RAMADAN

Reflections on Fasting

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:185]

Ramadan is the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims (Submitters) all over the world fast every day of this month from dawn to the sunset. During fasting, the Muslims abstain from eating,

drinking and sexual encounter as decreed by God in verse 2:187 of the Quran.

At the outset, for somebody who does not have experience with it, fasting seems to be hardship on the people. It is very common for Muslims (Submitters) to have a colleague or a friend exclaim, “…You mean you cannot even drink water till sunset, not even a sip!”

The Submitters know that God did not reveal His laws to be a hardship for us (3:108). In fact obeying and following God’s commands, such as fasting during the month of Ramadan, is for our benefit both physically or spiritually.

Many medical professionals recognize that fasting is beneficial to our health. It provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits and gives some of our internal organs much-needed rest. However, in our emphasis on refraining from food, drink, and marital relations during the daylight hours, we should not forget many other important aspects of this sacred time. Perhaps, it would help us to remember not only the physical act of fasting, but also its underlying purpose:

O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. (2:183)

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