Firstly we must note that one of the names of Allah (SWT) is al-Hakim (the Most Wise). The word Hakim is derived from the same root as Hukm (ruling) and Hikmah (wisdom). Allah (SWT) alone is the One Who issues rulings, and His rulings are the most wise and perfect.
Secondly: Allah (SWT) does not prescribe any ruling but there is great wisdom behind it, which we may understand, or our minds may not be guided to understand it. We may know some of it but a great deal is hidden from us.
Thirdly: Allah (SWT) has mentioned the reason and wisdom behind His enjoining of fasting upon us, as He says: "O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)." Holy Qur'an (2:183)
Fasting is a means of attaining Taqwa (piety, being conscious of Allah), and Taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.
Ramadan Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfill the commands of Islam.
The scholars have mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is prescribed in order to draw more attention towards fasting:
Ramadan Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and physical intimacy with the spouse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allah (SWT) are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.
Ramadan Fasting is a means of giving up Haram (forbidden) things, because if a person can give up Halal (Lawful) things in order to please Allah (SWT) and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from Haram things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allah (SWT) has forbidden.
Ramadan Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is fulfill his desires, they grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said: O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one's chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.
Ramadan Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.
Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaitan (Satan); it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaitan "flows through the son of Adam like blood, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaitan flows, so his influence grows less."
Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow - which is the blood - become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds and to give up evil deeds.
The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allah (SWT) is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allah (SWT) can see him.
Ramadan Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires and seeking that which is with Allah (SWT).
It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.
These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allah (SWT) to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.
When we observe Fasting, here is something that happens:
1. I feel hungry -> My mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY LORD because I am Fasting for Him!
2. I feel thirsty -> My mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY LORD because I am Fasting for Him!
3. I think something NEGATIVE my mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY LORD because I am Fasting for Him!
4. Fasting helps us to become 'Conscious of God', He is watching us! Beware!
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