The words of fasting

This glossary explains Islamic fasting terms used in Sawm. All information is based on authentic Islamic sources. For religious guidance, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.

Core ConceptSawm (صوم)

Fasting in Islam. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Holy MonthRamadan (رمضان)

The 9th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is a sacred month where Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day for 29-30 days. Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory (Fard) for all adult Muslims.

ObligationQada (قضاء)

Making up missed obligatory fasts. If you miss a Ramadan fast due to valid reasons (illness, travel, menstruation, etc.), you must make it up later. Qada fasts can be done any time throughout the year.

ObligationFidya (فدية)

A religious compensation for those permanently unable to fast due to chronic illness, old age, or terminal illness. It involves feeding one poor person for each day of Ramadan missed. Unlike Qada, Fidya does not require making up the fast later.

VoluntarySunnah (سنة)

Voluntary fasts recommended by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These fasts are not obligatory but earn great rewards. Examples include Mondays, Thursdays, and the White Days.

Calendar SystemHijri Calendar

The Islamic lunar calendar based on moon phases. It has 12 months with 29-30 days each, totaling about 354 days per year. The Hijri year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian (solar) year.

Prayer TimeImsak (إمساك)

The time to stop eating and drinking before Fajr prayer. It begins about 10-15 minutes before Fajr and marks the start of the daily fast.

Prayer TimeIftar (إفطار)

The meal eaten at sunset to break the daily fast. It begins at Maghrib prayer time. It is Sunnah to break the fast with dates and water.

Sunnah FastMonday & Thursday

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast Mondays and Thursdays regularly. These are the most common voluntary fasting days.

Sunnah FastWhite Days (الأيام البيض)

The 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each Hijri month. These are called "white days" because of the bright moonlight on these nights. Fasting these days is highly recommended.

Sunnah FastDay of Arafah (يوم عرفة)

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. For non-pilgrims, fasting on this day expiates sins of the previous and coming year. This is one of the most virtuous days to fast.

Sunnah FastDay of Ashura (يوم عاشوراء)

The 10th day of Muharram (1st month). Fasting this day expiates sins of the previous year. It is recommended to also fast the 9th or 11th day with it.

Sunnah FastSix Days of Shawwal

Fasting 6 days in the month of Shawwal (10th month, after Ramadan). These can be done consecutively or separately. Fasting Ramadan plus these 6 days equals the reward of fasting the entire year.

Sunnah FastDawood Fasting (صيام داود)

Fasting every other day (alternating days). This is considered the most beloved fast to Allah and was the practice of Prophet Dawood (David).

Legal StatusFard (فرض)

Obligatory acts that must be performed. Ramadan fasting is Fard - skipping it without valid reason is a major sin.

Legal StatusMustahabb (مستحب)

Recommended acts that earn rewards but are not obligatory. Sunnah fasts fall under this category.

TechnicalHijri Offset

An adjustment (-2 to +2 days) to align the app's Hijri calendar with your local moon sighting. Different regions may observe Islamic months starting on different days. With Auto-detect on, the app follows the date announced for the country you are in; setting the offset yourself turns Auto-detect off.

GuidanceFriday Fasting

Islamic tradition discourages fasting on Friday alone. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts the day before or the day after." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1985, Sahih Muslim 1144). If you wish to fast on Friday, it is recommended to pair it with Thursday or Saturday.