Fasting in Islam in its general sense starts from the dawn of humanity in different forms. Still, its main purpose is to become fearful of Allah Almighty. Also, there are different types of fasting days in Islam; it’s not restricted to Ramadan. When I reflect on my concept of life as a Muslim, I feel that it is too rich and reasonable for my spirit and intellect. Let’s explore..
Here we will learn the following:
What is Fasting in Islam?
Fasting is defined linguistically as a person intended to abstain from something. Fasting in Islam is to stop and abstain from things that break the fast. Fasting in Islam starts with the dawn to the sunset with the intention to fast. Fasting in Islam is a type of Worshiping God Almighty, by abstaining from eating and drinking and all things that break the fast, from dawn to sunset.
Fasting in Islam could be obligatory (Fard) such as in the month of Ramadan, and could be voluntary (sunnah) such as fasting in all the other days if the year.
What Are the Fasting Days in Islam?
There are two types of fating says in Islam: Voluntary and obligatory fasting days in Islam:
1. Obligatory Fasting Days in Islam:
Fasting Ramadan is the prescribed fasting for every Muslim. It is an obligatory religious duty. Verses 183 & 184 in Sura Al-Baqara show that fact. the obligatory fasting in expiations:
- Expiation of the Muslim pilgrim .
- Fasting due to he who killed someone by mistake.
- Fasting due to the pilgrim who can not afford for the sacrifice.
- Fasting due to the oath.
- That of the atonement of zihar ( a man who announces that his wife is unlawful for him).
- Fasting due to having sexual intercourse by the day of Ramadan.
1. Voluntary fasting in Islam includes:
Voluntary fasting: it has many types illustrated in the next paragraph.
- Fasting the three white days of each Hijri month (the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the fifteenth).
- Fasting Monday and Thursday each week.
- Fasting six days of Shawwal .
- Fasting Arafa day ( the ninth day of Thi El- Hejja; the twelfth month of the Hijri year ).
- Fasting the first nine days of Thi El-Hejja).
- Fasting Ashura ( the tenth day of Muhrram ( the first month of the Hijri year after Thi El-Hejja).
- Fasting a day and breakfasting a day of each week ( three days in a week; that is the fasting of the Prophet David (PBUH).
10 Importance of Fasting in Islam
Fasting in Islam has a special rank for many reasons:
- Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam that Allah Almighty loves the servant committed to them:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah the Exalted has said: “ … And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him.” [Al- Bukhari]
- Cultivating piety
- Protecting from the Hellfire
- Getting answered supplications
- Means of suppressing sexual desire
- Increasing productivity
- Teaching patience
- Regaining free will
- Supporting your feeling of sympathy
- Improving health
For more about benefits of fasting, read these articles:
What Is the Purpose of Fasting in Islam?
Allah mentioned the main purpose of fasting in Ramadan saying:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“ O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.”
1. The Month Ramadan And The Qur’an
Adding to the previous merit, Allah ‘Only One God’ the Almighty has revealed His book ‘the Qur’an’ to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in this month. This indicates that the Qur’an has a special effect at that time. Generally, Qur’an is a book of guidance and healing for those who sincerely seek these meanings in this book. In Ramadan, the effect is greater. Thus, start to read the Qur’an if you want to discover yourself and the purpose of life. your journey is easier in Ramadan as the devils are chained.
2. Power of Supplication in Ramadan
One of the powerful miracles of Ramadan is answering the supplications. when Allah speaks about the rulings of Ramadan in the Qur’an, he gives us this Verse in between to indicate this meaning:
And when My servants ask you, [O Muḥammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” [Qur’an, 2: 186]
It’s time to come closer to your Creator and to ask Him your needs in addition to guidance. You suffer a lot, so no time for hesitation.
What Is the History of fasting in Islam?
Fasting Ramadan Started by the year 2, in the Islamic “Hijri” calendar. Still, before this Muslims were practicing fast, but not as a pillar of Islam, like their fast of the tenth day of Muharram month (‘ashuraa day).
Moreover, Allah (God) had ordered previous nations to practice fasting as well. It had different forms, durations and times, but fasting is a worship that Muslims –in the general sense of the word– has been practicing since the dawn of humanity. Some fasted by abstaining from speaking or human interactions, others fasted by abstaining from eating or drinking, day and night.
Muslims now fast according to the last form of fasting that Allah revealed to his final prophet (Muhammad) peace be upon him. The certain times, objects and practices are all known by following the last Prophet’s example.
For more information about history of fasting in Ramadan, please read this article about the history of fasting in Islam.
Conclusion
To conclude, here are the steps you are to follow to touch the difference of fasting more:
- Choose one challenge you want to work on.
- Realize the uniqueness of this month; Ramadan.
- Start to read the Qur’an to know the purpose of life and to understand yourself and find answers for your existential questions.
- Make intensive supplication asking the Creator to guide you and to help you to face your challenge.
References
(2) Verse (2: 186) of Qur’an (English Interpretation of Meaning)
