The developments that followed the coming of Islam were not confined to ruling elites; in fact they permeated far and wide, through the subcontinent, amongst different social strata - peasants, artisans, warriors, merchants, to name a few. However, these universal features were often overlaid with diversities in practice derived from sectarian affiliations (Sunni, Shi'a), and the influence of local customary practices of converts from different social milieus. For example, the Khojahs, a branch of the Ismailis (a Shi'a sect), developed new modes of communication, disseminating ideas derived from the Qur'an through indigenous literary genres.
The lines left out after the first sentence list the five pillars of the faith accepted by all who adopted Islam. Which practice does the term sawm stand for?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Fasting during the month of Ramzan
Option (1) Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca — Incorrect. The pilgrimage to Mecca is the pillar called hajj.
Option (2) Giving alms to the poor — Incorrect. Giving alms is a pillar too, but its term is zakat.
Option (3) Offering prayers five times a day — Incorrect. Prayer five times a day is the pillar called namaz or salat.
Option (4) Fasting during the month of Ramzan — Correct. Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramzan. It is one of the five pillars that every person who adopted Islam accepted in principle.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.2 The popular practice of Islam |