The holy month of Ramadan (month of fasting) has commenced, and today is the first of Ramadan. During this month, the Muslims keep fasts starting from pre-dawn till sunset. During the fasting hours, they are forbidden from drinking, eating, and indulging in lawful lovemaking with their spouses. Fasting entails restraint and forbearance. It inculcates the spirit of piety and righteousness among the fast-keepers.

Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness”

Quran, 2 : 183

The true purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa, i.e. total submission to the will of Allah while doing good deeds and avoiding evil deeds. Fasting also helps us feel the deprived state of the poor, and therefore prompts us to help the destitute. Charity is thus the hallmark of Ramadan. Islam lays special emphasis on charity and urges the believers to donate generously during the month of Ramadan.

Fasting is not about keeping oneself thirsty and hungry. It is more than that. It is about giving and sharing. Fasting, in fact, makes us feel the thirst and hunger of the less privileged around us. Hence, fasting motivates us to share our food and clothing with our needy relatives and neighbors. In this way, fasting helps bridge the gap between the haves and the haves not.

Ramadan has countless blessings and rewards associated with it. It is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated with utmost religious fervor throughout the Islamic world. Muslims offer special prayers and give alms all through this holy month to please God. This month of fasting culminates with EID-which is a day of deliverance from avarice, evil, greed, and sin. Eid is a day of thanksgiving and celebration.