Author: Sayyed Musleh Uddin
Fasting and Its Position in Islam (Part 12)
Characteristics of Islamic Legislation on Fasting, Its Virtues, and Rulings
Islamic legislation on fasting, considering its objectives, is the most comprehensive and all-encompassing law. In terms of its benefits and advantages, it is the most assuring legislation, reflecting the wisdom of the Supreme, the All-Knowing, the Just, and the Aware—He who created mankind. «أَلَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ اللَّطِيفُ الخَبيرُ» Translation: “Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Aware?”
Allah Almighty designated a full month—Ramadan, during which the Qur’an was revealed—for continuous fasting during its days so that Muslims would fast during the day and break their fast at night. This practice aligns with the customs and traditions of the Arabs regarding fasting, which became the standard for Islam’s universal legislation on this matter.
Sheikh al-Islam Ahmad bin Abdul Rahim Dehlawi (MABH) said: “Fasting is measured from the break of dawn until sunset because this duration aligns with the calculations of the Arabs and their measurement of the day. The same timing has been confirmed for them regarding the fasting of Ashura. Likewise, the calculation of the month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and ends with the sighting of the next crescent because, for the Arabs, this is the measurement of a month. Their calculations are not based on the solar calendar.”
Why Was Ramadan Designated for Fasting?
Allah Almighty ordained fasting in Ramadan, intertwining it with this blessed month. It is as if two great blessings have been combined in the wisdom of divine legislation—Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, marking the dawn of true guidance in the dark night of humanity. Therefore, it is fitting for this month to be accompanied by fasting, just as the break of dawn is accompanied by the brightness of day. Due to its sanctity, blessings, mercy, and the hidden spiritual connection between this month and the hearts of righteous people, Ramadan is the most deserving of all months for fasting during the day and engaging in night worship and devotion.
Fasting and the Qur’an share a deep and strong connection. For this reason, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would recite the Qur’an abundantly in Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibreel would meet him and review the Qur’an with him. Jibreel would meet him every night in Ramadan, and during this time, the Prophet (PBUH) was more generous in doing good than the unrestricted wind.”
The righteous scholar and knower of Allah, Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdul Ahad Sirhindi, said in his letters: “This month is entirely connected to the Qur’an, and because of this connection, it was revealed in it. This month contains all goodness and blessings, and every blessing and benefit that reaches humanity throughout the year is but a drop from this vast ocean. The tranquility of the heart in this month leads to peace throughout the entire year, while its disturbance results in a restless heart and mind for the rest of the year. Blessed is the one who completes this month successfully, and unfortunate is the one from whom this month is displeased, depriving him of its blessings.”
In another letter, he states: “If a person attains the ability to perform good deeds and acts of righteousness in this month, that success will accompany them throughout the year. However, if this month is spent in heedlessness and distraction, the entire year will be spent likewise.”
Abu Hurairah (MABH) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
There are numerous hadiths on this topic.
A Global Season of Worship and a Universal Festival of Charity
Thus, Ramadan has become a global season of worship, remembrance, Qur’an recitation, piety, and asceticism. Throughout this sacred time, Eastern and Western Muslims—whether the ignorant or the learned, the needy or the wealthy, the negligent or the diligent—all come together. Ramadan is present in every city, village, settlement, palace, and humble dwelling. This reality is undeniable, and there is no confusion regarding the designated days of fasting. Every individual can witness its magnificence and beauty throughout the Islamic world. The luminous atmosphere of Ramadan envelops the entire Muslim community. Even a negligent Muslim who does not fast finds it difficult to eat publicly, either doing so in secret or with a sense of shame—unless he is an audacious atheist or a heedless person. As for the sick and travelers who are permitted to break their fast, they do so under the allowance granted to them.
Thus, Ramadan fasting is a collective and universal act of worship, creating a unique environment where fasting becomes easier, hearts soften, and souls incline toward devotion, righteousness, and compassion.
Continues…
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