Fasting In ISLAM

Fasting on Islamic Point of View

Fasting is the fourth pillar in Islam perform by Muslims during the month of Ramadhan, in Sunni Islam and one of the Furoo-ad-Deen in Shi'a Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship. By fasting — whether during Ramadhan or other times — a Muslim draws closer to his Lord by abandoning the things he/she enjoys, such as food, drink and sexual intercourse. This makes the sincerity of his/her faith and his/her devotion to Allah (God) all the more evident. The believer knows that Allah will love him/her when he/she is ready to abandon worldly comforts for Allah’s sake.- WIKIPEDIA -

Fasting starts from 10 minutes prior to fajr (dawn), until maghrib (sunset in Sunni Islam; Astronomical Dusk in Shi'a Islam) is observed during the month of Ramadhan.

This is stated in the Qur’an: {O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restrain} (Al-Baqarah 2:183).

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) also declares: "It happens that a person who fasts may gain nothing of his fasting but hunger, and it happens that a person who spends his night in prayer may gain nothing from his prayer but sleeplessness" (Narrated by Ibn Majah).

Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and fighting. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behavior.

Fasting also inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers and sisters feel. Moreover, Ramadhan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together.

A Muslim is encouraged to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadhan and to perform extra salat (Prayers) at night, which, in Sunni Islam, are known as taraweeh. In almost every masjid in the world, taraweeh prayers are held every night of Ramadhan following isha. Thus Ramadhan becomes a blessed month of physical and spiritual renewal through fasting and worship.