RAMADAN SAWM

Ramadan began this week all over the world. 

Sawm, one of Islam’s five pillars, requires fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.

It starts when fajr, the first Call to Prayer, echoes through the wee hours of morning, raising the sleepy to perform prayers. Then it’s a busy morning before the sun comes up, because all the eating and drinking for the day must happen before daylight.

Dhuhr, the second Call to Prayer, comes around noon. Stomachs growl, thirst sets in, and smokers fight cravings they can’t satisfy.

Asr sounds in the afternoon. Ritual prayers are performed, but movement is limited. Energy wanes. Hunger pangs intensify. The countdown to evening begins.

Mahgrib arrives just after sunset. Plates are piled with food as families wait, poised to break the fast.

Last comes isha’a, just around nightfall. The lethargy of the day is replaced with the chatter and clatter of forks and voices as families feast well into the evening.

During Ramadan, Muslims perform extra good deeds, seeking forgiveness and atonement for sins. We pray that Muslims who hunger and thirst for sustenance as well as for more of God would be satiated by the One who truly can forgive, cleanse, and satisfy their soul cravings.

Tags: fasting, pillar, ramadan, religion, sawm