Fasting & I`tikâf

INTRODUCTION

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. Allah says: \"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that perchance you might learn self restraint.\" [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 183]

A Muslim must fast during the lunar month of Ramadân. This month is significant, because the Qur’ân was first revealed in Ramadân. Allah says: \"Ramadân is the month in which the Qur’ân was sent down as a guidance to humanity and as clear signs for guidance and judgment. So whoever is present during this month should spend it in fasting. But whoever is ill or on a journey should make up (whatever days he missed) by fasting other days.\" [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 185]

Since the lunar calendar is eleven days shorter than the solar calendar, the month of Ramadân gradually passes through all the seasons of the year.

Fasting for each day begins at dawn and ends at sunset. During these daylight hours, a fasting person must abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse. These activities are permissible from sunset to the following dawn.

Fasting teaches self-control and patience. Like prayer, it is a way of turning to Allah in sincere worship.