Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims across the world. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and, is fard (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, nursing, diabetic, chronically ill or menstruating.
The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
The major goal of fasting is to improve oneself spiritually and attain nearness to God. The Holy Quran states, "O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous” (2:184). The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.
In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims increase restraint from sinful speech and behavior. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).
This month is also special because it commemorates the revelation of the Islamic holy book, the Holy Quran. The holy Prophet Muhammad said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven" (Bukhari).
Please visit: https://www.alislam.org/library/ramadhan-fasting/
Zahid Yousaf
Centreville