Fasting In Islamic Traditions

In the Islamic tradition, fasting is one of five pillars that provide a framework for life as a Muslim. Muslims all over the world observe their annual fast during the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year, in keeping with a divine commandment set forth in the Surah Al-Baqarah of the Holy Qur 'an. Allah also states in the Al-Baqarah, "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous in order that you may attain taqwa" (Quran 2:183-185). These verses outline the three main factors of Ramadan: that fasting is required for followers of Islam, that it has been practiced throughout history by a multitude of religious communities (such as during Lent by Christians and on Yom Kippur by Jews), and that it is a way to attain taqwa. Taqwa simply means guarding one 's self from evil and being …show more content…
It should be understood that, like in all other Islamic tenets, there must be a clear intention that this period of fasting is done purely in reverence to God, not just out of routine (Masters). The actions taken during fasting are consistent with the Muslim goal to surrender to Allah in all areas of their life. This practice of self-control and surrender is an excellent means for spiritual and moral improvement. The human being is able, by fasting, to come to grips with the physical self, tame their physical appetites, and subdue greed and lust (Brodd 485). This allows humans to navigate a path which progressively elevates their perception of the world from the physical to the ethical to, eventually, the spiritual aspect of their being (Masters). The ritual of fasting is not about not eating food, but instead spiritual growth is achieved through the purpose of refraining from eating in service to God’s