“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.” The Holy Quran, 2:183
Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayers. The fast consists of total abstinence from food and drink from dawn to dusk. There is, however, a greater significance to fasts than mere abstinence from eating and drinking. The real objective of fasts is to inculcate in man the spirit of abstinence from sins and of cultivation of virtue. Thus, the Qur’an declares that the fasts have been prescribed with a view to developing piety in man, as is clear from the verse quoted.
One of the primary benefits of fasting in Ramadan is a spiritual purification, the essential goal of Spirituality. Although we tend to think of the mind, body and spirit as separate components, in reality they are all connected and interrelated, and improvement in any one naturally effects improvement in the others as well.
Fasting in Ramadan purifies the mind, body and spirit, leading to greater clarity, sensitivity and health.
Ramadan is not just about fasting or staying hungry and thirsty for one month, but much more. This is the month of piety and devotion. It’s main purpose is to learn self-control and strengthen willpower. Ramzan is the month in which we should guard against all temptations and evil.
Fasting is not for the stomach alone, it’s for the tongue too: one must not utter anything harsh — in anger, malice, spite or cruelty. Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.”
Fasting is for the eyes: one must guard oneself against being attracted towards evil and to raise one’s voice if one witnesses oppression.
Fasting is for the body: one must not indulge in wrongful and illegal acts.
Fasting is for the heart and the mind: to remain engrossed in remembrance of God and spirituality and to increase one’s faith in God and remain steadfast.
