THE INNER REALITY OF FASTING

T HE month of Ramazan is approaching—the month in which the Quran was revealed. The Quran makes special mention of its revelation in the month of Ramazan, while making it obligatory upon it's followers. This indicates that there is a close link between Ramazan and the Quran. In the words of the Quran: In the month of Ramazan the Quran was revealed, a book of guidance for mankind, with clear proofs and criteria distinguishing right from wrong. Therefore whoever of you is present in that month let him fast. But he who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on. THE QURAN 2: 185 The revelation of the Quran started in 610 A.D., in the month of Ramazan according to the lunar calendar. The first revelation was made to the Prophet when he was in the cave of Hira, and it continued for the next 23 years, finally reaching completion in Medina. The guidance given in the Quran is the best blessing to mankind from God, because it shows man the path to ultimate success. The guidance given in the Quran is the best blessing to mankind from God, because it shows man the path to ultimate success. It tells man how to conduct himself so that in his eternal life he can gain entry into paradise. Paradise is the goal of man. Fasting is the path to it. The month of Ramazan is an annual reminder of this blessing. The celebration of the revelation of the Quran is not observed in the usual way but by abstinence and being thankful to the Almighty. Fasting in this month is acknowledgment of the divine blessings. It is like saying, ‘O Lord I have heard and I accept it.’ The term Roza (fasting) is of Persian origin. In Arabic, it is known as Sawn meaning abstinence. Therefore, fasting is an exercise aimed at controlling our desires. In other words, it is the Art of Desire THE INNER REALITY OF FASTING