Fasting for Ramadhan

The Muslim world will soon start  observing the fast of the Holy month of Ramadhan upon the  appearance of the New Moon.

Whether he belongs to Ulama, Imam of Pious Person with good reputation in the community,  fasting shall be in accordance with the saying of Allah in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith or Tradition of Prophet Mohammad.

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) 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. The feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will, it is best for him. And it is better for you that you fast.

Ramadhan is the month set down in The Qur’an as a guide to mankind and  also  has clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one  who is present (at his house) during that month should spend it in fasting. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you through  difficulties. He wants  you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify him in that He may guide you, and perchance you shall be grateful.(Holy Qur’an 2: 183 – 185)

The entire Muslim world is celebrating Ramadhan through fasting in the same manner, in the same duty and at the same time. It is  an Arabic word which means total abstaining from food, drink, intimate intercourse and smoking and all physical temptations. Islam introduced this unique moral and spiritual exercise in fasting on  the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar.

This coming Ramadhan falls on  July 19, 2012 upon  the appearance of the New Moon and will end with  the New Moon on Aug. 17.  In these activities, Allah gives man  an ever-growing tree of infinite virtues and invaluable products. Some of these virtues and benefits  are:

It teaches man sincere love for  God and his fellowmen;

It teaches man  genuine virtues of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God;

It teaches man to be  vigilant and have a sound conscience. A fasting person keeps his fasting  secret as  well  in public. There is no mundane authority  to check man’s  behavior or compel him to observe fasting;

It teaches man to be patient and unselfish. The pain he feels upon deprivation of food and  physical temptation which he  endures  patiently, will make him realize the severe effect of such pains of others, who might be deprived of essential commodities in his life;

It teaches man self discipline for his passionate desires and  place his  self above physical temptation.  It develops a   man’s character to have  will power and self determination;

It teaches man to acquire a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting becasue the  less he eats,  the less money he spends;

It teaches man to master the art of nature adaptability and to overcome the  unpredictable hardships of life;

It teaches man the course of discipline and healthy survival. A man observing the consecutive days of the holy month of Ramadhan certainly applies  himself to a high form of discipline and superb sense of order;

It teaches the real spirit of social belonging of unity and brotherhood, of equality before the order of God and the law.

Muslims who have purified themselves  in Ramadhan,  on the Eid Al-Fitr Festival of Fasting,  will have power  and pray for their  forgiveness with strength.

Almighty God assures those who approach him sincerely  of his  forgiveness. Therefore, a Muslim feels  shame before Allah  to harbor ill feeling towards his brothers including non Muslims. On this day he must forgive those who have done wrong to him so that he would be forgiven.