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Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly we must note that one of the names of Allaah is al-Hakeem (the Most Wise). The word Hakeem is derived from the same root as hukm (ruling) and hikmah (wisdom). Allaah alone is the One Who issues rulings, and His rulings are the most wise and perfect.
Secondly:
Allaah does not prescribe any ruling but there is great wisdom behind it, which we may understand, or our minds may not be guided to understand it. We may know some of it but a great deal is hidden from us.
Thirdly:
Allaah has mentioned the reason and wisdom behind His enjoining of fasting upon us, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)"
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
Fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (piety, being conscious of Allaah), and taqwa means doing that which Allaah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.
Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfil the commands of Islam.
The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) have mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is prescribed, all of which are characteristics of taqwa, but there is nothing wrong with quoting them here, to draw the attention of fasting people to them and make them keen to attain them.
Among the reasons behind fasting are:
1 - Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allaah are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.
2 - Fasting is a means of giving up haraam things, because if a person can give up halaal things in order to please Allaah and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from haraam things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allaah has forbidden.
3 - Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one's chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him."
4 - Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.
5 - Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaytaan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaytaan "flows through the son of Adam like blood" as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaytaan flows, so his influence grows less.
Shaykh al-Islam said in Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 25/246
Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow - which is the blood - become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds, and to give up evil deeds.
6 - The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allaah is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allaah can see him.
7 - Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Allaah.
8 - It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.
These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allaah to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.
And Allaah knows best.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agono, it is not an obligation to fast in Muharram. But a Muslim can fast anytime besides Islamic holidays voluntarily.
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Where do Muslims fast?
Muslims can fast wherever they please.
Where do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Muslims do not have to go to any special place to fast.
What month do Muslims fast in?
They Fast In October
What do Muslims eat when they fast?
Muslims Don't eat when they fast. they fast from Dawn to Dusk. then they are allowed ot eat and drink anything the want (as long of course as it's halal Food ).
When Muslims fast do medicine broke their fast?
Yes, taking medicines while fasting does break the fast because nothing is supposed to enter a muslims body till the fast is opened.
What days to Muslims fast?
Ramadhan
What do Muslims do on arafat day?
they fast
Why shouldn't certain Muslims fast?
Muslims who are sick, elderly, pregnant, traveling, or on their period do not fast. This is because the body is weaker, and one should not fast if it harms the body.
Do Muslims not eat?
Muslims do eat. In fact, everybody eats. But there is this month that they fast.
How do Muslims behave differently during Ramadan?
They behave kindly to others with respect. Also, they are supposed to feel pure with nothing neutral in their hearts, minds, or tongues.
Do Muslims make their children fast?
Some Muslims might have their children practice fasting for a few hours, but a Muslims are not expected to fast fully from sunrise to sunset until the age of puberty.
How many days do Muslims fast for?
one month. they HAVE to fast in this month or they will get sinned. The Muslims keep fast for the month of Ramzan. Under certain conditions they may be exempted from keeping fast especially if one is ill, or goes on a journey.
