Month of Ramadan

Today is the five days of Ramadan, during this Ramadan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vanish into the night, leaving only emptiness.

When one contemplates the texts on fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of the Muslim communities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and our obligations. Remember that Ramadan is a bounty that Allah blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety (Taqwa).

"Allah said: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious."

Sura Al-Baqarah (2:183)

This article is an attempt to present the essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies.

A primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind it. Many Muslim ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting.

Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environment without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right way.


Goals of Fasting

Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins and assist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.

Strengthening willpower and acquiring patience:

The Prophet (SAW) called Ramadan the month of patience as it increases one's will power to control his desire and the selfishness of his soul.
This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands.
The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention.

Allah said:

"These are the limits set by Allah, so approach them not."

Sura Al-Baqarah (2:187)