Etiket: ramadan

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Fasting in İslam

The purpose of fasting is to develop the quality of righteousness (taqwa) by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our desires.

Allah said: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous. (Qur’an, 2:183)

The word, ‘taqwa’ comes from the root meaning, ‘to guard’ and it is variously translated as mindfulness, righteousness, and God-fearing piety. Fasting is meant to instill this virtuous quality within us. In this way, fasting acts as a shield, which protects us from sin and ultimately from the punishment of Allah in the Hereafter.

Uthman ibn Abu Al-Aas reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Fasting is a shield from the Hellfire just like the shield of any of you in battle’.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1639)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘When one of you awakes in the morning for fasting, then he should not use obscene language or behave ignorantly. If anyone slanders him or tries to argue with him, he should say: Indeed, I am fasting! Indeed, I am fasting’!” (Sahih Muslim)

If a Muslims fails to protect himself from sins and unbeneficial speech while fasting, then his fasting has not achieved its purpose. Allah certainly does not need any one of us to fast, so a Muslim who sins while fasting has nullified the virtue of his fasting.

In addition to abstaining from sin, a Muslim must use the exercise of fasting as a means to develop control of desires. If a Muslim can develop enough will power to abstain from eating and drinking during the day, then this will power will become strong enough to refuse sinful temptations at other times.


Ibn Mas’ud reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘O young men, if you are able to support a wife, then get married. Verily, it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, but whoever is not able to do so then he has the duty to fast because indeed it is a means of control’.” (Sahih Muslim, 1400)

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important of ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims aim to grow spiritually and become closer to Allah and their loved ones. They do this by fasting and abstaining from pleasures like smoking, drinking and sexual intercourse between sunrise and sunset each day. Ramadan is also a time for unity and spiritual reflection and Muslims spend time praying, reciting the Quran and doing good deeds. They donate to charity, spend time with loved ones, and avoid lying, gossiping and fighting. 

Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslim to devote themselves to their faith, get closer to Allah and learn patience and compassion. It’s about nourishing your soul, rather than only focusing on your physical body. It’s also one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are the foundation of how Muslims live their lives (the others are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca).

Fasting is usually done by all Muslims except those who are sick, pregnant, lactating, menstruating, elderly or travelling. If you miss fasting days you can make up for them throughout the year. 

The fasting is done between sunrise and sunset. During this time, practicing Muslims are not allowed to drink water. Muslims usually wake up before dawn and eat a light meal known as suhoor. They drink plenty of water at this time to see them through the day. After the sun fully sets, the fast is typically broken with water and dates, followed by prayers and a meal called iftar.

About Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)


In the Qur’an, Laylatul Qadr is described as:

“We have revealed it (Quran) in the night of power. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The night of power is better than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:1–4)


While the exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, it is believed to be one of the odd-numbered dates in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Most Muslims observe Laylatul Qadr on the night of the 27th.