O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous – (Quran 2.183)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad
As the God have ordered all races to fast through the messengers and Holy Scriptures as the Holy Quran is believed the last and absolute Scriptures of God, the same Order is set for the Believers.
So what is the meaning of fasting? When we search on AI, we can learn the meaning of fasting in Islam like this: In Islam, fasting, or Sawm, is a pillar of faith, meaning abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, aiming for spiritual discipline, self-control, and gratitude to God.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Definition:
Fasting in Islam, also known as Sawm, is the act of abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) during the month of Ramadan.
Purpose:
- Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is a way to train the soul and strengthen one’s willpower, teaching self-control and moderation.
- Devotion and Gratitude: It’s an act of worship and a way to show gratitude to God for the blessings received.
- Empathy: Fasting helps individuals understand the struggles of those who are less fortunate and encourages compassion.
- Purification: It is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities.
Beyond Food and Drink:
Fasting in Islam extends beyond just abstaining from food and drink. It also involves refraining from harmful behaviors like lying, gossiping, and engaging in immoral acts.
As the health benefits of fasting according to online resources are: Weight loss, Cancer protection, Reduce inflammation, Prevents neurodegenerative disorders, Improved cardiovascular function, Decrease the risk of metabolic diseases, Increase Immune system, Blood sugar control, Improved heart health, Delayed aging, Reduced Blood Pressure. Improved cardiovascular function, Aids brain health, Decreased resting heart rate, Improved Brain Function, etc.
Furthermore, Ramadan is the month of donation, charity and resources sharing. Everyone can come and enjoy breakfast at nightfall at mosques. Ramadan is the annual pause of business and all-round reviews.
So, shouldn’t we praise the Plan and Order of God for all mankind? Oh, Lord, taking the opportunity of writing this article, free the victims of War Crime and Crime Against Humanity on earth.
Let me share the historic pictures of people movement for breakfasting during Ramadan in Yangon. (Source: Nwe Aye Mosque, BBC)
