The spiritual concept of fasting1-Fasting is a means of expressing one’s gratitude for Allah’s blessings. It stops a person from eating, drinking and sex, which are some of Allah’s great blessings. To refrain from them for a considerable time is to show one’s appreciation of these blessings.
2-Fasting is a means to maintain a God-fearing attitude.
3-Fasting overcomes desire. When man eats a full meal, he thinks of satisfying other desires.
4-Fasting encourages people to be compassionate and kind to those who are in need.
5-Fasting puts the rich and the poor on the same level, as they will all bear the same pain of hunger. This increases one’s reward.
6-Fasting helps to overcome the temptation presented by Satan, who exploits human desires to lead people away from Allah’s path, and such desires are always stronger when one eats and drinks.
7-Fasting helps man to disregard the fleeting pleasures of this life and to look for the lasting happiness in the life to come.
