the night, leaving only emptiness. When one contemplates the texts on
fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of
the Muslimcommunities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and
our obligations.Remember that Ramadhanis a bounty that Allah blessed
His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety
(Taqwa). Allah said: "O youwho believe! Fasting is prescribed for you
as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious."
(Al-Baqarah 2:183). This article is an attempt to present the
essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies. primary reason for
the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind
it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting. Fasting is
done merely to conform to the social environmet without contemplation.
If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in
this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right
way.
Goals of Fasting
Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting.
Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and
mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome
these two desires more easily. This deter against committing
abominations and sins andassist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.
Strengthening willpowerand acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases
one's will power to controlhis desire and the selfishness of his soul.
This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands.
The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward.
The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping
at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah
said:"These are the limits set byAllah, so approach them not."
(Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and
drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong
love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing
of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting
greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith
Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards],
the good deed by ten of itslike, up to seven hundreds,up to whatever
Allah wills,except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He
abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim)
lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating
in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food
and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobodycan find out
about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29).
Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: Eating, drinking, and
socializing alldistract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by
the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be
bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought
about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to
the all typesof worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering additional
prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress
against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad).
Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of
the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with
His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more
sympathetic and willing toshare this bounty. The poor rediscovers that
fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to
concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all
year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.
Acquiring strength and endurance: It has been discovered that
depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and
endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain
diseases.
Remember that fasting isnot only dependent on abstentions: Many
believethat fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting
that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting. Among
which are:
Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever
performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and
anticipating God's rewards,will be forgiven his previous
sins."(Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: ...
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