Ramadan and the essence of fasting
Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is a duty made obligatory to every Muslim in the month of Ramadan. Muslim fasting is abstaining from any food and drink, and from sensual desires for the sake of Allah – from dawn to dusk.
By this exercise a Muslim generates willpower to achieve a higher level of morality. Allah says in the holy Quran “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed unto you as it had been prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.”
Prophet Mohamed (Peace be upon him) has said “whoever fasted in the month of Ramadan with faith and wish for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven”.
By fasting one becomes self-disciplined in every aspect. Fasting during Ramadan brings our passions under control and thus gives a shine to our souls and removes the false sense of prestige in our minds. It is through this discipline that a rich Muslim realizes the hardships of his less fortunate brethren who are not in a position to have even one meal a day.
When we eat and drink throughout the year, we develop many habits and may become a slave to those habits. Hence, Allah has made fasting obligatory to free ourselves from these habits such as smoking, drinking, gambling, committing fraud, hot temper and abusive behaviour etc. Fasting inculcates a spirit of fortitude and gratitude.
The atmosphere of Ramadan is such that positive thoughts for the welfare of one and all are invoked. It involves a voluntary renunciation of all appetites of flesh, food and drink for the defined hours with cheerful willing acceptance of this divine mandate.
Islamic fasting is unique and different from other types of fasting observed in other religions. In addition to the spiritual and social benefits obtained by fasting one could get a number of physical (or physiological) benefits too. By fasting functions of the body organs and systems become normalized. Regular fasting is responsible for increased secretion of growth hormones, development of unwrinkled skin, a healthy mind and a healthy body.
Patience is the key to success. Fasting trains a person to be patient in any aggravating situation. When one applies patience and tolerance in any difficult situation, one does not give way to hasty reactions in response to emotional impulses but formulates rational solutions.
The month of Ramadan brings to the believers a set of programmes which include the day long fasting, the Quran recitation and night prayers on the daily basis. The month is divided as our noble prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) has said into three parts: the first ten days are to seek the mercy of Allah, while the second is to seek forgiveness from Allah and the third to seek salvation from hellfire.
Ramadan also has the night of power which is better than one thousand months. It is natural that Muslims give a warm welcome to the month of Ramadan and show a great deal of preparedness towards fulfilling the requirements of this significant and auspicious month.
Fasting ends with Eid-ul- Fitr looking forward for blessings and rewards from Allah. May mankind be inspired by fasting to live a better life.
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