Fasting in Ramadan from dawn to sunset is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs .In many Muslim countries, the streets and markets come alive at night, with people shopping, socializing, and enjoying the festive atmosphere, however , Fasting was prescribed to attain Piety and righteousness and focus on their spiritual needs more than anything else .
The purpose of fasting is to develop the quality of righteousness (taqwa) by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our desires. Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous. (Qur’an, 2:183)
The word, ‘taqwa’ comes from the root meaning, ‘to guard’ and it is variously translated as mindfulness, righteousness, and God-fearing piety. Fasting is meant to instill this virtuous quality within us. In this way, fasting acts as a shield, which protects us from sin and ultimately from the punishment of Allah in the Hereafter.
Ramadan, during which Muslims cannot eat or drink from sunrise to sunset for a month – from food to gossip, the purposes of fasting include:
- Developing spiritual strength, including resisting temptation.
- Developing self-mastery, making our spirits masters of our bodies.
- Showing humility.
- Showing sorrow.
- Enhancing prayer.
- Obtaining spiritual knowledge and testimony.
- Obtaining spiritual guidance.
- Helping the needy.
Preparing for the Holiest Month in Islam ?Why do we fast during Ramadan?
