Sawm is an Arabic word meaning fasting. Sawm is particularly associated with Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the third of five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, gambling, smoking and all sensuous pleasures from sunrise to sunset.
It is commanded in the Qur'an that all Muslims fast and they are able to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad. In terms of religious practice it gives Muslims an opportunity to reflect in a spiritual way about their lives and develop a sense of self-discipline.