Ramadan: fasting for the body and feasting for the soul

[Quran 2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Observing this month is one of the five pillars of Islam (Submission to God). In observing this month, as our body experiences fasting, our soul can be nourished. In this article we will be discussing why and how we observe this month followed by personal reflections on this practice.

Why observe Ramadan?

As the verse above indicates, the practice of fasting is vital for our salvation. There is tremendous wisdom in this practice, some of which will be discussed here.

Historically, it was during this month that the Quran was revealed. Quran provides guidance, teachings and the book of law (Quran 2:185). Observing this month is a way of glorifying God and showing our appreciation for guidance. Thus, this is the spirit of observing this month: glorification and appreciation of our

Most Gracious Creator.

In addition, this practice has many benefits, some of which are explained later in the section entitled “Other benefits of Ramadan”.

How do we observe Ramadan?

It is simple: during this month, one fasts from dawn to sunset, abstaining from drinking, eating and sex (2:187). One can eat and drink before dawn and after sunset. Some individuals wake up before dawn to eat and drink before starting their fast. For the last ten nights of Ramadan, some people choose to retreat to the masjid. Sexual intercourse is allowed (between spouses) during the nights except while retreating in the masjid (2:187).
God allows substituting fasting during other days of the year (instead of during Ramadan) if someone is sick or traveling. In this case the fasting should be for same number of days (2:184-185).

If one experiences great difficulty in fasting, one can feed at least one poor individual for each day that one does not fast. This is the minimum. God encourages doing more righteous works.

God also encourages fasting by saying that it is the best option (2:184).

We are very blessed to have such a compassionate God who gives us options.

Other benefits of Ramadan

This month is a training for the soul. To observe this month, we alter our daily routine. Our soul takes charge and directs the body as to when to eat and drink. Observing this month can help us remember and implore God more as we fast during the day. We can implore God to help us make it through the day and make it easy. We nourish and strengthen our soul as we follow God’s guidance to observe this month and as we remember and implore God. Fasting can help us appreciate the great blessing of having access to good, clean food and water. It can enhance our compassion for others who don’t have these blessings and our motivation to help them, God willing.
It seems to me that this practice can help us overcome a great obstacle to salvation: our ego. As we fast during the day, we witness our weakness and dependence on food and water.

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