While in reality the
rewards for fasting in Ramadan are countless and its full benefits known only
to God, the following are ten very important reasons for fasting in Ramadan,
and why Muslims are encouraged to take advantage of this unique social and
spiritual experience.
Reasons for Fasting in
Ramadan, #1: A Pillar of Islam
The foundation of
Islamic spiritual practice is known as the Five Pillars of Islam, which form
the basis for a spiritual culture designed to provide an ideal environment for
personal growth and spiritual evolution.
Fasting in Ramadan is
one of the Five Pillars of Islam, constituting one of the most valuable
spiritual practices designed to empower a human being in overcoming the self
and transcending the ego, the one true veil between a human being and his or
her Creator.
Reasons for Fasting in
Ramadan, #2: Spiritual Purification
One of the primary
benefits of fasting in Ramadan is spiritual purification, the essential goal of
Islamic Spirituality.
Although we tend to
think of the mind, body and spirit as separate components, in reality they are
all connected and interrelated, and improvement in any one naturally effects
improvement in the others as well.
Fasting in Ramadan
purifies the mind, body and spirit, leading to greater clarity, sensitivity and
health.
Reasons for Fasting in
Ramadan, #3: Health
It has now been
scientifically documented and demonstrated that one of the most effective
factors in improving human health and longevity is the reduction of intake and
consumption.
Fasting in Ramadan
allows the digestive system, the engine of the body, to rest from the normal
demands of processing and breaking down food, freeing up system resources to
cleanse and purify the body of accumulated toxins, thereby allowing more
effective healing and tissue repair.
Fasting in Ramadan keeps
the body healthy and youthful (provided one does not overindulge when breaking
fast).
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #4: Family and Community
One of the greatest
benefits and reasons for fasting in Ramadan is renewing solidarity and
cultivating positive relationships with one’s family and community.
Only one who observes
fasting in Ramadan can truly know the beauty and joy of breaking fast with others,
celebrating the gift of life daily for thirty days with loved ones.
Fasting in Ramadan is
truly one of the greatest social experiences a human being will ever have, and
this is one of the most important aspects of this unique pillar of Islamic practice.
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #5: Gratitude
It’s true that one
generally does not realize what he or she has until it’s gone or not available,
and by fasting in Ramadan, Muslims become acutely aware of the unlimited
abundance of divine favor God Almighty has blessed humanity with, particularly
with regards to sustenance.
The cultivation of
gratitude is a core purpose of Islam, and few spiritual practices cultivate
gratitude as does fasting in Ramadan!
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #6: Humility and Selflessness
By fasting in Ramadan, a
Muslim realizes how totally dependent we as human beings are upon the divine
grace of God for survival, and humility is a natural result of this
realization.
Generally, we take
things for granted and become heedless as a result of living in the world,dunya, yet by fasting in Ramadan, we are
continually reminded of our frailty and dependence upon the Divine, leading us
to humility, reverence, piety and selflessness — primary goals of Islamic
Spirituality.
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #7: Empathy and
Compassion
Although we live in a
world of natural abundance, of divine grace and providence, unfortunately due
to a lack of empathy, compassion and solidarity among human beings, there
are many throughout the globe who still struggle with hunger, poverty, lack and
scarcity.
When a Muslim observes
fasting in Ramadan, he or she feels the hunger that many experience daily as a
normal consequence of their circumstances.
By fasting in Ramadan,
we develop the holy qualities of empathy and compassion, becoming more aware of
our intrinsic connection and oneness with all human beings regardless of
borders or labels that create artificial separation among the citizens of the
human race.
This then leads us to
greater contribution and selflessness in the service of our fellow human
beings, constituting one of the most valuable reasons for fasting in Ramadan.
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #8: Restraint and
Self-Discipline
The modern world and its
culture are largely defined by materialism, consumption and instant
gratification of desires. This results in the diminishment of human
consciousness, the regression of planetary culture and the suppression of the
soul.
Yet by fasting in
Ramadan, a Muslim consciously curtails this unhealthy norm by intentionally
practicing restraint and self-discipline, separating him or herself from the
animal kingdom which is governed by the unconscious drive to satiate one’s
immediate physical needs and desires.
Fasting in Ramadan is
thus an essential practice for attaining true freedom and independence from dunya, the external world of form and appearances,
and for the liberation of the soul from the self, the mind-body that is
unconsciously driven by fear and the struggle survival.
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, #9: Simplicity and
Non-Attachment
When living without
discipline and restraint, life quickly becomes overly complicated, leading to a
heavy burden that results in unnecessary stress, anxiety, unhappiness and
difficulty.
By fasting in Ramadan,
we limit excess and indulgence, facilitating the return to simplicity and
non-attachment, releasing one from dependence on dunya and so contributing to psychological health
and happiness, and practical wellness and balance.
Reasons for Fasting
in Ramadan, # 10: Focus
With the constant
demands of modern life, it’s all too easy to become lost and forget who we are,
and so to unconsciously forget our divine purpose and destiny.
Without constant
reminder, we become lost in the dream of dunya and
become disconnected from reality.
Fasting in Ramadan for
thirty days is a powerful practice in restoring and strengthening focus,
direction, balance and purpose to our lives.
Fasting in Ramadan is a
Gift from God
The opportunity to
observe fasting in Ramadan is a gift from God, allowing us to grow and develop
as human beings, enabling us to become more
compassionate, caring, kind and grateful.
Fasting in Ramadan is a
unique opportunity to develop spiritually and gain strength and control over
our selves, our egos, the nafs, the
unconscious automatic primitive nature that tends to dominate our lives when
unchecked.
By observing fasting in
Ramadan, a Muslim has a profound and unique opportunity to become more peaceful,
present and spiritual — the very goal of Islam………..