Fasting
in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of
worship. By fasting — whether during Ramadan or other times — a Muslim draws closer to his Lord
by abandoning the things he enjoys, such as food, drink and sexual intercourse. This makes the
sincerity of his faith and his devotion to Allah (God) all the more evident. The believer knows that
Allah will love him when he is ready to abandon worldly comforts for Allah’s sake.
Allah
tells us in the Qur’an that fasting was prescribed for those before us (i.e., the Jews and
Christians) and that by fasting we gain taqwa, which can be called the care taken by a person
to do everything Allah has commanded and to keep away from everything He has forbidden. Fasting
helps prevent many sins and is a shield with which the Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire.
Fasting
is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech
and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and fighting. Therefore, fasting
helps to develop good behavior.
Fasting
also inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his
needy and hungry brothers feel. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to
break the fast together.
A
Muslim is encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan and to perform extra salah
(ritual Prayers) at night. Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical and spiritual renewal
through fasting and worship.
