Here are some reasons why fasting as a discipline is very important. Explain the practice of Sawm (fasting) in the month of Ramadaan and consider its importance. (Matthew 16:24) In fasting, we all deny ourselves of something so hard to deny: food and other things. The Arabic term for fasting is Sawm. Fasting in Islam or Sawm (Arabic: صوم ‎) is the practice of abstaining, usually from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity. Fasting (Sawm) in its essence is the refrainment of food and drink for a certain period of time. These are summarized in the famous Hadith of Gabriel. Why Shahadah, salat, sawm, zakat and hajj are considered as the obligatory acts in Islam? Why is Sawm important? Some exceptions or accommodations for Sawm are made in the case of pregnancy, illness, travel, and for young children. There's a reason why the five pillars were put in that order. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and includes the night in which the holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind, known as Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree). Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important. Importance of Fasting “Sawm” or “Fasting” reminds Muslims of the teachings of the Qur’an because the whole Qur’an is usually recited throughout this month. Fasting is very important to Muslims because not only does it symbolize loyalty to one's faith, but it wholly requires self-control and commitment to do. It unites them because they are all fasting together and break the fast together. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. What do you think is the impact of these obligatory acts on a Muslim? In fact, religions all over the world practice it although the terms and conditions vary considerably. As we all know the first requirement of being a Muslim is to believe and then act based on that belief. Answer: The Five Pillars of Islam (Shahadah, salat, sawm, zakat and hajj )are the five fundamental acts in Islam, considered obligatory by Muslims. Without it, someone would not be called a Muslim. The purpose of fasting is to develop the quality of righteousness (taqwa), inwardly and outwardly, by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our thoughts and desires.Fasting is a deeply spiritual practice that is meant to benefit us in body, mind,and heart. Sawm, the requirement to fast during Ramadan, is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. Without belittling the importance of sawm or any of the five pillars, I do believe that some pillars have more importance than others. Recall what happens at each of the sites of pilgrimage: Makkah, ‘Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina – understand the meaning and importance of these rituals and customs. Importance of Shahadah- The First Pillar of Islam. Fasting is not only done by Muslims. In the Islam canon, Ramadan is a holiday that refers to the Qu'ran, the Islam holy text, that describes a month in which Muhammad, the Islamic prophet, conceived the initial verses. 1. Explain the practice of Hajj and its importance. Shahada or Kalima is the first pillar of Islam. Fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam, Sawm is observed between dawn and nightfall during the holy month of Ramadan.. The month of Ramadan therefore marks an important moment for mankind and requires special devotion from Muslims. Sawm or fasting is that Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, use of tobacco, and conjugal relations over the period from dawn through sunset. Shahada, and to fulfill its consequences, is obviously the most important of the five. It Allows Us To Deny Ourselves "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'"