Spirit of Ramadan

As the Prophet said, “Such a man can be likened to a tied-up horse which can go only as far as its rope permits: in that way, he cannot transgress.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 11335) THE ESSENCE OF FASTING Fasting is prescribed once a year, in the month of Ramadhan. One fasts every day of the month, from the first light of dawn until sundown. During that time, one abstains completely from food and drink. According to the Quran, there are two purposes of fasting (The Quran, 2:183, 185): Firstly, to make one cautious in life and secondly, to make one thankful to God. Food and drink is man’s most basic necessity. When he is consumed by hunger and thirst, he sees how weak he really is; he realizes how much he is in need of the succour of God. This experience makes him aware of his duties as God’s humble servant. This feeling leads to caution in life. Then in the evening, when he eats and drinks, he sees how God has made complete provision for his needs. His heart is filled with gratitude. He praises God and offers thanks to Him. The Prophet of Islam is reported as saying that God rewards good deeds from tenfold to seven hundred-fold. His reward for fasting, which is especially for Him, will be infinite. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1151) In another Hadith he is reported as saying, “There are many who fast and receive nothing in return, but hunger and thirst.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1690 | Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 8856) What is the difference between one fast and another, while in appearance both are alike? In actual fact, the appearance is not all that there is to it. The act serves only as a symbol of the essence.