Fasting

"OH MUSLIMS, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may guard against evil.

Fasting for fixed number of days: but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better forhim and it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qu'ran as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting. But if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah (SWT) intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him: In that he has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them); I respond to the prayer of every of suppliant when he callth on Me; let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way.

Permitted to you on the night of the fasts, is the approach of your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you so now associate with them, and seek what Allah hath ordained for you and eat and drink until  the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosque. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not night thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His signs to men; That they must learn self-restraint."self-restraint." Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:183-187.

Allah (SWT) has blessed us with the month of Ramadan wherein the rebellious devils are chained and we abstain from food and drink which gives us the maximum opportunity to discipline and control ourselves.

As we know, the Muslim fast is not meant for self-torture. Instead, it is a beautiful gift from Allah. Fasting is note merely abstention from food and drink; it is a temporary cessation of eating and drinking which enables attention to be directed to higher things and thus making the fast more meaningful.

We should also resolve to be steadfast in the good habits acquired during the holy month of fasting. Let us all once again pledge ourselves to follow the example of the Holy Prophet (SAW) who was the most active among people during the month of fasting.

Indeed the month of Ramadan should be used to reflect and to contemplate in order to determine whether we Muslims are really on the true path. An honest answer will clearly reveal how far we are from the teaching of Islam..