A common fact that persists among non-Muslim brothers and sisters about fasting is that Muslims avoid taking food during Ramadan as it is mentioned in Quran.
Few others would say it is done to perceive the hunger and sufferings of fellow poor Muslims in the community. These two phenomenon are true, yet there is adequate motivation to Fast during Ramadan. Before knowing why Muslim fast in Ramadan, let us see what Ramadan is.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan, the 9th month of Muslim’s lunar calendar. During which healthy adult Muslims fast during daylight.
It considered the most sacred month in a year and in this entire is spent by detaching from pleasures of the world and to indulge in prayers. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) once said
“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.”
And it is this month during which God revealed the very first verses of the Holy Quran.
In this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast starting from dawn to the sunset. Doing so one can attach spiritually with God and strengthen his/her relationship with additional prayers, more charity and kindness. Last but not least, intense reading of Quran verses.
Why Muslim Fast During Ramadan?
There are numerous reasons behind the purpose of fasting during Ramadan. Allah the almighty describes in his holy book the Quran that it is being advised on the believers as to how it was on the people before them.
Thus fulfilling the purpose of fasting which is none other than;
- Gain god consciousness
- Attain self-control
- Health benefits
Via fasting Muslims practices extreme obedience by willingly staying away from unlawful food, drink and other social activities throughout the month. Practising this for 29 or 30 days alter one’s code of conduct rest of the year.
Following a controlled or balanced behavior day and night let gain self-control over physical appetites, greed, and lust. Thus eventually directing into a path of moral consciousness and spiritual awareness at the end.
These characteristic features act as a catalyst to bring remarkable changes in one’s personal life and in society.
As mentioned earlier it is also to personally become aware of the plight of needy, which arouse the social responsiveness. On the whole attaining Taqwa does give a high level of virtuous and moral elevation through intense God-consciousness.
All these behaviors emanate during the month of Ramadan through fasting, a selfless duty in obeying Allah.
Who should fast during Ramadan?
Fasting in Ramadan considered being one among the five pillars of Islam. Besides other testimony such as Faith, Prayer (Salah), Offering Charity and pilgrimage.
Every able healthy Muslim should undergo this practice of fasting during the daylight. Whereas some exceptions are offered to sick people, feeding mother or pregnant, menstruating, traveling, lastly for aged and children.
Additionally, people who are in a travel, women with menstruation, with temporary illness and those who are in battle are allowed to suspend fasting. Yet they should undergo restitution the equal days to those missed after Ramadan.
Final Words
Fasting evokes the empathy towards helpless people in the society and emphasis the purpose of serving social duty in uplifting their life. If this practised during whole day of Ramadan at the end social bonding is achieved among one another which is essential for the longevity of humanity in this planet.
