During this month , Muslims are expected to 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 .
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.
