In this collection of articles about fasting, the author discusses its significance and practice during the times of the previous Prophets (a.s) and also, the etiquette and purpose of the month of Ramadhan.
Numerous Prophetic traditions interpreted the ‘Patience’ in the Ayah as ‘fasting,’ which means fasting is the very first element of the spiritual journey to God. All the prophets in their spiritual journey have been seeking assistance with fasting.
1. Prophet Moses
“I had gone up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant which He had made with you; and I remained on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights without eating bread or drinking water. Then the Lord gave me the two stone tablets…
2. Prophet Jesus
In his spiritual journey was aided by fasting against the devil: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil, and after fasting 40 days and 40 nights he was hungry…”2
It also appears from chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke that the disciples would frequently fast and pray.
3. Prophet of Islam
The entire Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet of Islam in the holiest night of the holiest month of Ramadhan; the month of fasting.
“The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an is revealed.” 2:185
“Indeed, We revealed it (the entire Qur’an) in the night of Measure.” 97:1
According to many Hadiths, the Torah was revealed to Moses on the 6th of Ramadhan, Injil was revealed to Jesus on the 12th of Ramadhan, Psalms of David revealed to him on the 18th of Ramadhan and the Holy Qur’an in the Night of Qadr (most probably 23rd of Ramadhan).3
In other words, all revelations occurred during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Could it be any reason more important than the spirituality of fasting?
Table of Contents
Fasting – A Body/Mind/Spirit Healing
Etiquettes of a Fasting Person
Self-restraint, the Purpose of the Holy Month of Ramadhan
Ramadhan Awareness
Common Halal and Non-Halal Sea Foods
Bibliographic Information
Title: Fasting and the Holy Month of Ramadhan
Author: Mansoor Leqaie
Publisher: Imam Hussain Islamic center
Language: English
Length: 29
Pub. Date: 2014/05/17