SIGNS OF
THE LIGHT
fasting in the month of Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a part of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting for Muslims means; abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and intercourse from dawn to dusk. There are many wise reasons behind fasting. For example, fasting allows Muslims to feel the hunger and thirst of people who are less privileged than them. Fasting also has the ability to increase iman (faith) within a Muslim as they are in constant remembrance of God because they are fasting for Him and only Him. Finally, fasting can increase the patience of a person as they are disciplining themselves from worldly luxuries in order to please God. Here are some signs of the light in relation to Ramadan and fasting from the Quran, hadith, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and quotes from Rumi, the Persian Muslim poet:

QURANIC VERSES
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.
Al-Baqara (The Cow) [2:185]

O ye who believe! Fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may be pious.
Al-Baqara (The Cow) [2:183]

AHADITH
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Volume 3, Book 31, Number 125

Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Messenger said, "When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the (Hell) Fire are closed, and the devils are chained." Volume 4, Book 54, Number 497

RUMI QUOTES
Those who fast drink the wine of the spirit

Although faith is built upon five pillars, yet by God the greatest pillars of those is fasting, just as the blessed night of the might is hidden in fasting

Fasting makes the kitchen empty, cleans it thoroughly and allows man to taste the spiritual food, so that he becomes similar to the angles who live exclusively on adoration and worship

Rumi quotes from http://members.aol.com/QADIRNAGAR/Jalal.html

compiled by Shadia Lozi