The purpose of fasting is to produce a feeling of humility through thirst and hunger. Humility comes from a feeling of inabat (repentance). When repentance or inabat is produced within oneself, the dua which comes out of one’s lips, goes straight to the throne of the Almighty.
Real fasting is that which induces real dua. Dua is an act of the heart. The more the heart cultivates this capability, the more effective dua will come. Fasting increases the spiritual capability of man’s heart, then the dua which ensues directly reaches God Almighty.
Fasting by its nature, is an act of patience. Patience means patiently bearing the difficulties and hardships faced in the process of carrying out God’s commandments. One becomes God’s obedient servant at the price of patience.
The outward form of fasting is to abstain from food and water. This abstinence symbolizes that man is at God’s disposal. He should, be willing, at all times, to sacrifice anything for His sake, even if it involves relinquishing such basic necessities as food and water.
