Q: Why do Muslims fast?
A: There are 3 main reasons why a Muslim fasts during Ramadan.
1) Muslims fast during Ramadan, firstly, because it is the fourth pillar of Islam, and Allah (swt) ordered us to do so. "...fasting is prescribed for you (Muslims)..." (2:183) and " Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to humanity, and to provide clear signs for guidance and judgment. So whoever witnesses the month of Ramadan should fast through it..." (2:185).
By fasting, we get to feel they way the poor and hungry feel; it reminds us, when we forget, that our brothers and sisters go through this pain much too often, and so our hearts become softened, and we become more generous.
2) We learn to control ourselves - mentally and physically. Fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink - we also abstain from lying, foul language, sexual activity, medicine (unless it is necessary), etc. By keeping away from these things, we learn to control our desires. We learn to be in charge of our bodies rather than to let our bodies be in charge of us. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once remarked "Whoever does not give up lying and acting on lies during fasting, then Allah has no need of him giving up food and drink." - Bukhari
3) Fasting is healthy for the mind body and soul. When we stop over feeding our bodies, and fast, "our body initiates it's own healing mechanisms, and any ailment may show improvement." - allaboutfasting.com. We constantly over work our bodies by over eating - and just like when we get tired from over working all day then set aside small matters for another day - our body does like wise. Because it is estimated that 65% of the body's energy must be directed to the digestive organs after a heavy meal - fasting is like a vacation for our bodies! With the extra energy your body has, when it is not busy digesting a meal, it begins to heal and work on other areas of the body such as repairing cells and detoxing. Antiaging effects, weight loss, clear skin and clarity (of the mind and soul) are just some of the many benefits of fasting!
Awesome! Never knew fasting was healthy for our minds and soul
ReplyDeletevery much needed!
ReplyDeleteSWEET! much needed info to teach my daughters about this subject. Love the site too!
ReplyDeleteAll truth is from Allah (swt) we just try and spread the word :)
ReplyDeleteSalaam thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt's annoying and drives me crazy when some
non-Muslims ask silly questions or exclaim like aren't you hungry? Omg you must be hungry! And some seem to think we're just starving ourselves and that our God is so unkind to us for commanding us to deprive ourselves of food and water smh...
Salam dear Zainab,
ReplyDeleteNp :) It's always good to have knowledge about something when you are doing it; why we wear hijab, why we fast, why we are Muslims, in my opinion, are basics every Muslim should be able to answer. Also, we must remember to be patient and humble when another person asks us questions, sometimes they may seem rude and ignorant, but have faith Inshallah, the more people learn, the more open minded they will become of Islam and Muslims. If we show them that we are agitated, they may turn away. Take every chance you can to spread the beauty of Islam! :)