Ramadan 2020: Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?

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Tuesday, May 21, 2019 / 0 Comment(s)

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Ramadan is a ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. They don’t eat, drink or get into sexual intercourse during fasting. Muslims observe this month every year with zest. However, there is a question many want to ask in Ramadan 2019: Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?

The question is of great importance but first, we will explain that what Ramadan is and how it is observed by the Muslims.

What is Ramadan:

Ramadan is an Islamic month which is observed every year by the Muslims around the world when the moon for this month is sighted. It is a month in which Muslims get great blessings by doing good deeds.

How Muslims observe Ramadan?

Muslims observe Ramadan by doing sehri before Fajr and then they don’t eat or drink till the time of Maghrib. Also, getting into sexual intercourse is not allowed during the time of fasting. With Maghrib azan, Muslims open their fast and eat plus drink. Offering taraweeh is also a part of Ramzan’s routine of Muslims. They offer prayers and recite Holy Quran to get rewards from Allah (SWT).

Ramadan 2019: Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?

In Ramadan 2019: Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan? is a question that can arise in the minds of some people. The answer to this question is it is a religious obligation of the Muslims which they had to perform. Fast or roza is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting in Ramadan became obligatory for Muslims in 2^nd AH. Thus, it farz on Muslims to fast in Ramadan which is why Muslims fast in this month. However, some people are allowed to not to fast in Ramadan like sick people, those who are travelling, women during menstruation and some others. These people then have to make up the fast later or feed someone as per the Islamic principles.

“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (Quran, 2:184)

Mention of Ramadan in Quran and Hadith:

There is a mention of Ramadan in Quran and Hadith which shows us the importance of this month plus, the significance of fasting in Ramzan.

Quranic verses:

• “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran, 2:185)
• “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran, 2:183)

Hadith:

• It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (SAWW) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

Thus, in Ramadan 2019: Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan? is a question which we tried to answer in order to make people know the importance of Ramadan and about one of the Islam’s five pillars, roza (fast), which is obligatory for Muslims.

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