Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Muslims fast in obedience to the commandment of God Almighty. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Holy Quran, 2:184)

Fasting teaches us self-control and discipline. It is month of self reflection and understanding that what it means to be human. How we can develope moral values. Fasting is not mere abstention from food, but from every evil and every wrong doing. The Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa said that, God does not need a person to give up his food and drink if he does not forsake falsehood during Ramadan.

It helps to understand the sufferings and deprivation of other fellow human beings; and develops the disposition of giving, helping others, generosity, empathy and sympathy for the needy people.

Fasting provides us opportunity to reflect upon the countless favours and blessings of Almighty Allah upon us; it also helps us to think if we are becoming truly grateful and show our gratitude to our Lord for his unconditional blessings upon us.

Ramadan is a month of sacrifice for the sake of the Lord to please Him. It is a month to attain nearness to God. Ramadan provides an atmosphere which facilitates attaining piety, righteousness, purity, spiritual elevation and moral uplifting. Merciful God brings closer all the remote ways of acceptance of prayer.

The doors to Paradise

It is mentioned in a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa that during Ramadan God opens the doors to Paradise and shuts down the doors leading to Hell and restrains Satan. Meaning that, a spiritual atmosphere is set for all those who truly would like to benefit from the grace of Almighty Allah, have their sins forgiven and fill their lives with countless blessings from their Lord. Therefore, believers are expected to try to gain maximum benefits from these special blessings of Ramadan, and reach the heights of spirituality and morality.

In brief, fasting has two dimensional benefits, on one side it provides shield against evil and wrong doings, and on the other it provides an atmosphere of spiritual elevation, moral uplifting and making every possible effort to become better persons – who turn wholly and solely to God and have a burning desire to serve mankind.