Miscellaneous - Religion   

Significance of fasting

CHENNAI: Ramadhan, the ninth lunar month in Islamic calendar, heralds the season of fasting, made obligatory by Almighty Allah. It was during this sacred month that the first revelation of Holy Koran was made to Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last messenger of God, for the guidance of mankind for spiritual discipline. The Muslim fast is not meant for self-torture but serves to bring about a salutary effect on many people. Almighty Allah says, "Whosoever amongst you is sick or upon a journey is exempted, but offer a redemption by feeding the poor (2:184). The Holy Koran says, "O ye, who believe fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed before you that you may (learn) self-restraint" (2:183). It is an armour against all evil thoughts and deeds. Fasting is pre-Islamic. Teachers, saints and seekers of truth, in every age and clime, and from the dawn of history practised fasting. But Prophet Muhammad (SAW) institutionalised the fasting hours with the partaking of predawn food called Sehri and the breaking of it immediately after sunset called Iftar.

Fasting embellishes the soul to attain perfection of supreme happiness and also rids the body of all waste.Health is the natural state of man and fasting is the most practical method of preserving health.

Fasting helps to achieve mastery over desires to attain spiritual kinship with nearness to God. Allah says "Whosoever fast during the month of Ramadhan, having faith in Me and seeking My pleasure (2:26), I reward him directly and bestow on him My pleasure and enrich his life and make him a Muthaqi (3:75).

Fasting bridges the gulf between the rich and poor. As the rich experience the pangs of hunger, their thoughts go to the poor and the deprived, developing a sense of brotherhood. The culmination of fasting is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah, by offering prayers in open spaces and mosques in congregation before noon and it is incumbent on them that Sadqa (charity ordained before Eid prayer) is given to the poor and needy.

K.S. Ahmed Pasha,

Ambur

Ambur

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