How Do Muslims Fast?
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Muslims fast by abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and physical intimacy from dusk till dawn, and instead use their time in the remembrance of God. They are encouraged to pray on time, recite the Quran, and perform good deeds.
To a Muslim, Ramadan fasting holds a deeper meanings than the act of simply abstaining from the articles mentioned above, it carries the added significance of worship, psychological comfort, morality, and legislation. It is neither the irrational motionless 'Imsak' of pre-Islamic Arabs, where they abstained from any activity whatsoever, nor the mere abstaining from eating and drinking, but is, in fact, the building of one's character, control over desires, and an inspiration towards social and scientific creativity. |
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God commanded this duty upon Muslims as he did for previous believing nations. The blessed month of Ramadan and its duties are assigned to every healthy Muslim adult. This sacred duty was revealed to the believers in Sha’aban, the Islamic month preceding Ramadan, nearly a year and a half after Hijra*. Gradually, God revealed numerous other verses about the month of Ramadan and the rules of fasting. In light of these divine orders, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) expounded the merits of fasting, its significance, regulations, effects, benefits and great reward. Hence, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious duty for all those who believe in monotheism.
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In the holy month of Ramadan, a Muslim's abstaining from food, drink, etc., during the prescribed hours is the very manifestation of obedience to the Creator's will. This self-deprivation represents a state of self-control and of overcoming carnal pleasure, desire, and enjoyment for the blissful love of God, His proximity. This response to the Divine commandments represents and incarnates true servitude and is a brilliant display of spirit, intellect and decisive will power.
By fasting, a person keeps oneself from the pleasures of life, with no preventive or hindering factors, except that of obeying God and showing genuine devotion to His commands. The prophet says, "A fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except when he backbites another Muslim (Al-Kafi, al- Kulayni, The Book of Fasting 3rd Edition, Vol. 4, p. 190).” The Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his progeny) described the believing soul that fasts for the love of God out of truthfulness and sincerity, provided the abstinence of loathsome acts, as nothing but worship embodied.
By fasting, a person keeps oneself from the pleasures of life, with no preventive or hindering factors, except that of obeying God and showing genuine devotion to His commands. The prophet says, "A fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except when he backbites another Muslim (Al-Kafi, al- Kulayni, The Book of Fasting 3rd Edition, Vol. 4, p. 190).” The Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his progeny) described the believing soul that fasts for the love of God out of truthfulness and sincerity, provided the abstinence of loathsome acts, as nothing but worship embodied.
The practices of Islamic fasting are designed to divert the human mind towards righteousness through a process of self-denials. Fasting constitutes a process of self-purification, self-righteousness, and spiritual development of oneself. It is not prescribed to cause undue hardship. The Divine principle, as specified in the Holy Quran,
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لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“God does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity (Quran, 2:286).” Accordingly, although there can be no laxity in the obligation of fasting, there are facilities provided for one who may be sick or on a journey. The Holy Quran says,
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وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ
وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ
“…but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period [of fasting] should be made up by later days. God intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to hardships, and [wants] for you to complete the period... (Quran, 2:185)."
Aside from the spiritual and religious benefits of fasting during the holy month, there are scientific benefits proven by research. This subject matter is discussed in another topic found on the page “Month of Ramadan.”
Aside from the spiritual and religious benefits of fasting during the holy month, there are scientific benefits proven by research. This subject matter is discussed in another topic found on the page “Month of Ramadan.”
*Hijra: the migration of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his progeny) from Mecca to Medina in 622 B.C., which marks the start of the Islamic calendar