Importance of Fasting in Islamic Religion - Ramadan Fasting Significance& Virtues
Importance of fasting in Islam especially in a blessed month of Ramadan cannot be listed in few lines. Fasting in Islam is Significant and important, both in this world and hereafter. If we start writing the importance and the virtues of fasting we can get by, our pen will not be able to last.
So here, we’ll discuss in short, what is fasting described in Islam, the importance of fasting in Islam and its significance regarding virtues which would lead a Muslim to be successful in this world and on the day of resurrection.
Fasting in Islam, is abstaining oneself from eating, drinking and coitus from daybreak (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) as a devotional ritual. Generally, fasting is not obligatory on Muslims. However, in the month of Holy Ramadan, which is the 9th month of Islamic Calendar, fasting during the whole month on each day becomes obligation on every sane and adult Muslim. More importantly, fasting is also one of the fundamental five pillars of Islam. As Allah SWT says in Quran,
"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]
Moreover, fasting is not the name of hunger, but it aims towards virtue and righteousness. This is the aim of fasting especially in Ramadan, and this is the importance of fasting in Islam that it aims to create the sense of virtue in man, which signifies his success in this world and the day of judgment. As the Prophet Muhammad SAWW said,
Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" [Al-Bukhaari]
Thus, fasting is linked with true faith in Allah SWT, not physical training to endure hunger, thirst and exhaustion. Otherwise, the importance and significance of fasting will nullify. And man will not get anything from fasting except hunger and thirst.
May Allah SWT signify the true meaning and objective of fasting described by Islam. Ameen!
Last Updated: 21/7/2015