Ramadan Arrives: Who Is It Meant For? (Part I)

Is fasting primarily a sacred duty, or does it have a secular aspect? It’s noted that the Almighty has said, ‘All actions of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting; fasting is for Me, and I am the one who will reward for it.’ Although fasting is performed exclusively for Him, believers gain significant advantages. So, what benefits does fasting during Ramadan offer?

Upon contemplating this topic, I identified at least twenty lessons and benefits within this month for the Muslim Ummah and the global community. Let us start from the beginning.

The primary intent behind fasting, similar to any act of worship in Islam, is to draw closer to the Almighty, seeking His approval and mercy. Therefore, a Muslim who fasts sincerely, as Imam Al-Ghazalli suggests, aspires towards a pious state. Such a person is said to engage with the Almighty closely, becoming His beloved. The Prophet states that when a servant is beloved by Him, the Almighty acts as their hand, making whatever they grasp strong and their deeds sanctified by divine approval. When a Muslim practices fasting alongside additional acts of worship like nawafil, they enhance their relationship with the Almighty, who also becomes their means of communication, ensuring that their words carry divine weight and their desires align with His.

Fasting during Ramadan is an opportunity for all to assess their spiritual standing. A Muslim abstaining from food and drink, willingly experiencing hunger and thirst, is, in fact, honing their capacity for survival in a world where existence can be challenging. Fasting is akin to a hunter sharpening their tools; it fortifies the believer against the snares of evil, preventing them from being vulnerable to worldly temptations.

Moreover, fasting fosters an awareness of the divine provisions we often overlook. This created scarcity prompts gratitude for the blessings from the Almighty. As Muslims break their fast at dusk, each meal should remind them of the hardships faced by many globally. These moments should teach moderation, underscoring that the Almighty finds satisfaction in our ability to show restraint, rather than indulging in excess.

Fasting serves as a school for Muslims, equipping them with endurance, persistence, and compassion. It instructs that perseverance through life's challenges does not involve escapism. By forgoing life’s luxuries, one acknowledges the transient nature of the world, signifying that prosperity and hardship are often a heartbeat away. A fasting Muslim is one who prepares for life's unpredictable changes and understands that nothing is permanent.

This period encourages the cultivation of courage, resilience, and a patient mindset, vital for confronting life's challenges. It enhances focus and determination. Ramadan provides a chance for Muslim leaders to overcome personal shortcomings and fosters self-regulation. The discipline needed to endure hunger and thirst can similarly apply to combatting other weak points in human character that lead us astray.

Fasting promotes tolerance, allowing individuals to encounter difficult situations without transferring their frustrations onto others. When provoked while fasting, a Muslim should respond, 'I am fasting,’ promoting forgiveness and a quest for divine pardon for one's own transgressions.

In essence, Ramadan asks us to engage in introspection and gratitude, ensuring our perspectives remain aligned with a life of moderation and mindful appreciation for the blessings we have.