Lesson 2: Fundamental Teachings Of Quran
Fasting (Saum)
Fasting is the third pillar of Islam enjoined for the purification of the body and soul. It is an institution of self discipline and Taqwa (to keep away from sins). Fasting is the total abstinence from food, drink and the pleasures of legitimate carnal satisfaction as a measure of worship, in the way of Allah. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
"When the month of Ramadan comes, the doors of Heavens are opened and the doors of hell are closed.”Fasting was made obligatory for Muslims in the second year of Hijra. Quran says:
”O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may learn self restraint.” (2:183)Apart from eating and drinking, fasting also entails total abstinence of coarse language, impure thoughts or viewing obscene sights from dawn to sunset. The object of fasting is spiritual and physical purification. Fasting refines and polishes a believer’s soul and persona.
How does fasting refine and sublime the soul and character of a believer?
Many of the major world religions have adopted fasting as a method of controlling one’s desires and emotions. Thus, the institution of fasting may be considered universal. Fasting promotes piety and righteousness in man. It produces the ability to control one’s physical desires. Fasting teaches man to subordinate his carnal appetite and the languages of heart to the will of God (Allah). Hence, fasting is most effective in the evolution of the soul.
Additionally, fasting is neither a punishment nor is it a torture. Allah wishes to teach the believers self restraint, a fear of God and righteousness. In the course of our training, we need to crush all the desires and will so as to only submit to the will of God. When a believer undergoes fasting, we realize the depth of pain and torture undergone by the destitute and poor classes. In this way, we develop a sense of sympathy and mercy for them and gain Allah’s pleasure.
Fasting distinguishes the man from animals
Shah Waliullah, a prominent scholar, a sage, and a great mystic of the sub-continent has written in his book Hujjatullah-al Bhalighah:
“Since the excess of animality hinders the emergence of the angelic aspects in man, it is necessary that one should try to dominate one’s animality. As the excess of animality have its roots embedded in food, drink and indulgence in carnal pleasures, a fast accomplishes what abundant food cannot. In order to dominate animality, man should avoid and reduce his desires, i.e. by fasting.”For this reason, the Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“God has no need for him to go without food and drink who cannot shun evil and falsehood even during a fast.”
and
“Fasting is a shield against the hell fire.”
Method of fasting
It is desirable, to take Sehri (short breakfast) till dawn. The intention for the fast is said aloud:
“I intend to keep tomorrow’s fast of Ramadan.“The whole day is then spent without eating, drinking and other forbidden acts. The 5-times obligatory prayer is the key note of fasting. After sunset the fast is complete and is broken by stating aloud the following intention:
“O Allah! I fasted for thee and I believe in thee and I put my trust in thee and with sustenance thou hast given me, I now break the fast.”Conditions of fasting
As fasting is obligatory for Muslims, failure to observe fasting without valid reason is a great sin. A person has the following legitimate excuses for not fasting during Ramadan - but after recovery, one must compensate (keep a fast after Ramadan or feed the poor):
- Anyone sick or women undergoing menstruation are excused.
- A person on a journey or a soldier in battle
- A pregnant or a nursing mother who has a fear for her or her child’s life (otherwise, fasting can be observed by healthy mothers of such a type)
