In the vast tapestry of Islamic spirituality, the concept of Soam, or fasting, stands as a profound pillar of devotion and self-discipline. Soam is not merely abstaining from food and drink during the sacred month of Ramadan but an intricate tapestry of spiritual fortitude, self-reflection, and empathy. Rooted in the Quranic principle of self-restraint, Soam transcends the physical realm, inviting believers to cultivate a heightened consciousness of their actions and a deepened connection with the divine.
During the prescribed hours of fasting, Muslims holistically purist the body and soul, embracing patience, gratitude, and compassion. Soam is a transformative journey, fostering spiritual resilience and reinforcing the significance of community and charity. Beyond its ceremonial aspects, Soam intertwines with the fabric of Islam, weaving a narrative of self-purification, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to faith.
Importance Of Soam In Islam
In Islam, “Soam” refers to fasting, particularly during Ramadan. Fasting holds significant importance in Islam, as it is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The primary purpose of fasting is to develop self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for less fortunate people.
Here are references from the Quran and Hadith regarding Soam (fasting):

Quranic References:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183-185):
Arabic:
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Translation: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187):
Arabic:
أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ
Translation: “It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them.”
Hadith References:
Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 117:
Arabic:
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلَّا الصِّيَامَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ
Translation: Allah the Almighty said, “Every action of the son of Adam is for him except fasting, for that is solely Mine, and I will reward him for it.”
Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book 6, Hadith 2561:
Arabic:
مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Translation: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
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FAQs
Fasting during Ramadan became obligatory for Muslims in the second year of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the Hijra (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, specifically in 622 CE.
There are two main types of fasting in Islam:
Fard (Obligatory): Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult, mentally sound Muslims, with exceptions for specific categories like the sick, elderly, travellers, and pregnant or nursing women.
Nafl (Voluntary): Muslims are encouraged to fast voluntarily on other days throughout the year, apart from Ramadan, as an additional act of worship.
The fasting period begins at dawn (Fajr) and concludes at sunset (Maghrib). Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs during these hours.
Yes, individuals who are ill, elderly, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, or travelling are generally exempt from obligatory fasting during Ramadan. However, they may be required to make up for missed fasts later or provide a fidya (compensation).
Fasting during Ramadan holds profound spiritual and moral significance. It fosters self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a heightened connection with Allah. It is also a means of seeking forgiveness and purifying the soul.
Children are not obligated to fast until they reach puberty. However, many children gradually start practising fasting to prepare for the responsibilities of Ramadan.
The pre-dawn meal is known as Suhoor. It is essential as it provides the necessary energy and sustenance for the day of fasting ahead. It is recommended to have a nutritious and balanced Suhoor.
Iftar is the meal to break the fast at sunset. Traditionally, it begins with eating dates and is followed by a larger meal. Sharing Iftar with family and community is encouraged.
Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar, occurring during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Apart from fasting, Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased acts of worship, such as prayers, reading the Quran, and charitable deeds, to maximise spiritual growth during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Conclusion
Fasting during Ramadan is an act of obedience to Allah and a means of attaining self-discipline, spiritual purification, and empathy for the less fortunate. The references provided are just a glimpse of the numerous verses and hadiths emphasising the significance of fasting in Islam.