Virtues of fasting on Ramadhan
Muslims all over the world start and observe the fasting of the holy month of Ramadhan upon the sighting of the appearance of the New Moon, that was on July 8, 2013 (Monday) then the following day (Tuesday) should be the first day of Fasting but the group of ULAMA failed to see the appearance of the New Moon. Thus, Wednesday become the first day of Fasting. Fasting should be in accordance with the saying of ALLAH (S.W.T) in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith or Tradition of Prophet Mohammad (P.A.H). Peace be upon him.
ALLAH says in the Holy Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Fasting prescribed to you. As it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint”.
(Fasting) is for a fixed number of days, but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), it is a ransom. But for he who will give more of his own free will, it is best for him.
Ramadhan is the month which was set down as a guide for mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment of right and wrong. All who are present at home during that month should spend it in fasting. But is he is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you, he does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify him and that He guide you, and perchance ye shall be grateful. (Holy Qur’an 2:183-185).
The entire Muslim world is celebrating Ramadhan through fasting or the same manner, at the same duty and observing at the same time. It is an Arabic word which means total abstaining from food, drinks, intimate marital affairs, smoking and all physical temptations. Islam introduced this unique moral and spiritual insititution.
Ramadhan is an Arabic word derived from the root word RAMADH means burning of sin and other immoral acts. One of its lessons is the total change of usual daytime activities. The first level is fasting of our stomach and private parts. This is called SAWMOLAWAM. The second level is the fasting of our physical body known as SAWMOL KHAWAS.
For example, the fasting of the tongue from telling a lie, back bighting, constant swearing, etc. This is known as fasting of the righteous persons of SALEEHEN. The third level is the fasting of heart and soul known as SAWMOL KHAWASOL KHAWAS. This refers to enmity, jealousy, thinking only of a worldly affairs. This is distinguished as the fasting of the prophet.
For 30 days, continuous fasting of the heart will make one feel the hardship of hunger and thirst of the poor. Therefore, after Ramadhan one has the will power to forgive a brother, to be merciful, generous to others.
In this activities ALLAH gives man an ever-growing tree of infinite virtues and invaluable products. Some of the infinite virtues and teaching that many avail of in this life are:
1. Fasting on Ramadhan (SAWM) teaches man sincere love for God and his fellowmen;
2. Ramadhan teaches man genuine virtues of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God;
3. Ramadhan teaches man how to have a vigilant and sound conscience. A fasting person keeps his fast secret and does not make it public. There is no mundane authority to check a man’s behavior or compel him to observe fasting;
4. Fasting on Ramadhan teaches man to be patient and unselfish. The pain he feels upon deprivation of food and physical temptation makes him realize the severe effect of such pains on others, who are deprived of essentials commodities in life;
5. Ramadhan teaches man self-discipline for passionate desires and places himself above physical temptation; it develops his character, will power and self determination;
6. Fasting teaches man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting. The less he eats, the less money he can spend;
7. Ramadhan teaches man to adapt and have the power to overcome unpredictable hardships;
8. Fasting teaches man the course of Discipline and Healthy survival. He applies himself to a high form of discipline and superb sense of order;
9. Other virtues of Ramadhan – It teaches the real spirit of social belonging, unity and brotherhood, of equality before the order of God as well as before the law.
Muslim who have purified themselves in Ramadhan should celebrate with prosperity on the Eid Al-Fitr Festival of Fasting breaking. Thus almighty God assured those who approach him with sincerity that they have gained forgiveness. On this day a Muslim must forgive those who have done him wrong so that he would be forgiven.
Fasting on the month of Ramadhan is the mightiest form of devotion and worship of God. This is the kind of fasting practiced by prophets.
Anyone who observes these three levels of fasting will be given by God a prosperous life in this world and life in hereafter as said by Allah in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Baquarah.
