Fasting in Islam
By: Prof Dr Muhammad Afza Al Malerkotlani | Published: August 08, 2011 LAHORE - Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year, which is celebrated from beginning to end as holy. In fact, many regard it as the holiest time of the Muslim year. The principle outward characteristic of Ramadan is that Muslims are expected to fast all day, every day.
Fasting in Islam is considered to be a means of practicing self-control. It is also considered to be a way of experiencing what hunger is all about, sympathising with the poor and the needy and thanking Almight Allah for everything you have received in life. As Allah says in Quran: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-Muttaqun (the pious).”
“(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e., an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (2:183-84)
Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) also said: “O People! The month of Allah (Ramazan) has approached you with His mercy and blessings. This is the month that is the best of all months in the estimation of Allah. Its days are the best among the days; its nights are the best among the nights. Its hours are the best among the hours.”
Hazrat Imam Ghazali (RA) categorically drew three phases of the Islamic fast. First is the Roza of the general category of the Muslims; second, the Roza of the proper Muslims; and third as well as the highest stage of Roza is of the most proper Muslims.
It is compulsory for every Muslim to fast. However, the status of children is actually mixed. The youngest are not expected to fast, but as they get older they gradually begin fasting for more and more of the day until they are able to go the entire day without food or water without endangering one’s health. Travellers and women pregnant or feeding the baby are exempted from fasting.
Ramazan is the time for offering intense prayers to Almighty Allah. During this month, Muslims try to read the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, as much as possible. They also visit the mosque to listen to the recitation of the Quran and perform taraveeh regularly, which is our Prophet’s (PBUH) sunnah.
There are a number of special days during the month of Ramazan which are considered special. Some of them include Battle of Badr, retaking of Makkah, Laylat al-Qadr, and Eidul Fitr.
May Allah bless us all!( Ameen)
