Fast in Ramadan

Verse: 2:183-185
Arabic Text

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ۝ أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۝ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۚ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ۝ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۝ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Translation

O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous—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 can fast with hardship is a ransom of feeding a poor person each day. And whoever volunteers excess—it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if you only knew. The month of Ramadan 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.

Description

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a command from Allah aimed at helping Muslims become more righteous, with exceptions for those who are ill or traveling.

Detailed Explanation

During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting as a way to grow closer to Allah and strengthen their sense of self-discipline and humility. This obligation is not meant to be a burden but a spiritual exercise to elevate one's faith and mindfulness. Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It’s not only a physical act but also a time for increased prayer and reflection. Scholars have elaborated that fasting serves as a shield from sinful acts and helps one develop a sense of empathy towards the less fortunate. Allah has given us this practice in a way that is considerate of people’s circumstances. If you are unwell or traveling, you are allowed to make up the missed fasts on other days. This shows that Islam values ease and flexibility, ensuring that fasting is a benefit rather than a hardship. The Tafsir of Ibn Kathir emphasizes that the intention behind this rule is to promote thankfulness towards Allah for having guided you. Additionally, those unable to fast due to chronic health conditions can compensate by feeding a needy person. This act of charity embodies the Islamic spirit of community and care. Fasting during Ramadan is not only about self-restraint but about celebrating the month in which the Quran was revealed—a guidance for all humanity. Participating in Ramadan fasts allows you to show gratitude for the guidance Allah has provided and to reflect deeply on your relationship with Him.