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Like
other Islamic injunctions, the benefits of
Ramadan are not limited to either
"spiritual" or "temporal"
elements of life. In Islam, the spiritual,
social, economic, political and psychological
intermingle in a consistent and cohesive
whole. For convenience of presentation, the
significance of fasting is discussed under
four subheadings; spiritual and moral,
psychological, social, and physical and
medical.
Spiritual and Moral
Elements
1-
Above all, fasting is an act of obedience and
submission to Allah the Almighty. Submission
and commitment is based upon love for Almighty
Allah and earnest effort to gain His pleasure
and avoid His displeasure. If this is the only
reason for fasting, it surely suffices.
2-
Fasting is an act acknowledging Allah the
Almighty as the Only Master and Sustainer of
the universe. It is only through His bounties
that we have our existence and sustenance.
3-
Fasting is an act of atonement for our errors
and mistakes, as the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) said:
"Whoever fasts
(the month of) Ramadan on the basis of
faith and seeking (the pleasure of Allah),
his past errors are forgiven."
(Ahmad)
4-
Fasting trains the believer in taqwa (piety
and fear of Allah). If one volunteers to
refrain from lawful food and sex, he or she
will be in a better position to avoid unlawful
things and acts.
5-
Fasting trains the believer in sincerity.
Unlike other acts of worship, it is entirely
based on self-restraint. Others can never know
for sure if the person is fasting or if he
broke the fast in secret. Self-restraint
requires a high degree of sincerity and
faithfulness.
6-
Fasting teaches other virtues. Fasting does
not exclusively mean refraining from food and
drink. Essentially it means refraining from
all vice and evils. The Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) said: "If
one does not abandon falsehood in words and
deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning
his food and drink."
(Al-Bukhari)
7-
The spirit of Ramadan with its nightly
voluntary prayer (called Salat Al-Qiyam or
Tarawih Prayer) and frequent recitations and
study of the Glorious Qur'an provides a chance
for spiritual revival (a kind of annual
spiritual overhaul).
8-
Fasting is a form of jihad (striving for
Allah). It teaches self-discipline and
enhances one's ability to master his needs and
desires rather than be enslaved by them.
Psychological Elements:
1-
It enhances the feelings of inner peace,
contentment and optimism. These feelings
result from the realization of Allah's
pleasure.
2-
It teaches patience and perseverance and
enhances the feeling of moral accomplishment.
3-
Voluntary abstinence of lawful appetites leads
one to appreciate the bounties of Almighty
Allah which are usually taken for granted.
4-
For a whole month every year, Muslims go
through a different and exciting experience
that breaks the normal routine of life. Not
only can this be refreshing, it also teaches
the person to adapt to varying conditions and
circumstances in his life.
Social Elements:
1-
Fasting promotes the spirit of unity and
belonging within the Muslim Ummah. Millions of
Muslims all over the world fast during the
same month; following the same rules and
observances.
2-
Fasting promotes the spirit of human equality
before Allah the Almighty. Muslims, males and
females, rich and poor from all ethnic
backgrounds go through the same experience of
deprivation with no special privileges for any
group or class.
3-
Fasting promotes the spirit of charity and
sympathy toward the poor and needy. A rich
person may be able to "imagine" the
suffering of the poor or "think"
about hunger. Yet, one can not fully
appreciate suffering or hunger until he
actually "experiences" or
"feels" them. This may explain, in
part, why Ramadan is also known as the month
of charity and generosity.
4-
Fasting promotes Islamic sociability. Muslims
are urged to invite others to break the fast
with them at sunset and to gather for Qur'anic
study, prayer and visits. This provides a
better chance for socialization in a brotherly
and spiritual atmosphere. The Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) indicated on more
than one occasion that inviting a fasting
person to break his fast (after sunset) is an
act which is highly rewarded by Allah the
Almighty.
Physical and Medical
Elements:
A
great deal has been written about the medical
and health benefits of fasting; both by Muslim
and non-Muslim scientists. These benefits
include the elimination of harmful fatty
substances from the blood stream, helping the
cure of certain types of intestinal and
stomach ailments and the renewal of body
tissues. Needless to say that some ailments
may be aggravated by fasting in which case the
person is exempted from fasting. For those who
may be engaged in Islamicially (and medically)
undesirable habits such as over-eating or
smoking, the self-control and discipline
exercised in Ramadan provide an excellent way
to "kick" these bad habits. In a
sense, fasting is an annual physical overhaul
of the body.
It
should be reiterated, however, that the main
motive behind fasting is to obey Allah the
Almighty and to seek His pleasure.
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