I have heard this question on several occasions on why we do fast in the month of Ramadan. In this write up, I’ll briefly discuss why Muslims fast in this holy month and the importance of fasting to a muslim.

What is fasting in the Month of Ramadan?

In the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah commanded the believers to fast;

O Believers! Fast is prescribed for you as it was for those before you so that you may ward off evil. (Fast) a certain number of days… (Holy Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verses 182-183)
In the above verse, it is clear that Almighty Allah prescribed fasting to the believers not just to increase their faith or piety but also to strengthen them in faith and ward off any evil that may befall them. And it is also clear that Almighty Allah have commanded generations to fast even before the time of the Prophet (S.A.W), and in this same verse, fasting is not to be observed every day but for a certain period of days and prescribed days.

Therefor, it is compulsory on every Muslim who is fit to fast Every year in the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world must abstain from food, drink, vain talk and certain other actions from before sunrise until after sunset.

Is fasting meant for Muslims Alone?
The answer is absolutely NO!

The Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions all enjoin fasting. Moses observed a fast of forty days at Mount Sinai at the time of the revelation of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 24:18) Although less common now, it is Jewish tradition to fast when mourning or when in danger. Most practicing Jews still fast on the Day of Atonement and for the one-week commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem in 597 B.C. Jesus of Nazareth, peace be upon him, also fasted on the Day of Atonement and the forty days of Moses’ fast to ward off Satanic temptation.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)

Many Christians observe a forty-day pre-Easter fast, although now it includes abstention from only certain food items rather than all food and drink. Muslims fast the month of Ramadan and may, optionally, fast on most other days of the year.

The Importance and benefits of Fasting

Fasting as we all know is the abstaining from food, drink, sexual pleasures, and it brings man closer to his creator.

“And men who fast and women who fast…God has prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward.” ( Holy Qur’an 33:35)

• Fasting instills patience, teaches self control and discipline.

• Fasting increases compassion for the less fortunate.

• Fasting builds focus on spirituality and deminishes focus on materialism.

• Fasting has many health benefits.

• Fasting can be atonement for sin and can earn great reward.

• Fasting is part of a strong spiritual and physical renewal plan.

• Fasting commemorates important sacred religious events.
Fasting in the Month of Ramadan compared to other Months
The spirit of the fast of the month of Ramadan is more than just abstention from a few things. It is a time of sustained, amplified effort toward spiritual perfection.

“Thirst and hunger you undergo, feel and live through, here and now, to bring to your mind the severity and sharpness of the drought and starvation that will be the order of the day on the Day of Judgment.
• Give alms to the poor and destitute.

• Treat your parents and elders with respect.

• Be kind and loving to your children and juniors.

• Take care of and look after your relatives.

• Keep from giving tongue to that which should not even be whispered.

• Shut your eyes to that which is indecent to have an eye for.

• Turn a deaf ear to that which is too slanderous to be all ears to.

• Be compassionate, gentle and benign unto orphans so that after you, your children, if need be, receive the same treatment from others.

• Turn repentant to God and seek His nearness.”

• Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his family
Conclusion
Fasting in the Month of Ramadan is an act of Ibadah that every Muslim must take advantage of by getting closer to Almighty Allah the Creator and to seek for his forgiveness and mercy.

We pray that this should not be the last Ramadan in our Lives. Ameen. #ramadan Kareem

Source: http://www.muslimnote.com/note/why-do-muslims-fast-in-the-month-of-ramadan-and-the-importance-of-fasting/