O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.
The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation — the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you if you only knew.
The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you the facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.
And when My servants ask thee about Me, say: ‘I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me. So they should hearken to Me and believe in Me, that they may follow the right way.’ Chapter 2:184-187.
Allah mentioned in the aforementioned verses that He desires to give us the facility and not a hardship. The facilities given by Allah is in all ramifications. These include among others: Spiritual, health and societal benefits. I
A fasting Muslim in Ramadan adheres to all the injunctions of Almighty Allah, seeking His pleasure at all times. He abstains from all forms of sins. He seeks forgiveness of his sins both known and unknown. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet (SAW) stated that Allah said that when a believer moves a step towards Him, He, Allah moves towards the believer with several steps. When he hearken to Allah, He, Allah runs towards the believer. This implies that in Ramadan, as we shun sins and evils, we gain nearness to Allah, our prayers are answered, our sins are forgiven, and we gain a rebirth of the soul and become Allah’s favorite.
For Material benefits, Muslim fasting in Ramadan, not only abstain from food and drink but, also from all things that lead to sins. He will not make a foul speech, he will restrain his look to avoid looking at unlawful things or looking lustfully, he will not touch any sinful thing, he will not go to any sinful place, his soul and mind will be at rest. He will find and feel peace all around him and will be in a peaceful State of mind and soul.
In terms of Health benefits: The Holy Prophet (SAW) mentioned the benefit of fasting to the health of the fasting Muslim in many of his traditions, 1400 years later, science and medicine was just able to explain this to the extent that fasting is given as therapeutic measure for many gastrointestinal complications among other ailments, Allahu Akbar. Aside from this, the digestive system goes through a kind of rejuvenation by being free from over clogging which stresses the system.
Societal facility: In the month of Ramadan, there is always the feeling of holiness that keeps evildoers at bay. There is a reduction in crime and society is relatively camp and peaceful.
The Qur’an as guidance: Allah mentioned in chapter 2, verse 186 that in Ramadan, the Qur’an was revealed as a guide and Mercy from Him, our Creator, Cherisher, Sustainer, the Almighty. The scripture that contains every guide needed to lead a successful life on earth in preparation for the hereafter. He blessed us with the gift and knowledge of His words as healing and Mercy for those that believe.
There is a culture that comes with Ramadan – cheerful given and good neighborliness. It is an act encouraged by Allah (SWT) and preached by the Holy Prophet (SAW), which believers uphold firmly in this month. Everyone wants to give out of what Allah provide for him to benefit a fasting Muslim to earn a reward of Allah. By doing this, love and peaceful co-existence are fostered.
May Allah guide us to be able to attain righteousness and benefit immensely in the gift and gains of Ramadan.
