Fasting in the month of Ramadan is not some kind of annual custom. It is a living creative process. Fasting is related to the entire human life. The aim of fasting is to make man’s entire life a roza-oriented life.
Ramadan is the seventh month of the lunar calendar. According to the Islamic teachings, Muslims must observe fast throughout this month. The form taken by the fast is abstinence from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It begins after the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan and continues on a daily basis up to the end of the month.
In the Chapter Al-Baqarah of the Quran, there are five verses that deal with fasting in the month of Ramadan. (2:183-187). In the book of Hadith Mishkat al-Masabih, seventy-three sayings of the Prophet have been quoted with regard to fasting. Detailed provisions regarding Ramadan can be found in the books of fiqh.
In a Hadith, the Prophet of Islam has said: “Every deed in Islam is rewarded from ten to seven hundred times. But God says, ‘Fasting is for me, and I will give unlimited reward to one who fasts.’” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1151)
According to Islamic teachings, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijra calendar, is the month of fasting. In this month, believers refrain from food and drink for a limited period each day, that is, from dawn till sunset. They eat and drink during the night. This practice continues for one month.
What is fasting? Fasting does not simply amount to observing hunger for a temporary period. In fact, it symbolizes a lifelong culture, that is, a culture of dedication.
