Definition and Legal Status of Fasting
The Importance of Fasting in Ramadan A Detailed Review The word “Sawm” (fasting) is derived from the Arabic root meaning “to stop” or “to abstain.” In Islamic terminology, fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and all forbidden actions from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and its obligation during the month of Ramadan is stated in Allah’s Book, the Qur’an. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
This verse makes it clear that fasting is not just obligatory in Ramadan but has been an obligatory practice for various nations throughout history so that they could attain Allah’s pleasure and approval.
The Purpose of Fasting: Piety and Spiritual Development
The Importance of Fasting in Ramadan The primary purpose of fasting is to develop taqwa (piety) or consciousness of Allah. Taqwa means to guard one’s heart and mind from committing sins and to live a life based on good ethics, honesty, and justice in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure. Fasting does not only require abstaining from food and drink; it also commands a person to avoid lying, gossiping, stealing, and other immoral behaviors.
The Importance of Fasting in Ramadan During Ramadan, a person controls their desires and strives to avoid these vices for the sake of Allah’s approval. This practice leads to spiritual growth, and the individual becomes closer to Allah. Fasting teaches patience, as it requires an individual to endure hunger and thirst without complaining, and this is a test of patience and endurance.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fasting is a shield, by which the servant is protected from the fire of hell.”
This Hadith highlights that fasting is not just about abstaining from food but serves as a spiritual shield that protects a person from sin and evil.
The Virtues of Fasting in Ramadan
Ramadan is a special month in which the Qur’an was revealed, and in every day and night of Ramadan, Allah’s mercy and blessings are abundant. This month is distinct from other months because it is not only significant for fasting but also for the multiplied rewards and blessings associated with worship. During Ramadan, Allah’s forgiveness is abundant, and every act of worship earns seventy times more reward.
During Ramadan, a person’s sins can be forgiven, and the weight of their deeds increases significantly. Ramadan has three distinct phases:
The first ten days are days of mercy.
The second ten days are days of forgiveness.
The third ten days are days of seeking refuge from the fire of hell.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
This Hadith clarifies that fasting during Ramadan leads to the forgiveness of one’s past sins, provided that the fast is kept with faith and sincerity and follows Allah’s commands.
Physical and Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
Fasting provides not only spiritual benefits but also numerous physical advantages. Physically, fasting improves the digestive system and helps eliminate toxic substances from the body. It enhances the body’s energy levels and reduces the risk of several diseases.
Spiritually, fasting brings a person closer to Allah and fosters a deeper sense of God-consciousness. Fasting purifies the soul and motivates a person to avoid sin. It teaches people to prioritize Allah’s pleasure over the temporary delights of this world.
Etiquettes and Requirements of Fasting
The purpose of fasting is not just to refrain from food and drink; it also requires that a person protects all of their faculties from sin. During fasting, the tongue should refrain from lying, gossiping, using foul language, and saying inappropriate things. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “If someone does not abandon false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his abandoning food and drink.”
This Hadith emphasizes that if a fasting person does not avoid sin during their fast, their fast will not be complete. Therefore, it is crucial for a person to protect their tongue, eyes, ears, and other faculties from sin to ensure that their fast is complete and accepted.
Special Blessings of Fasting in Ramadan
For those who fast in Ramadan, Allah has created a special gate of Heaven called “Rayyan,” through which only those who fast will enter. Furthermore, during Ramadan, the reward for good deeds is multiplied seventy times, and the worship done during the Night of Qadr is more virtuous than the worship of a thousand months. The Night of Qadr is the night when the Qur’an was revealed, and its worship is full of countless blessings and rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever worships during the Night of Qadr with faith and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
This teaches us that fasting in Ramadan and worshiping during this blessed month brings numerous spiritual and worldly benefits.
Conclusion
Fasting during Ramadan is not only an obligatory act of worship but also the best means of spiritual and physical training. Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity for a person to control their desires and live in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure. This month is a gateway to forgiveness, mercy, and blessings from Allah. Every Muslim should participate in this great act of worship, take full advantage of its benefits, and seek forgiveness for their sins through prayer and supplication.
For further reading, check out the following sources:
[The Importance of Fasting and Zakat in Ramadan]
[The Significance and Virtue of the Month of Ramadan]
[The Blessings and Virtues of Ramadan]
[Some Hadiths about the Importance and Virtue of Fasting
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