Why do Muslims Fast?

Most of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge have experimented with some form of fasting, like an all fruit fast, a water fast or an sugar-free fast.  But what many may find rather strange and intriguing is a whole nation of people - be it old or young, rich or poor - going completely without food and drink from dawn to dusk for a whole month.  That is, the month of Ramadān.  

What is the significance of Ramadān, is it not a very harsh practice?  What really is the spirit of Ramadān?

Fasting Prescribed in all major Religions

In English “fasting” means to abstain from food or from certain kinds of food voluntarily, as an observance of a holy day or as a token of grief, sorrow, or repentance[1].  This practice can be found in most of the major religions of the world.  For example, in Hinduism fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa.  Devout Hindus observe fasting on special occasions as a mark of respect to their personal gods or as a part of their penance.  For Jews, Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) is the last of the Ten Days of Repentance observed on the 10th of Tishri.  It is forbidden on that day to eat, drink, wash, wear leather, or have sexual relations.  In addition, prohibitions on labour similar to those on the Sabbath are in force[2].  It should also be noted that Moses (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Torah to have fasted.

“And he was there with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights, he neither ate bread not drank water.” (Exodus 34:28)

For Catholics among Christians, Lent is the major season of fasting, imitative of the forty-day fast of Jesus (peace be upon him).  In the fourth century, it was observed as six weeks of fasting before Easter or before Holy Week.  It was adjusted to forty days of actual fasting in most places in the seventh century [2].  Jesus (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Gospels to have fasted like Moses.

“And he fasted 40 days and 40 nights, and afterward he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2 & Luke 4:2)

It is in this context that God[3] states in the Qur'ān:

“O believers!  Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you become more conscious of Allāh.”  (Qur'ān, 2:183)

Among the Best Righteous Deeds

Although in most religions, fasting is for expiation of sin or atonement for sin, in Islām it is primarily to bring one closer to God, as stated in the above-mentioned verse.  Since, God-consciousness is the prerequisite for righteousness, great stress is placed on fasting in Islām.  Thus, it is not surprising to find that when Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked:

“Which is the best deed?” He replied, “Fasting, for there is nothing equal to it.” (Al-Nasā’ī)