ALINA SIDDIQUI

ASSIGNMENT #3

IMPORTANCE OF FASTING:

Fasting is one of the five pillars of islam and if were unabl eto to fulfill any one of these we arent
muslims.if we were to look into the quran, when allah speaks about the act of fasting,
it in fact reveals something a lot deeper.the purpose of fasting is to develop the quality of
righteousness (taqwa) by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our desires.
Allah said: “o you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for
those before you that you may become righteous. (qur’an, 2:183)
the word, ‘taqwa’ comes from the root meaning, ‘to guard’ and it is variously translated as mindfulness,
righteousness, and god-fearing piety. Fasting is meant to instill this virtuous quality within us. In this
way, fasting acts as a shield, which protects us from sin and ultimately from the punishment of allah in
the hereafter. If a Muslims fails to protect himself from sins and unbeneficial speech while
fasting, then his fasting has not achieved its purpose. Allah certainly does not need any one of
us to fast, so a Muslim who sins while fasting has nullified the virtue of his fasting.

Thus, fasting is a means of preventing the soul from fulfilling sinful desires and lusts. This quality of self-
control is one of the reasons people enter Paradise.
Allah said: “(Those) who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from
(unlawful) inclination, Then indeed, Paradise will be (his) refuge.” (Qur’an, 79:40-41

Likewise, fasting should be a means of developing control of our anger. For this reason, Muslims should
not argue or respond to slander while fasting.
Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)
said: ‘The strong are not the best wrestlers. Verily, the strong are only those who
control themselves when they are angry’.” (Sahih Muslim, 2609)
Moreover, fasting is a means for compassion for the poor and gratitude for the favors of Allah.
Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)
said: “Look to those lower than you, and do not look to those above you, lest you
view the favors of Allah as trivial’.” (Sahih Muslim 2963)
The discomfort we feel while fasting should remind us of the suffering of those in poverty who do not
enjoy food security or clean water. By reflecting on their situation, this should cause us to give in charity
in order to relieve their suffering and to be grateful for the blessings of Allah.

by fulfilling the purpose of fasting, a Muslim will be rewarded with salvation in the Hereafter, protection
from the Hellfire, and entry into Paradise. Every day somewhere a Muslim is free from the Hellfire due
to his virtuous fasting.

"The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, wherein is
guidance for humankind and the clear signs of guidance and distinction. Thus
whosoever among you witness the month must fast..." [Al-Baqarah 2:184].
Q:Why we prepare for ramazan?

"The month of Ramadan (is the month) in which the Qur’an has been sent down as
guidance for mankind containing clear signs which lead (to the straight road) and
distinguishing (the truth from falsehood).." (Q 2:185)

When a Muslim hears about the arrival of Ramadan, the first thing he or she needs to do is to reflect
upon the purpose of Ramadan. Allah Almighty does not need the fasting, the thirst and hunger of a
Muslim, rather it is all for the personal good of a Muslim and the well-being of a society.

Although in the aforementioned ayah of Quran, Allah Almighty has mentioned the purpose of fasting,
and that is to make a person more pious. However, if one reflects upon the reasons behind fasting,
there may come numerous other objectives as well.

 Firstly, in Ramadan, all the Muslims pray extensively and cordially, therefore, it is quite natural
that this month presents a chance for increasing the reward balance and seek forgiveness for
the sins that a person has committed.
 Secondly, the hunger and thirst in the month of Ramadan help a Muslim relate with the other
people in the world who are unfortunate and don’t have access to ample food and drinking
water. When a Muslim keeps a fast, actually he or she empathizes with such people and feels
the way they feel and the way go through the day with such limited provision.
 Thirdly, when a Muslim goes through the day with limited energy, although it effects at a
physical level, however, the real effect of it is seen on the attitude of a person making him or her
more humble and patient. Therefore, during a fast, a Muslim is supposed to be at the best of his
or her character in terms of patience and humility.

Q: BEGINNING AND ENDING OF FAST?

Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan. Muslim
scholars say it's not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day. Ramadan is also an exercise in
self-restraint. Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip and arguments.Just before the fast, Muslims have
a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day, the "suhoor. uslims traditionally break
their fast like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water
and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is the most anticipated moment of the day.After sunset
prayers, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends.

Q:CAN MUSLIMS BE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING?

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every adult Muslim, male or female, who has
reached puberty, is sane and who is not sick or traveling
Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, those who are ill, women who are pregnant, nursing
or menstruating, and people traveling, which can include athletes during tournaments.

Q; WHAT IS KAFFARH?

Those who are sick with incurable illness and expect no better health are also allowed not to fast but
they must pay the fidyah, which is giving a day's meals for each fast missed to a needy person. Instead
 of food for one day one can also give equivalent amount of money to a wheat,barley,etc to a needy
person. Kaffarah is the donation made when you deliberately miss or break your fast during the month
of Ramadan without a valid reason. Kaffarah is not an obligatory contribution as you can choose to fast
continuously for 60 days, although, if you intentionally miss or break another fast, you must begin the 60
days again. The Kaffarah contribution is used to feed 60 people living in poverty. "[Observing Saum
(fasts)] 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, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin
(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."

— Quran: 2:184

Q: individual advantages and collective belief?

Ramadan is not merely physical. Fasting is a commitment of the person’s body and soul to the
spirit of the fast: a spiritual self-purification method. Through fasting, much work on ones acts
of worship, and aims to purify the soul; cleansing impurities and refocusing one’s self of
worship. Ramadan is about aiming to improve good moral character and habits. Not only do
people cut out food and drink, an equally important aspect of Ramadhan but often overlooked
by non-Muslims with the focus of conversations being on food and drink, is to abstain from
negative vices and habits such as arguing, fighting, or lustful thoughts. It is the fasting of the
tongue, ears and eyes that is in fact more challenging.During this time, many focus on
establishing self-control, and relearning positive life changing habits. People acquire patience,
strong will, and discipline. Striving for Ihsaan is the aim, which means righteousness and
sincerity.

The Physical Health Benefits

 Fasting may promote insulin sensitivity, which helps the aid of healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels,
a healthier weight and heart functions, as well as reducing the overall risk of diabetes.
 Fasting may promote healthy guts: which in turn aids immune and digestive processes.
 Fasting can help lower of blood sugar & cholesterol
 Increasing boost of will power: If you think of willpower as a muscle, the more you work the muscle with
exercise, the stronger and more powerful it will become. When people engage in self-control,
individuals learn to control their consumptions of unhealthy habits. Exercising self-control like in
Ramadan helps people refocus on psychological wellbeing, and what is important to them.
The Social Effects
During Ramadan, it is traditional for Muslims to collect and donate to charities. Communities come
together to donate to local mosques for good causes. This time is a period of reflection for many; many
find new awareness of their lives and find feelings of gratefulness.

Giving to charity is just as important as fasting. Muslims are obliged to give 2.5% of their assets to
charity, (this is known as known as Zakah) and is another of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadhan is also
known as the month of selflessness and charity, with more than £100million estimated to be donated to
charity by British Muslims during the month. A report in 2016 calculated Muslim charitable donations at
an incredible £38 each second during Ramadhan.

Ramadan develops spiritual, social and moral values. During this time the poor are given attention and
charity, and faith led neighbourhoods practice hospitality. Fasting aims to establish equality between the
rich and poor, as the rich experience hunger and learn to show respect and appreciate the less
fortunate..