"You who believe? Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, so perchance you may attain God-consciousness." (Q 2:183)
"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)." (Q2:185).
Ramadan has many dimensions, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. Ramadan teaches the believer to balance between all these dimensions of his/her existence. It helps physical attunement of the body through cleansing and relaxing, and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.
Psychological dimension of fasting is related to patience, forbearance and perseverance. Through observing fasting, the believer enriches his/her patience, forbearance, self-worth, self-strength, self-control, self-reflexivity, self-training and discipline. Through fasting Muslims strive for controlling their urges and resist temptation. And through meditative practices of praying, reading the Quran and remembering God, they are reminded of the bigger picture, and develop an understanding about purpose of creation. Thus, fasting helps dealing with stress, trauma, attain inner peace. Ramadan helps healing psychological problems.
In terms of social dimension, fasting calls for remembering those who are poor, who do not have food or shelter. Fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and of learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. It calls for purifying ones actions towards others. It reminds believers of their social responsibility, it calls for generosity, sharing and forgiving. It calls for compassion towards those who are in need and are suffering. During this month Muslims are especially called for resolving their conflicts, forgiving each other and asking for forgiveness.
Ramadan is also the month of mercy. Muslims are called to show mercy, compassion, generosity, and care for all Gods creatures, including themselves, other human beings, animals and the environment as the vicegerents of God on earth. By partaking in Ramadan, and experiencing it together creates a social space that is shared by many Muslims across the globe. This creates a unique sense of solidarity among Muslims around the world.
"Allah (SWT) (the name for The Almighty God, used by Muslims) said that: All services of the son of Adam are for him except fasting. It is for Me, and I will reward him for it. Fasting is a shield. On the day you fast, do not use obscenity, nor yell at others, nor act ignorantly towards them. However, if anyone abuses you verbally or attempts to draw you to fight with him, say 'I am fasting' two times. The Prophet (pbuh) then states: I swore by the One (Allah) in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of the faster is sweeter to Allah on the Day of Judgment than the scent of musk. The faster experiences enjoyment twice: he is pleased when he breaks his fast, and he is pleased when he meets his Maker" (Muslim).
In conclusion, this month is a blessing from Allah, and Alhamdulillah for its existence. One thing I've realised is that compelling the children to fast may blind them from its purposes and beauty. I was made to fast alot throughout my childhood, my mum had good intentions but fasting is prescribed for adults NOT for children. There is a Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he said, "Tell your children to pray when they are seven years old and discipline them if they don't when they are ten years old." If it had been expected for chidren to fast, it would be explicitly included in that hadith. Their bodies are not as capable of it and they may not understand the concept and as mischevious as children are, it may only teach them how to steal and lie because of hunger. As an adult now its clear of why this important pillar of our Deen is beneficial to us from the Most Merciful.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, I've not been blogging much, I apologise. I have recently after a long search found a job I enjoy, however it has extremely long hours and I honestly have not had time to squeeze posts in. Inshallah I will be blogging weekly. Much love to you all and hope your Ramadhans are spent to the fullest with Jannahtul firdaus in mind.