Islam

Step 6: Developing self-restraint.

Principle: Willingness

Fasting is performed by Muslims in obedience to Allah. It helps Muslims learn the practices of discipline and self-restraint. It also clears the mind and the body and readies it for open and receptive communication with Allah through prayer and meditation.

Text or Verse

O believers,
fasting is enjoined on you
as it was on those before you,
so that you might become righteous.
The Qur'an 2:183

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed
as guidance to man and clear proof of the guidance,
and criterion (of falsehood and truth).
So when you see the new moon you should fast the whole month;
but a person who is ill or traveling
(and fails to do so) should fast on other days,
as God wishes ease and not hardship for you,
so that you complete the (fixed) number (of fasts),
and give glory to God for the guidance,
and be grateful.
The Qur'an 2:185

Practice

Fasting is a lifelong practice performed by every devout Muslim annually during the season of Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset Muslims are required to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse. Each reads the Qur'an introspectively, and performs acts of worship. The intent of this practice is to develop self-restraint and a balanced lifestyle.

Resources

IMAN, Iranian Muslim Organization of North America (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

IMAAM Indonesian Muslim Association in America (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Islamic Center of America (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Islamic Foundation (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Nation of Islam Study Center (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Qur'an (to order) - Islamic Discovery (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

U.S. Organization of Islam (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)