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in overeating to curb the feeling of thirst and hunger, in effect do not observe the fast as they do not allow the purpose of Ramazan to be met. Let me clarify this with the following instance from the life of the Prophet. When Prophet Muhammad was returning from Taif, he was overwhelmed with sorrow at the response he received from the leaders of Taif. The people of Taif ordered their children to throw stones at Prophet Muhammad to drive him out of the city, causing him to bleed profusely. It was in this state of being wounded, hungry and thirsty, that God suggested turning the valley of Makkah into gold for him but the Prophet replied, “No, my Lord, but let me have enough to eat and be hungry on alternate days; then when I am hungry I shall make supplication to You and make mention of You, and when I have enough I shall praise and thank You.” (Musnad Ahmad) From these Hadith, it can be drawn that the feeling of hunger and thirst serve the purpose of inculcating sensitivity within a person by making him experience helplessness. This develops piety. Unless he is sensitive, a person cannot seriously deliberate over issues. In psychology, ‘high sensitivity,’ is explained as the ability to process information deeply, to concentrate deeply and be highly conscientious. High sensitivity inculcates curiosity, seriousness and all other high qualities in a person. The author of a book on high sensitivity wrote, ‘a person of high sensitivity can grasp a point with greater intensity.’ This statement illustrates the purpose of fasting—to inculcate sensitivity so that one is able to understand the profound meaning of the Quran. What is the religious and social significance of Eid-ul-Fitr? Eid-ul-Fitr literally means ‘festival of breaking the fast.’ Like other festivals, it is a symbol of an important article of faith. It reminds one of an Islamic belief in the form of social practice. Muslims believe that human life is divided into two parts: the predeath period and the post-death period. One who follows divine commandments in the pre-death period will be rewarded in the postdeath period. Just before Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims keep fast throughout the whole month of Ramazan. Fasting symbolizes life in the present world in which Muslims follow God’s commandments. Eid-ul-Fitr denotes the reward that will be given by God Almighty in the Hereafter in return for our good deeds.