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Fasting (Siyam) is the fourth pillar of Islam and Allaah obligated fasting on this Ummah just as He obligated it on the previous nations. Allaah (the Most High) said:
“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183]
Fasting was obligated upon the people in the second year after the Hijrah and the Prophet (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) fasted nine Ramadans before he passed away. Siyam is to withhold with intention (niyyah) from that which would break one’s fast through action or moral violation, beginning from the time ofthe true dawn (Fajr) until the Sun sets (Maghrib).
The physical aspect is to withhold with intent from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse.
The moral aspect is to withhold from backbiting, carrying tales, rumour-mongering, cursing, speaking with falsehood, lying, using foul language, looking at that which is prohibited (such as movies, pornography, etc.) and listening to that which is prohibited (such as music, evil speech, etc). Fasting brings about piety and nearness to Allaah.
