Ramadan: The Islamic Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims are commanded by God to fast daily from sunrise to sunset. It is in this month that the prophet of Islam,  Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him), began to receive revelations which compiled into the Holy Qur'an, the sacred book of Muslims. Ramadan is a period of spiritual, moral, and physical discipline during which Muslims strive to get closer to God. Muslims intensify their worship, self-reformation, and charitable donations during Ramadan. They reflect on all the things provided to them in their lives and are humbled in gratefulness to God. In this month especially, Muslims bask in the remembrance and worship of the Creator.

Fasting during Ramadan fosters unity, increases community spirit, and promotes inner peace. The  Qur'an states, "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous (2:184)." Through the experience of the fasts, worshippers are able to promote righteousness and safeguard themselves against evils that could distance them from God.

While fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every adult Muslim, there are permissible exceptions to this decree. The  Qur'an states, "The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation — the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew (2:185)” Also, since Ramadan occurs according to the lunar calendar it arrives 11 days earlier each year and shifts through the seasons so Muslims do not fast during the long periods of summer every year. In this way, this month of fasting is not made a burden on Muslims, but rather a means to attain nearness to God Almighty.

According to one Hadith, or saying of the  Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him), in addition to one's spiritual development fasting is also necessary for our physical health. The numerous benefits of fasting - especially for the digestive, endocrine, and circulatory systems of the body - have been confirmed by today's scientists and physicians.

Fasting, as a religious ritual, is found in many faiths. Islam, however, has introduced a new orientation and spiritual significance in this practice. According to Islam, fasting constitutes a symbol of complete sacrifice where one who fasts not only abstains from any food or drink, but also from illicit behavior or actions. The purpose of fasting is to attain righteousness, or guard oneself against evil and sin. In other faiths, severance from physical relations or worldly connections is for the purpose of spiritual advancement or for a powerful purifying effect on the mind. An example of a form of fasting is when during the period of Lent Christians give up something that they like. Fasting is also found in Hinduism, where followers may abstain from partaking in food or drink for a certain period of time.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the two holidays in Islam. Eid-ul-Fitr is a holiday that celebrates, rewards, and encourages fasting for 29-30 days. A celebration like this is a great get-together for Muslims to worship and thank God for all His blessings.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. In essence it is therefore a practical requirement of the faith and is regarded as an act of devotion. This year, the month of Ramadan commences on July 10th and will, God willing, be an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with their Lord.