The purpose of fasting is to inculcate the spirit of shukr in the heart of the believers. One who possesses the spirit of shukr will certainly follow all other teachings of Islam.
The life of a believer in this world is one of fortitude and forbearance, limited as it is to the enjoyment of whatever is allowed by God and avoidance of whatever is forbidden by Him.
Fasting produces an atmosphere of generosity, well-wishing and compassion—an atmosphere in which people’s needs in society may be happily fulfilled. It is a means by which society may be turned into a truly human brotherhood.
Fasting for the month of Ramadan produces a general awareness of the necessity to extend a helping hand to others.
Ramadan is a month in which people are helped and shown compassion. This is the human aspect of fasting.
The outward form of fasting is to abstain from food and water. This abstinence symbolizes the fact that man is at God’s disposal, and should be willing, always, to sacrifice anything for His sake, even relinquishing such basic necessities as food and water.
One who fasts in all sincerity takes care to cast his entire life in one consistent mould. In all his affairs, he applies the constraints laid down by God. He checks himself from abusing others, stays his hand from persecution and halts in his steps towards injustice.
There is much more to fasting than the caution and gratitude induced by the purely outward, physical forms of abstention. It’s greater significance lies in its symbolism of an inner, spiritual eagerness to make all kinds of sacrifices.
The goal of fasting is to develop in man the ability to lead his life bound by restrictions, rather than lead a totally unfettered life.
Putting a curb on man’s basic necessities is to give a strongly worded lesson—that the things God has forbidden you must be eschewed, however contrary that might be to your tastes and habits.Putting a curb on man’s basic necessities is to give a strongly worded lesson—that the things God has forbidden you must be eschewed, however contrary that might be to your tastes and habits.
