Sawm (Arabic: صوم) is an Arabic word meaning "to abstain", and
refers to fasting which is also the fourth of the five pillars
of Islam during the month of Ramadan. Fasting in Islam is the
abstenance of food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn
until dusk. During this time, a Muslim is also required to
refrain from doing evil actions and speaking evil words. During
Ramadan, fasting becomes obligatory on every able-bodied Muslim
who has attained the age of puberty. Those who are traveling or
are sick are required to make up the missed days after Ramadan
and before the month of the next year. Fasting is also
obligatory in the fulfilment of an oath or for expiation.
Supergatory fasts can also be performed, and there are specific
days recommended for fasting, which include the day of 'Arafah,
the 10th of Muharram, six days of the month of Shawwal, three
days from the middle of every month, and mondays and thursdays.
Fasting is forbidden on particular days, some of which are the
two Eids and the three days that