Fasting has a tempering effect on the body; it cools the passions and sharpens the mind. Muslims also spend more time offering obligatory and voluntary prayers, reading and studying the Holy Qur’an, as well as being more charitable. Fasting invokes feelings of gratefulness to God for all of His blessings upon us. In a nutshell, Ramadan fasting is a fundamental practice in Islam where healthy adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. This spiritual observance fosters self-discipline, empathy, and increased devotion to Allah. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? As humans, we are susceptible to sin and transgression. Fasting teaches Muslims to be pious, helping them restrain from worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual growth. We Muslims fast the month of Ramadan because Allah has commanded us to do so. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:183] The phrase means “Happy Ramadan” and is frequently used during Ramadan, a time when fasting, prayer and reflection are heavily prioritized. It is one of the most sacred times for Muslims and During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking. Food is eaten before dawn hits (Suhoor) to grant the body sustenance for the fast and a meal is eaten after sunset (Iftar) to break it. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? Fasting provides Muslims the opportunity to acquire a sense of control over their needs, desires and distractions, giving them room for a heightened sense of Ramadan fasting is one of the most observed of all the pillars of Islam, with 70-80% of Muslims practising it. It is obligatory for all Muslims, men and women, from the age of puberty. Parents The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. Those fasting are expected to also refrain from bad deeds, such as gossiping, and to increase good deeds. The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. Fasting during Ramadan is from sunrise to sunset. This tradition is rooted in religious teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is quoted as saying: “When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get any, then (he should break his fast) with water, for water is purifying.“ Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan . Fasting during Ramadan has many benefits, physically, mentally and spiritually. Physically, it can help to cleanse the body and promote weight loss. It can also improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Fasting also helps with mental health in Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink during the hours of daylight. This is called fasting . Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age of 14. The Prophet (PBUH) was known to be even more generous during Ramadan. It’s recommended to give zakat or voluntary charity to those in need, especially during Ramadan. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity): Giving Sadaqah during Ramadan is a means of increasing one’s good deeds. The Prophet (PBUH) taught the importance of giving charity, especially in Muslims around the world are welcoming the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting, increased worship, heightened charity, good deeds and community. Christians are also fasting during Lent, the 40-day period of penance and prayer ahead of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I remember the first time I fasted during Ramadan. Actually, I wasn’t Muslim at the time, but I fasted with my pupils in school. It was the least thing I thought I could do to show my solidarity and support for them. Little did I know that the following year, I would be Muslim myself, fasting as a Muslim during Ramadan during the hours of The one who fasts has two (occasions) of joy: one is when he breaks the fast, he is glad about the breaking of (the fast), and (the other) is when he meets his Lord he is glad about his fast.'" (Sahih Muslim) When breaking your fast at iftar (sunset), make sure that you don't waste any time and eat a piece of date or drink water as soon as These groups are allowed not to fast but they must make up for missed days later (except for children) or provide fidya (feeding someone in need) if they are unable to fast at all. So now that we established the obvious rule of fasting (not eating or drinking), Let’s explore what else you can not do during Ramadan Ramadan fasting is safe for healthy people, provided that overall food and water intake is adequate, but those with medical conditions should seek medical advice if they encounter health problems before or during fasting. [9]
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