What Is The Reason For Fasting in Ramadan?

fasting in Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink, it’s a journey of self-discipline, spiritual growth, and deep connection with Allah. This sacred month teaches patience, gratitude, and compassion while purifying both the body and soul. At Sabil Al-Quran, we guide you through the true significance of fasting, helping you embrace its wisdom and rewards. Join us to explore the deeper meaning of Ramadan and strengthen your faith.

Why Do We Fast in Ramadan?

Allah commands us to fast in Ramadan as an act of worship, purification, and spiritual discipline. It is a way to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), gratitude, and self-control. 

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a means to cleanse the soul, increase patience, and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

1. Fasting is a Divine Command for Taqwa

Allah has made fasting obligatory so that we may attain piety and self-discipline:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain piety (taqwa).” 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse shows that fasting is a universal act of worship, meant to refine our character and draw us closer to Allah.

2. Fasting Teaches Gratitude and Self-Restraint

By experiencing hunger and thirst, we learn to appreciate Allah’s blessings and develop empathy for the less fortunate. It also trains us in patience and self-control, making us better individuals.

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

This verse highlights that Ramadan is a sacred month in which Allah sent down the Qur’an as a guidance for mankind, making it a time for deep reflection and devotion.

3. Fasting Leads to Forgiveness and Great Rewards

Allah promises forgiveness and immense rewards for those who fast sincerely:

وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

“And the men who fast and the women who fast… and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” 

(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said:

“من صام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا، غُفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.”

“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Muslim 760)

4. Fasting Strengthens Our Connection with Allah

Fasting is a deeply spiritual act that detaches us from worldly distractions and brings us closer to Allah. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to worship Him and seek His pleasure.

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” 

(Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)

Can you drink water while fasting in Ramadan? If you’re unsure about this or other aspects of fasting, the Ramadan Questions and Answers Podcast offers clear guidance. Explore the rules of fasting, who is exempt, and how to make the most of this sacred month.

Why did Muhammad Start Fasting?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ started fasting because it was a divine command from Allah, revealed to help Muslims develop self-discipline, gratitude, and spiritual closeness to Allah. 

Before fasting in Ramadan became obligatory, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions used to fast on Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), following the tradition of Prophet Musa, who fasted in gratitude to Allah for saving the Israelites from Pharaoh.

Later, in the second year after the Hijrah (migration to Madinah), Allah made fasting during Ramadan obligatory for all Muslims, as stated in the Qur’an:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain piety.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Ramadan was chosen as the month of fasting because it is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, making it a time for reflection, worship, and spiritual growth:

“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ”
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted not only because it was a divine obligation but also because it was a means of purification, self-restraint, and increasing awareness of Allah. 

Fasting teaches patience, strengthens faith, and encourages empathy for those who are less fortunate, By fasting, the Prophet ﷺ set an example for all Muslims on how to balance physical needs with spiritual devotion and live a life of sincerity and righteousness.

What are The Rules For Fasting?

Fasting during Ramadan is a core pillar of Islam, and it comes with specific rules for those who must fast and those who are exempt. Below are the essential guidelines:

1. Intention (Niyyah) is Required

• A person must intend to fast before Fajr each day. The intention can be in the heart; no verbal statement is required.
• The Prophet ﷺ said:
  “Whoever does not intend to fast before dawn, there is no fast for him.” (Hadith – Abu Dawood)

2. Eating and Drinking Must Stop at Fajr

• The fast begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset).
• The Qur’an states:

“وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ”
“And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night].”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

3. Things That Break the Fast

• Eating or drinking intentionally breaks the fast.
• Vomiting intentionally invalidates the fast.
• Menstruation or postnatal bleeding makes fasting invalid, and the woman must make up for missed days later.
• Sexual intercourse during the day of fasting is strictly prohibited and requires expiation (Kaffarah).
• Deliberate ejaculation also invalidates the fast.

What Breaks Your Fast in Ramadan?

Fasting in Ramadan requires complete abstinence from anything that invalidates the fast from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). However, some actions can break the fast, requiring making up the missed fast (Qadha) or paying expiation (Kaffarah) in certain cases.

