In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

by Istafiah Is'harc
{Comments by IAA in curly brackets}

Benefits of Fasting

In the Qu'ran it is written that the fast is not intended to be a burden for Muslims because it brings them many benefits. We know that fasting cleanses the body and clears the mind. By learning to be patient and suffering hunger and thirst, Muslims can feel how it must be to be poor and to have nothing to eat and drink. Fasting can also make Muslims strong and courageous when facing difficulties in their lives. The lack of food can make them feel weak physically, but Muslims often find that this helps them to focus on their lives and become more aware of their mistakes. As a result of this, they ask for Allah's forgiveness and pray for His blessing. Many feel that the fast makes their feelings calm and clean. By the end of the fast they feel renewed.

In Islam there are certain times when Muslims are reminded that although they may be important people in their work, they are all just human beings and creatures of Allah (swt). The differences between races and between the rich and poor, disappear when the whole Ummah all over the world are united in doing the same activity. This happens at the mosque especially when Muslims meet for Friday prayers, and when there are big festivals. It also happens during Ramadan when rich and poor alike suffer hunger pangs. The fast of Ramadan is a very ancient practice and predates the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) - in fact, it is believed to date from the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (as).

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