A hadith gives an indication of the larger purpose of fasting. According to this hadith, the Prophet said that a fasting person has two joys: one at the time of breaking of the fast (iftar) and second when he meets his Lord after death. Fasting and iftar are great reminders of a reality. They tell us that there are two phases of human life: the first is the fasting period and the second is the reward period. In the present world we have to lead our life as a fasting person does, and in the world hereafter we will be rewarded for this. Fasting is symbolic of the present life where in we need to lead a life of restraint, while iftar is symbolic of the life of the next world when we will be given eternal reward by God. If we control our desires and make proper use of our freedom in this world, we will be allowed entry to Paradise where there will be no restrictions or compulsion.
