FASTING: A Philosophical Analysis

Fasting is a vital practice for muslims.In the month of ramadan Muslims are to fast from dawn to dask.The following verses clarify this principle further.

                     "  (2:183) O ye who believe!Fasting is prescribed for you,even as it was prescrived for    those  before you,that ye may ward off. "

                     "(2:184)  (Fast) a certain number of days;if one is ill or travelling, an equal number of other days may be substituted; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom:the feeding of a man in need -but if one volunteers ,it is better for him. But fasting is better for you if you only knew"

     

                    "(2:185) The month of Ramadan in which was revealed The holy Qur'an, a guidance for mankind , and the Criterion ( of right and wrong). And whosover of you is present,let him fast the month , and whosover of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same ) number of other days.Allah desirth for you ease;He desirth not hardship for you,and( He desirth ) that ye should complete the period , and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you,and that peradventure ye may be thankful"

                    "(2:187) It is made lawful for you to go unto your wives on the night of the fast.They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them.Allah is aware that ye are deceiving yourself in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you.So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah ordained for you,and eat drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of dawn.Then strictly observed fast till nightfall and touch them not,but retreat to the mosque.These are the limits imposed by Allah,so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His relevations to mankind that they may ward off evil."

Traditionally, the fast is understood to serve the following purposes:

1.Submission to the will of Allah according to the Qur'anic injunction.

2.Promotion of a sense of compassion for those currently suffering economic hardship.

3.The devotion of the month in prayer and meditation in the mosque.