by Anum Sharif

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

The institution of fasting in Islam came after the institution of prayer. It was in medina in the second year of hijrah that fasting was made obligatory, and the month of Ramadan.... The nine month of lunar calendar, was set apart for this purpose. In the Holy Quran, the subject of fasting is dealt with only in one place, that is, 23rd section (Rakua) of the second chapter (surah). This section opens with the remark that the institution of fasting is a universal one.

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil."

While speaking of Ramadan, the month in which fasting is ordained, the Holy Quran specially refers to nearness to Allah, as if its attainment were an aim in the fasting.

In tradition too, special stress is laid on the fact that the seeking of Divine pleasure should be the ultimate object in fasting. Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) said:

"Fasting is a shield (against Hell)."

To have your fast accepted by Allah, you can best stick to the following:

Perform your prayers on time and in congregation and do not be one among those who neglect the act of worship, which is considered the main pillar of Islam. Hence to neglect (default) it is disbelief.

Stick to good manners, and avoid indulging in matters of disbelief and the revilement of Islam, and bad treatment of people. In fact, fasting purifies the self and never corrupts the morality. Beware of blasphemy which drives out a Muslim from his religion.

Avoid absence talks, even when joking, lest you may spoil your fast. Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) said:

"If it is the fasting day of any of you, he should not shout or use bad words and if someone calls him bad names, he can reply: 'I am fasting, I am fasting.'" (Agreed upon)

Make use of fasting to get rid of smoking which causes ulcers and cancer and wastes your money. Since you will have to give it up through the day of fasting, you can leave it also by night. Thus you can save your body as well as money.

Do not eat and drink in excess when you break the fast ad loose one of the benefits of fasting which is improving your health.

Do not watch a movie or TV lest it should spoil your morality and break your fast.

If you keep awake too late at night, you will loose the Sahur (meal before dawn) and the Dawn prayer. Having attended your Dawn prayer, you can best start work because Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) said:

"O Allah! Bless the dawn time of my Ummah." (Ahmad and Tirmidhi)

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