Betterment
\r\nThough the laws and rites that the prophets and messengers brought differed in numerous ways, fasting was one of the essential matters of faith that they all came with. This shows us that the practice of fasting is one of the greatest acts of worship.
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\r\n When Allah draws the attention of the Muslims to the fact that they are not the only ones to observe this act of worship, it is an encouragement for us. All of the prophets fasted, as did all the religious communities of old. This strengthens our hearts to observe what Allah commanded us, as well as those who came before us, to observe.
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\r\n Fasting is a prescription from Allah for spiritual development. It is an intensive course in moral character. It is a good idea for a fasting person to make a conscious intention from the beginning of Ramad?n to develop one or more aspects of his or her character, and to monitor the progress made throughout the month.
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\r\n Fasting is a spiritual challenge. This is one of the ways it benefits those who are unaccustomed to avoiding sin. While fasting, they have to restrain themselves from engaging in lawful things as well, and this makes them more God-conscious, and more acutely aware of the magnitude of their sins. It is a shock to their system, but it is shock therapy that takes a gradual pace and provides many benefits. It is one in which the patient actively participates, since the fasting person willingly engages in this new experience of self-restraint.
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\r\n The underlying purpose of fasting is to help Muslims in their spiritual development so they can become more God-fearing. Allah did not impose fasting on us to punish us or to make things difficult by depriving us of what we desire. Instead, He prescribed it for us to make us more God-conscious.
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\r\n Fasting is a chance for us to show our willingness to give up something we desire for His sake. Our moral development requires us to rein in many of our desires. This is not easy. It requires effort and takes patience. In this way, we strengthen ourselves so we can live wholesome, ethical lives.
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\r\n One of the most destructive ways to live life is through the unchecked pursuit of our desires, without considering the harm that our actions can cause for ourselves and others. A person who lives in this way has no self-control and no ability to engage in anything that requires effort.
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\r\n By depriving ourselves of food, drink, and other lawful pleasures for Allah’s sake as an act of worship and devotion, we fortify our hearts and triumph over our desires. It makes it easier for us to stay away from sin. What is the point in depriving ourselves of food and drink if we are going to persist in slander, suspicion, rumour-mongering, and cheating?
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\r\n When we go through the day in Ramad?n hungry and thirsty from fasting, we should recall to mind the reasons why we fast. We should keep in mind that fasting is supposed to develop our moral character and make us better people.
Compiled From:
\r\n "The Immeasurable Importance of Fasting" - Salman al-Oadah