By Elvis Darko a Journalist
The Holy Quran Chapter 2 verse 183, states that “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed onto you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may have fear of Allah”. The Prophet Mohamed is reported to have said that Islam is built on five pillars and one of them is the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadan. All Muslims are required to take part every year, though there are special dispensations for those who are ill, pregnant or nursing, menstruating, or traveling, and for young children and the elderly.In Quran Chapter 2 verse 185, Allah says: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Holy Quran, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.
So whoever sights the moon of the month, let him fast, and whoever is ill or on a journey, then must fast an equal number of other days.” The faithful fast between 11 and 16 hours daily depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days as a means of drawing closer to Allah and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the less fortunate. Muslims are also supposed to curb negative thoughts and emotions like jealousy and anger, and even lesser things like swearing, complaining, and gossiping, during the month. The last 10 nights of Ramadan was important to the Muslim, as it was considered the most blessed nights of Ramadan and the Prophet is reported to have said that seek the Night of Power during the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
In Quran chapter 77 verse 3 it is stated that “the blessings of that night is better than the blessings of a 1,000 months. And in Quran chapter 44 verse 4, Allah said that “every matter for the ensuing year is decreed on this special night so the Muslim should always supplicate a lot for good things in this life and the hereafter. It signifies a state of constant awareness of Allah, through discipline, self-restraint and a greater incentive to do well and avoid evil. During this month, the doors of mercy, forgiveness and kindness are specially opened and the doors of evil, bad and wrongdoing are specially closed The ultimate goal of fasting in the month of Ramadan is to gain God-consciousness.
The practice of fasting served several spiritual and social purposes: to remind Muslims of their human weakness and dependence on Allah for sustenance, to show how hunger and thirst are, and to have compassion for and a duty to help the poor and needy, and to reduce the distractions in life to clearly focus on their relationship with the Almighty Allah. Ramadan is about aiming to improve good moral character and habits. Abstaining from negative vices and habits such as arguing, fighting, or lustful thoughts are in fact more challenging. During this time, many focus on establishing self-control, and relearning positive life changing habits. Prayer is significant during Ramadan, serving a purpose to sharpen the awareness of and closeness to God, and gives people strength and self-control.
For physical benefits, fasting may promote insulin sensitivity, which helps the aid of healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, a healthier weight and heart functions, as well as reducing the overall risk of diabetes. If you think of willpower as a muscle, the more you work the muscle with exercise, the stronger and more powerful it will become. When people engage in self-control, individuals learn to control their consumption of unhealthy habits.
Exercising self-control like in Ramadan helps people refocus on psychological well-being, and what is important to them. During Ramadan, it is traditional for Muslims to collect and donate to charities. Communities come together to donate to local mosques for good causes. This time is a period of reflection for many; many find a new awareness of their lives and find feelings of gratefulness.
Giving to charity is just as important as fasting. Muslims are obliged to give 2.5% of their assets to charity, (this is known as Zakah) and is another of the five pillars of Islam. During this time the poor are given attention and faith-led neighborhoods practice hospitality. This period aims to establish equality between the rich and poor, as the rich experience hunger and learn to show respect and appreciate the less fortunate.