Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim should perform. Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan is also the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the year 610 CE.

Fasting is an act of worship that brings Muslims closer to God, as they seek His guidance and mercy. Fasting also teaches Muslims self-discipline, patience, gratitude, and compassion for those who are less fortunate. Fasting is a way of purifying the body and the soul, as Muslims strive to avoid sinful deeds and thoughts while fasting.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so. There are some exceptions for those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, or menstruating. They can either make up the missed days later or feed a poor person for each day they miss.

Fasting is not only about abstaining from physical needs, but also from spiritual harms. Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, recitation of the Quran, and remembrance of God, during Ramadan. They are also urged to avoid anger, gossip, lying, backbiting, and other negative behaviors that may nullify the reward of fasting.

Fasting is a communal practice that fosters a sense of solidarity and brotherhood among Muslims. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with family and friends. They also attend special prayers at night called taraweeh, where they listen to the recitation of the Quran. The last ten nights of Ramadan are especially important, as one of them is believed to be the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), when God’s decree for the next year is revealed. Muslims seek God’s forgiveness and blessings on this night by staying up in prayer and worship.

Fasting ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which means “the festival of breaking the fast”. On this day, Muslims thank God for enabling them to complete the fast and express their joy and happiness. They perform a special prayer in the morning, exchange greetings and gifts, visit relatives and friends, and enjoy festive meals.