The Purpose of Fasting

During Ramadan fasting is not just about giving up food and drink. It is a time to grow religiously, reflect on one’s actions, and make a stronger relationship with Allah (God). 

The article “ Why Muslims Fast During Ramadan” says, “The purpose of Ramadan is to establish a fixed training period where believers can overcome vices, learn virtues, and earn Allah’s (SWT) blessings.” 

Fasting helps Muslims develop self-discipline and empathy, as they get to experience hunger and thirst. This also allows them to be more caring towards the less unfortunate.   

Learn and Grow

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to think about their actions and renew their relationship with Allah. 

The website “muslimaid.org” states, “This holy month provides a chance for believers to reflect on their actions and renew their relationship with Allah (SWT).”

Many people use this time to improve for the better and commit to being a better person. 

Harmony Through Fasting, Charity, and The 5 Pillars

Fasting during Ramadan is also closely connected with the 5 Pillars of Islam, this creates a powerful structure that shows unity, discipline, and empathy. Each of these Pillars works together to create a stronger bond between Muslims, Allah and helping smaller the gap between the rich, poor, and average. 

Shahadah (Faith): The first Pillar of Islam is the shahadah also known in English as faith and this is the belief in the oneness of Allah and the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) message. This Pillar plays an important role in strengthening a Muslim’s devotion and commitment to Allah. The faith strengthens believers to face the challenges of fasting, deepens their trust in Allah’s mercy, and encourages them to live with gratitude. 

Salat (Prayer): Salat, the second pillar of Islam, involves the daily five prayers and also plays an important role during Ramadan. Praying five times during the day helps a Muslim maintain a closer connection to Allah throughout the whole day. During Ramadan, lots of Muslims also take part in additional prayers, especially one called Taraweeh which is a prayer after Isha. This extra prayer provides a chance to connect more spiritually, reflect on the Quran’s(Islamic Bible) rules, and get Allah’s blessing. 

Zakat (Charity): The third Pillar is Zakat and this is the practice of giving charity to those in need. This teaches empathy and reminds Muslims of the struggles the poor go through. Lots of Muslims give Zakat during Ramadan and other charitable acts like providing Iftar meals, sponsoring food drives, or supporting local community programs. Ramadan is a reminder for them that charity should be given and be consistent. 

Swam (Fasting): Swam is the fourth pillar and it is the most important during Ramadan. Fasting connects Muslims to the main principles of self-discipline, purification, and empathy. It makes Muslims experience hunger and thirst, which then turns into empathy for the poor and creates a sense of unity. It is a reminder that Allah is the provider and that earthly treasures are temporary. 

Hajj (Pilgrimage): the final Pillar of Islam, Hajj, involves a journey to Mecca. Hajj is not performed during Ramadan but is another reminder of unity. The Hajj journey is performed once in a lifetime for the Muslims who can, this is a journey of submitting to Allah and gathering millions of Muslims from all over to world. 

Together, these 5 Pillars shape a Muslim’s life and their relationship with Allah and others. Ramamdan is a time where all of these are connected creating a amazing month. 

In an article Maha Ahmad says, “Fasting allows believers to experience hunger and thirst, creating empathy for those less fortunate. This practice helps bridge the gap between the rich and poor, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion.”

The Importance of Taraweeh Prayers

A unique and significant part of Ramzan is the Taraweeh prayers, which are special prayers performed at night after the last prayer of the five Isha. These prayers are only done during Ramadan and are seen as a way for Muslims to grow a deeper bond with Allah. 

The article “Significance of Taraweeh” states, “Taraweeh prayers are the only prayers that Muslims perform in congregation during Ramadan after the regular Isha prayers. This makes them a special part of Ramadan worship.” 

Taraweeh provides Muslims an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the Quran and get spiritual renewal through prayers. It is during these prayers that Muslims make great efforts to read or listen to the entire Quran over the whole month. 

The Ramadan Challenge invites people from other religions to experience fasting for a day and see how it goes. 

Smarika, who participated in the Ramadan Challenge, shared her experience by saying, “I expected it to be harder than I thought it would be, but when I tried it, it wasn’t that hard except for the ending. However, I don’t think I would be able to do it for a month.” She found the fasting more manageable than she thought, but the difficulty was enough to not want her to do it for a whole month. 

Samantha, another person who did the challenge, had a worse experience. She says, “I can’t fast. I kept cheating and eating food.” When asked about her overall experience she simply said it was “okay.” Despite her struggles, Samantha only lasted an hour and understands that fasting is very difficult. 

Suhaira, a Muslim who fasts was interviewed, and when asked what the most rewarding part of fasting was she simply said “the food.” This highlights a deep appreciation for the meals that are eaten after a whole day of fasting. This not only challenges one’s body but also enhances the joy of breaking your fast. 

Mr. Capadona, who did not take part in the challenge, shared his thoughts about sympathizing with students who may be fasting during the school day. He said, “The end of the cycle is probably the hardest. I guess if you were fasting for ten hours, then the eighth or ninth hour would probably be the hardest.” His response shows the physical and mental challenge of fasting as the day goes on, especially when it’s almost the end but the hunger and thirst are worse.

Ramadan is not just a month for fasting but it is a time for spiritual growth, empathy, and sharing. It helps Muslims reconnect with their faith, reflect on their actions, and get closer to Allah. Through, fasting, prayer, and charity, Ramadan offers a person to change themselves.