The Importance Of Fasting

Allah is depicted as an all knowing and all powerful Creator who loves and cares for any individual given that he/she does not reject the faith. Allah is recognized as the divine being above all things, and He “has dominion of the heavens and earth” (verse 107). In the Qur’an, Surah 2, states “it is He who hath created for you all things that are on earth; moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge” (verse 29). Allah is the sole force in the formation of the world and the Qur’an gives Him His due credit. In addition, forgiveness comes from Allah alone, for “He will choose for His special Mercy whom He will - for Allah is Lord of grace abounding” (verse 105). Equally important, Allah is an “eternal God” with no beginning or end and He is the “Protector of those who have

Fasting is intended to teach “self restraint” and discipline to the individual (verse 183). The teachings about fasting are meant to help the person and he/she will receive more of out of the experience if it can be completed out of “one’s free will”. One’s fasting should be for a certain amount of days and the only reprieve one should take is in the case that the person is sick or on a trip. The days that the individual has to stop his/her fasting should be made up at a later time. The fast will be challenging but overcoming the struggle will prove to be beneficial to the person (verse 184). The main time of fasting for the Muslim tradition is during the time of Ramadhan, which is the period, usually a month, which recognizes the Revelations of the Qur’an to Muhammad. Allah wants the Muslim people to fast and spend their time worshipping Him. The month of Ramadhan should be a time when the people acknowledge their blessings from Allah and show their gratitude to Him (verse