Fasting is meant to teach the person patience and humility.
Fasting (SAWM – arabic) – Muslims would wake up for the pre-dawn meal (SUHOOR) and abstain from drinking or eating anything till after their sunset prayer (Maghrib).
Fasting includes abstaining from sex as it is to cleanse your body and mind and to take you away from worldly activities. Do take note though that just like food, it is only prohibited during the fasting hours.
Those who are exempted from fasting includes pregnant women, the elderly, the ill and children less than 12 years of age.
The meal after Maghrib is called Iftar.
Fasting should also include ignorant and indecent speech, arguing and fighting, lustful thoughts and even smoking.
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2 Responses to Fasting in Ramadan
jaejae
August 26th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
and swallowing of saliva is also prohibited… even anything that touches the lips, i think. am not sure…
Abid
August 27th, 2008 at 5:20 am
I am pretty sure swallowing f saliva is allowed.