1. Eating or Drinking Intentionally

• If someone eats or drinks intentionally, their fast is broken, and they must make it up later (Qadha).
• However, if it happens forgetfully, the fast remains valid.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“إِذَا نَسِيَ فَأَكَلَ وَشَرِبَ، فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ.”
“If a person forgets and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” 

(Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Deliberate Vomiting

• If a person vomits intentionally, their fast is broken, and they must make it up (Qadha).
• Unintentional vomiting does not break the fast.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“مَنْ ذَرَعَهُ الْقَيْءُ فَلَا قَضَاءَ عَلَيْهِ، وَمَنِ اسْتَقَاءَ عَمْدًا فَلْيَقْضِ.”
“Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make it up.” 

(Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

3. Menstruation (Hayd) or Postnatal Bleeding (Nifas)

• If a woman starts her period (menstruation) or experiences postnatal bleeding, her fast is broken, and she must make up the missed fasts later (Qadha).
• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ؟”
“Isn’t it true that when a woman menstruates, she does not pray or fast?” 

(Bukhari & Muslim)

Intentional Ejaculation

• Deliberate ejaculation (through self-stimulation, watching inappropriate content, or touching with desire) breaks the fast.
• However, involuntary ejaculation (e.g., during sleep – wet dreams) does not break the fast.

 “وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ.”
“And do not have relations with them while you are in spiritual retreat in the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not approach them.” 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

10 Importance of Fasting in Islam

Fasting (Sawm) in Islam is much more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a spiritual, physical, and social practice that brings countless benefits. Below are ten key reasons why fasting is important in Islam:

1. Obedience to Allah’s Command

Fasting is an obligation for Muslims as commanded by Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you so that you may attain Taqwa (piety).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Fasting is an act of submission to Allah’s will, showing our commitment and faith.

2. Developing Taqwa (Piety & Self-Discipline)

Fasting helps believers become more conscious of Allah (SWT) by controlling their desires. It strengthens self-discipline and mindfulness, making them more aware of their actions.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“الصيام جُنَّة، فإذا كان أحدكم صائمًا فلا يرفث ولا يجهل.”
“Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting, he should not behave rudely or foolishly.”
(Hadith – Bukhari & Muslim)

3. Strengthening Patience and Self-Control

Fasting trains us to control our hunger, anger, and desires. It teaches patience and resilience, which are crucial virtues for personal and spiritual growth.

4. Enhancing Gratitude and Empathy

By experiencing hunger, we learn to appreciate Allah’s blessings and develop empathy for the less fortunate. This encourages us to be more charitable and kind.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“من لا يَرحم الناس لا يرحمه الله.”
“He who does not have mercy on people, Allah will not have mercy on him.”
(Hadith – Bukhari & Muslim)

5. Forgiveness of Sins

Fasting is an opportunity for spiritual cleansing. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“من صام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا، غُفِر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.”
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Hadith – Bukhari & Muslim)

It is a time for seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness through sincere repentance.

6. Multiplication of Rewards

Fasting brings immense rewards. Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi:

“كل عمل ابن آدم يُضاعف: الحسنة بعشر أمثالها إلى سبعمائة ضعف، إلا الصيام، فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به.”
“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times, except fasting, for it is done for Me, and I will reward it Myself.”
(Hadith – Bukhari & Muslim)

7. Health Benefits

Fasting detoxifies the body, helps regulate metabolism, and can improve digestion. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting has many health benefits, including:

• Improving blood sugar levels.
• Reducing inflammation.
• Promoting better heart and brain health.

8. Strengthening the Bond with the Qur’an

Ramadan is the month when the Qur’an was revealed:

“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ”
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Muslims increase their recitation and reflection on the Qur’an during this blessed month.

9. Uniting the Muslim Community

Fasting in Ramadan brings Muslims together through shared experiences of fasting, praying, and breaking fast. It strengthens the sense of unity and brotherhood in the Ummah (Muslim community).

10. A Path to Jannah (Paradise)

Fasting is a means of earning Allah’s mercy and entering Jannah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“إن في الجنة بابًا يُقال له الريّان، يدخل منه الصائمون فقط.”
“In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fast will enter.”
(Hadith – Bukhari & Muslim)

Fasting in Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink, it’s a journey of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and deep connection with Allah. It strengthens our faith, nurtures gratitude, and reminds us of the importance of compassion and generosity.

At Sabil Al-Quran, we help you embrace the true meaning of Ramadan through authentic Islamic knowledge, guided reflections, and insightful teachings. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding or strengthen your spiritual practice, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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