[custom_adv] Fasting in Islam, known as Sawm , the Arabic words for fasting, also commonly known as Rūzeh or Rōzah in some Muslim countries, is the practice of abstaining, usually from food and drink. [custom_adv] The observance of Sawm during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam, but is not solely confined to that month.The Muslims of Central Asia, Afghanistan, India, homeland, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey use the words roza, which comes from Persian. [custom_adv] While the Malay community in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore call it puasa, which is derived from Sanskrit, upvaasa, puasa is also used in Indonesia, Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines. [custom_adv] Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking and engaging in conjugal sexual relationships from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). It is considered time to begin fasting when a person standing outside can tell a white thread from a black thread. [custom_adv] Fasting helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of God’s gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived. Fasting in Islam involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset. All things which are regarded as prohibited is even more so in this month, due to its sacredness. [custom_adv] Each and every moment during the fast, a person suppresses their passions and desires in loving obedience to God. This consciousness of duty and the spirit of patience helps in strengthening one's faith. Fasting helps a person gain self-control. A person who abstains from permissible things like food and drink is likely to feel conscious of his sins. [custom_adv] A heightened sense of spirituality helps break the habits of lying, staring with lust at the opposite sex, gossiping, and wasting time. Fasting is also viewed as a means of controlling one's desires and focusing more on devoting oneself to God. Many Muslims have had food before the sun rises. [custom_adv] Sawm also carries a significant spiritual meaning. It teaches one the principle of God Consciousness: because when one observes fasting, it is done out of deep love for God and to learn self-restraint. [custom_adv] As mention in the Quran:"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous". [custom_adv] "The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days.
