Plus

Plus

Fasting leads to inner peace and righteousness
By Ayesha Yusuf
As we enter the holy month of Ramadhan, the blessed month of peace and mercy of Allah, we have to remind ourselves of our obligations to the Lord, our creator and sustainer.

Fasting was prescribed for man that he attains Taqwa (the state of righteousness). It is the month of sincere repentance, during which we seek forgiveness for our sins. We must fast in complete submission to our Lord and rediscover our lost faith, while seeking his help to lead a life of righteousness – not only in this sacred month but also throughout our life. Repentance has a special status which is not found in other forms of worship.

Allah loves those who repent and diligently seek purity. This is the month of endurance that also brings paradise within man's reach. Fasting or saum, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a shield that protects man and makes him aware of his obligations. It also enables him to control his desires. It distances man from the fire, for fasting comes between man and the fire.

Allah says "Fasting is for me, and I will recompense it". (Sahih Muslim). This is because, unlike a man's other acts of righteousness which may be seen by others, fasting is known only to Allah.

"The glorious Quran that came as a guidance to mankind was revealed in this month. Clear proofs of guidance and the criterion to discern right from the wrong are also part of the revelation. So whoever of you who sights the crescent on the first night, he must fast that month". (2-185)

"O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed unto you, as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain righteousness". (2-183)

Fasting enables man to master himself and resist the cravings of his inner self. Instead of being a slave to his desires, he finds contentment and inner peace.

Allah does not impose hardships on man, for he knows his ability. In Surah Mulk, Allah says: "Should he not know, he that created. He understands the finest mysteries, and is well acquainted with them." Ramadhan is the month of good deeds. We have to keep in mind, that fasting in Ramadhan does not mean only abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, but also controlling our tongue and actions.

As we fast we come to terms with the pangs of hunger the poor experience in their daily life. If we fast in its true sense, we can reap its benefits, both spiritually and physically. It is for our well-being that Allah has prescribed the fast in this holy month.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad \said that when man fasts his sins are forgiven through this blessed act of worship.

"... eat and drink, until the white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread." (Quran: 2-187). This is in reference to the breaking of dawn. The breaking of the fast should be as soon as the sun sets, and suhoor or the pre-dawn meal should be taken as late as possible, before Fajr. It is a blessed meal from Allah, as Allah's Messenger called it, and is a compliance of the Sunnah.

This is also the month of charity. It is the tax enjoined on man. He is commanded to share his wealth with the poor. Give of the largesse Allah bestows on you. Wealth is a trust bestowed on man, not only for himself, to live a life of luxury, but also to assist the needy. Allah reiterates this in the Holy Quaran thus: "Covet not that which Allah has bestowed more freely on some than others.

Allah loveth not the arrogant and vain glorious. Nor the niggardly who hide the bounties that Allah has bestowed on them, for we have prepared for them a punishment that steeps them in contempt." (4-36).

Back to Plus