Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Holy Qur’an: O ye who believe! Fasting is 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 any one is ill, or on a journey,
The prescribed number (should be made up) from days later.
For those who can do it (with hardship), 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 ye fast, if ye but knew.
Ramdhan is the (month) in which was sent down
The Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs)
For guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).
So every one of you who is present (at his house)
During that month should spend it in fasting.
But if 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
In that He guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
(Holy Qur’an 2: 183-185)
The entire Muslim world is celebrating Ramadhan through fasting or (sawm) at the same manner, at the same duty and at the same time. Sawm is an Arabic word that means “total abstaining from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking and all physical temptations.” Islam introduced this unique moral and spiritual characteristic in matchless institutions known as fasting (sawm) on the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. This coming Ramadhan fasting 1432 Hijrah Muslim calendar correspond on Aug. 1, 2011, depend upon the sighting of the appearance of the new moon. In this activity Allah gives man an ever-growing tree of infinite virtues and invaluable products. Some of the infinite virtues and teaching that many may avail on this life are as follows:
1. Sawm teaches man of sincere love to God and his fellowmen;
2. It teaches man the genuine virtues of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God;
3. It teaches man a vigilant and sound conscience. A fasting person keeps his fast secret and keeps it in private so that there is no mundane authority to check man’s behavior or compel him to observe fasting;
4. It teaches man to be patient and unselfish. Man feels pain in deprivation of foods, physical temptation but endorses patiently the experience that makes him realize the severe effects of such pains in others, who might be deprived of essential commodities in his daily life;
5. It teaches man of self-discipline for his passionate desires and place himself above physical temptation such as the man of personality and character, the man of willpower and self-determination;
6. It teaches man to acquire a new way of wise saving and sound budgeting. Normally the less he eats or less meals, the less money he can spend;
7. It teaches man to master the art of nature adoptability; man realized the change of the entire course of his daily life. He can naturally manage to adopt to be able to overcome the unpredictable hardships in life;
8. It teaches man the course of discipline and healthy survival. A man observing the Holy month of Ramadhan certainly subjects himself to a high form of discipline and superb sense of order;
9. It teaches the real spirit of social belonging of unity and brotherhood, of equality before the order of God as well as before the law;
Ramadhan is the month of fasting or (sawm) in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed as the last Scripture of God that completed the Divine laws. Among the most important scriptures of God are the Psalm of David given to Prophet David, the Torah or Taurat given to Prophet Moses the Evangili or Injil given to prophet Jesus and the last is Holy Qur’an given to prophet Mohammad. May the peace of God be upon them all.