Ramadhan in Quran: Why Fasting?
For Muslims, the month of Ramadhan is a sacred month in that this was the month that the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH); it is also the month wherein lies the night of power (Lailatul Qadr) and where divine reward is multiplied for good deeds and charitable acts.
MuslIms also increase recitation of the Quran at this time and seek repentance from their Maker (Al Khalaq) thanks to the auspiciousness nature of the month of Ramadhan.
As believers in the divine book, the Quran, Muslims do not question God’s commandments and seek solace in it and in the venerable ways of Prophet Mohammed.
As was ordained in earlier scriptures, in the Torah (Tawrat) for the Jews and the Gospel (Injeel) for the Christians, so the Quran also makes it obligatory upon mankind to spend a period of time fasting — which for Muslims is during the month of Ramadhan.
Allah — The Glorified and Exalted, tells us in the Holy Quran:
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:183]
Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or travelling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:184]
Ramadhan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the Criterion (between right and wrong). Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or travelling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfil your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:185]
Permitted for you is physical relationship with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. God knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have physical relationship with them, seeking what God has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Physical relationship is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last 10 days of Ramadhan). These are God's laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. [2:187]
From these verses various aspects and conditions of the fast are made clear and together with the supporting Hadith (narratives of the Prophet) observers of the fast have clear guidelines on what is required of them to make their fast accepted, as well as what vitiates (making null and void) the fast.
By: Ali Ahmed al Riyami
As believers in the divine book, the Quran, Muslims do not question God’s commandments and seek solace in it and in the venerable ways of Prophet Mohammed.
As was ordained in earlier scriptures, in the Torah (Tawrat) for the Jews and the Gospel (Injeel) for the Christians, so the Quran also makes it obligatory upon mankind to spend a period of time fasting — which for Muslims is during the month of Ramadhan.
Allah — The Glorified and Exalted, tells us in the Holy Quran:
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:183]
Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or travelling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:184]
Ramadhan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the Criterion (between right and wrong). Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or travelling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfil your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:185]
Permitted for you is physical relationship with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. God knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have physical relationship with them, seeking what God has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Physical relationship is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last 10 days of Ramadhan). These are God's laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. [2:187]
From these verses various aspects and conditions of the fast are made clear and together with the supporting Hadith (narratives of the Prophet) observers of the fast have clear guidelines on what is required of them to make their fast accepted, as well as what vitiates (making null and void) the fast.
By: Ali Ahmed al Riyami
