Ramadan: A Month of Blessings

Ramadan is a very special and eagerly awaited month for all Muslims around the world and now it is coming to an end. This month is full of blessings and can uplift one spirituality in days if one desires. In this month Muslims recite the Holy Qur’an as much as they can and enjoy fasting throughout the month.

I came across knowing how people get curious about who can and cannot fast. Most of them assumed that we have to fast no matter what health conditions we have. So, the following will explain how none of the true teachings of Islam and God’s commandments are imposed and how they are flexible fitting every situation.

Fasting is God’s commandment for those who are healthy and can abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset as that is when Muslims break their fast. However, those who are sick, are on medication, and/or traveling, pregnant women, nursing mothers, women on their monthly cycles, and children who are in their growing phase need not fast. Those who are temporarily sick or traveling can fast on other days after the month of Ramadan is over. It is stated in the Holy Qur’an, “...whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. God desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number and that you may exalt God for His having guided you and that you may be grateful” (2:186). This verse explains that God loves us so He doesn’t want us to go through unnecessary hardships. However, those who still fast even though they are excused cannot please God because they are going against his given exemptions. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) disapproved of this practice of attempting to force personal will upon God to please Him. He told the person concerned that, ‘By putting yourself to trouble or discomfort, not only will you be unable to please God, but you may even earn His displeasure.’

As an Ahmadi Muslim woman, I cannot express enough how fortunate I feel for being born into such a beautiful religion that doesn’t let anyone suffer but God’s commandments significantly benefits one from all the possible aspects. May God enable us all to be those who are the recipient of His pleasure by following all that is put forth for our guidance and to get utmost benefits out of this very blessed month of Ramadan.