Significance of Ramadhan

Going without food, drink, snacks and other habitual amenities from before Sunrise to after Sunset is observed on a daily basis for the whole month. Breaking the fast after sunset is a real delight. It is a challenge not to overeat at that time.

So, why do we fast? This may sound like a very simple question. Perhaps it is, but perhaps not. One may enumerate many reasons, based upon the Qur’anic verses and hadith.

1. In obedience to the command of Allah swt.
2. As an obligatory act (one of the pillars of Islam)
3. To earn rewards and blessings (multiplied many times) from Allah
4. To earn a special reward, yet unknown, from Allah (Hadith Qudsi)
5. To seek and receive forgiveness from Allah for our sins and shortcomings
6. To receive increased sustenance from Allah, by observing the “Night of Qadr.”
7. To guard against evil (practice taqwa)
8. To practice self-restraint

Some of the benefits that we know from observation and experience include:

1. An opportunity to get rid of undesirable habits
2. To inculcate and increase fortitude and patience
3. To empathize with less fortunate members of humanity who suffer from hunger due to poverty.
4. To keep Satan and his prompting away
5. To improve physical health.

Spiritual benefits of fasting

1. Satan is far removed and, “his face is darkened.” (Hadith)
2. Increased concentration in acts of worship, including Salaat
3. Dikr and supplications are more enjoyable.
4. Acts of worship are more accepted and better rewarded.
5. Peace of mind and tranquility occur during the entire month of fasting

Health benefits of fasting

1. Weight reduction
2. Improved gastrointestinal function
3. Improved eating habits. (Escape from unhealthy “munching” habits).
4. Overall feeling of physical well being

Let us pray that our fasts are purely for the sake of Allah, free of other motives, like reward, material benefits, etc. Let our fasting be to show Allah our gratitude that He rightly deserves. Amin!.

[Extracted & summarized from the article "Significance of fasting in the month of Ramadan by Syed H. Akhtar, Austin, Texas"]