AQA · GCSE · Religious Studies
Course version: 8062 · Version from Sept 2018
Sawm: the role and significance of fasting during the month of Ramadan…
Full specification wording
Islam - 3.1.5.2 Practices: Sawm: the role and significance of fasting during the month of Ramadan including origins, duties, benefits of fasting, the exceptions and their reasons, and the Night of Power, Qur’an 96:1-5.
Sawm is the obligatory duty of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month.
- Point 7 of 11
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Sawm is the obligatory duty of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month. Its origins lie in the command to fast to develop Taqwa (God-consciousness). Duties include abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours, alongside increased prayer and charity. Benefits include spiritual discipline, empathy for the poor, and seeking forgiveness. Exceptions exist for the sick, pregnant, elderly, or travelling, as Islam teaches Allah does not wish to cause hardship; missed days are made up later or compensated via Fidyah. Ramadan is highly significant because it contains the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), marking when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad, as detailed in Qur'an 96:1-5.
What earns the marks
- Define Sawm as fasting from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and bad deeds.
- Explain the benefits of fasting, including developing self-discipline, obedience to Allah, and empathy for those in poverty.
- Identify valid exceptions to fasting, such as illness, pregnancy, or travel, and explain the reason is to prevent physical harm, reflecting Allah's mercy.
- Describe the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) as the night the Angel Jibril first revealed the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad.
- Reference Qur'an 96:1-5 ('Read! In the name of your Lord...') as the exact verses revealed on the Night of Power.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Muslims fast for a whole month without eating at all.
Put it right by specifying that fasting only occurs during daylight hours from dawn to sunset.
Claiming that everyone must fast regardless of health.
Put it right by listing the specific exceptions and explaining the provision of Fidyah for those who cannot fast.
Confusing the Night of Power with the Night Journey.
Put it right: Ensure you link the Night of Power specifically to the first revelation of the Qur'an.
Exam tips
- Quote or paraphrase Qur'an 96:1-5 ('Read! In the name of your Lord who created...') to support answers about the Night of Power.
- When discussing the significance of Sawm, balance physical actions like not eating with spiritual duties like reading the Qur'an and avoiding sinful speech.
- Use the concept of Taqwa (God-consciousness) to explain the ultimate goal and benefit of fasting during Ramadan.
Try the lesson
The start of the Islam - 3.1.5.2 Practices: Sawm: the role and significance of fasting during the month of Ramadan including origins, duties, benefits of fasting, the exceptions and their reasons, and the Night of Power, Qur’an 96:1-5. lesson, made from teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
According to Islamic teaching, which of the following individuals is exempt from the obligation to fast during the month of Ramadan?
Listen
Sawm is the obligatory duty of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month. Its origins lie in the command to fast to develop Taqwa (God-consciousness). Duties include abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours, alongside increased prayer and charity. Benefits include spiritual discipline, empathy for the poor, and seeking forgiveness. Exceptions exist for the sick, pregnant, elderly, or travelling, as Islam teaches Allah does not wish to cause hardship; missed days are made up later or compensated via Fidyah. Ramadan is highly significant because it contains the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), marking when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad, as detailed in Qur'an 96:1-5. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Define Sawm as fasting from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and bad deeds. Explain the benefits of fasting, including developing self-discipline, obedience to Allah, and empathy for those in poverty. Identify valid exceptions to fasting, such as illness, pregnancy, or travel, and explain the reason is to prevent physical harm, reflecting Allah's mercy. Describe the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) as the night the Angel Jibril first revealed the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad. A common slip: Stating that Muslims fast for a whole month without eating at all. Instead, specifying that fasting only occurs during daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Exam tip: Quote or paraphrase Qur'an 96:1-5 ('Read! In the name of your Lord who created...') to support answers about the Night of Power.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Sawm
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Taqwa
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Night of Power
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Fidyah
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Sawm
- The obligatory duty of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours.
- Taqwa
- God-consciousness, which fasting is commanded to develop.
- Night of Power
- Laylat al-Qadr, marking when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad, as detailed in Qur'an 96:1-5.
- Fidyah
- Compensation given by those who cannot fast and do not make up missed days later.
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