslims fast?
Muslims fast first as an act of obedience and love for Allah. Fasting also builds patience and self-control. It teaches what hunger feels like, which makes believers more caring towards the poor. Many people use Ramadan to pray more, read the Qur’an and give more charity.
How does fasting work each day?
A fasting day follows a simple routine.
- Intention. Decide in your heart that you will fast the next day.
- Suhoor. This is the meal before dawn. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged it.
- Fast. From the dawn prayer time, avoid food, drink and marital relations until sunset.
- Iftar. Break the fast at sunset, traditionally with dates and water, then pray Maghrib.
- Night. Many Muslims pray Taraweeh at the mosque and read the Qur’an.
In Kenya the fast is about 13 hours each day because the country is on the equator. For exact Fajr and Maghrib times in your town, use your local mosque timetable. See when Ramadan 2027 starts in Kenya.
Who must fast and who is excused?
Fasting in Ramadan is required of adult Muslims who are well and not travelling. Islam gives ease to people for whom fasting would cause real hardship.
| Who | Fasting | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adult Muslim | Must fast | Fasting is required in Ramadan |
| Child before puberty | Not required | Children may practise a few hours to build the habit |
| Sick person | Excused | Make up the days later when well |
| Traveller | May delay | Make up the days later |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding woman | May delay if fasting is hard | Make up later (some scholars also advise Fidya, so ask) |
| Menstruating woman or woman with postnatal bleeding | Does not fast | Make up the days later |
| Elderly or chronically ill person who cannot fast | Excused | Usually pays Fidya instead |
Schools of thought differ on some cases, for example whether Fidya, make-up fasts or both apply to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. Ask your local scholar or imam.
What breaks the fast?
Eating or drinking on purpose, and marital relations, break the fast during the day. Eating or drinking by mistake does not, according to the view of most scholars, so a person who forgets should simply stop and continue fasting.
There are many detailed questions about medicine, injections and similar matters. Read what breaks the fast or ask a scholar.
What if I miss fasts in Ramadan?
If you miss fasts for a valid reason, such as illness, travel or a woman’s monthly period, you make up the same number of days after Ramadan, before the next Ramadan if you can.
A person who can never fast because of old age or long-term illness usually gives Fidya, which is feeding a poor person for each missed day. Breaking a fast on purpose without a valid reason is a more serious matter and may require Kaffarah (an expiation) as well as repentance. Ask a scholar about the exact rules in your case.
Are there other times Muslims fast?
Yes. Besides Ramadan, Muslims may fast voluntarily. Common examples are Mondays and Thursdays, the day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj, and the days around Ashura. These fasts are optional and bring extra reward. Fasting on the two days of Eid is not allowed.
How does fasting connect to giving in Kenya?
Ramadan is a time of giving. Many Muslims pay their Zakat and give Sadaqah during the month. Every Muslim who can must also pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386). A Ramadan food pack of KES 15,500 feeds a family of 7 for the month. Give at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke or by Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210, account IFTAR.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sawm in Islam?
Sawm is fasting. In Ramadan, adult Muslims who are well do not eat, drink or have marital relations from dawn until sunset, with the intention of worship. It is the fourth pillar of Islam.
Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?
Muslims fast to obey Allah, to grow in self-control and mindfulness of Him, and to feel the hunger the poor feel. It is also a month of more prayer, Qur’an reading and charity.
Who is excused from fasting?
People who are sick, travelling, pregnant or breastfeeding when fasting is hard, or menstruating are excused, and children before puberty are not required to fast. The elderly who cannot fast are also excused. Ask a scholar about your case.
What if I cannot fast because of illness?
If the illness is temporary, make up the missed days after Ramadan when you are well. If you can never fast because of old age or long-term illness, you usually pay Fidya by feeding a poor person for each missed day.
What is Fidya?
Fidya is the compensation paid by someone who cannot fast, usually due to old age or long-term illness. It is giving food, or its value, to a poor person for each missed day. Ask a scholar how it applies to you.
What breaks the fast?
Eating or drinking on purpose and marital relations during the daytime break the fast. Eating or drinking by mistake does not break it, according to most scholars. Ask a scholar about medicines and other special cases.
How long is the fast in Kenya?
The fast in Kenya is about 13 hours a day, from dawn to sunset. Kenya lies on the equator, so day length hardly changes during Ramadan. Check your local mosque timetable for exact times.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, after the moon is sighted. It lasts 29 or 30 days and Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027. Moon sighting decides the final dates.
Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
Turn knowledge into giving
Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.