Fasting: A Spiritual Journey with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him )
Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. No, it’s much more than that! Fasting is a spiritual journey we experience every year, an opportunity to draw closer to our Lord, empathize with others, and purify our hearts.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was our role model in fasting. He fasted with love and taught us how to make the most of every moment during Ramadan. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was keen on Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), saying, “Eat Suhoor, for there is blessing in it.” This means that even if we are tired and sleepy, Suhoor is important to strengthen us for fasting, not just physically, but spiritually as well.
At breakfast, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would hasten to break his fast, meaning he neither waited nor hesitated. He would break his fast with dates and supplicate to God before breaking his fast. He would then perform the Maghrib prayer, after which it would be time for the meal we look forward to all day!
But fasting is not just about hunger and thirst. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that fasting is also about self-control. That is, we don’t just abstain from food and drink; we also abstain from anger, unpleasant speech, and anything that might disrupt our fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say, “If one of you is fasting, let him neither utter obscene language nor raise his voice. If someone insults or fights with him, let him say, ‘I am fasting.’” This teaches us that Ramadan is an opportunity to cleanse our souls and strengthen our faith.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was keen to perform the night prayers during Ramadan, meaning the Tarawih prayers, which we perform in the mosque or at home, reading the Quran, and supplicating to God. He used to say that whoever prays the night prayers of Ramadan with faith and hope for reward, God will forgive all their past sins. Night prayers are not just prayers; they are also a state of spiritual detachment and reflection on our relationship with God.
Ramadan is not a month of food and sweets. It is a month of change, a month of mercy, a month when we can reconcile with our Lord. It is an opportunity to stop being preoccupied with the problems of daily life and devote ourselves to our hearts. This month is not only for individual worship, but also a time when we are closer to one another. Ramadan teaches us social solidarity and calls us to help others, whether through charity or sharing meals with neighbors and friends.
Despite the challenges we face during Ramadan, from the fatigue of hunger and thirst, it is a time that truly tests our patience and the strength of our faith. It is an opportunity to overcome psychological and physical obstacles and draw closer to God than ever before.
In Ramadan, it is not only the food and drink we abstain from, but also the piety and patience we gain, and the ways we improve ourselves through our closeness to God. Let us take advantage of these blessed days to renew our intentions, achieve spiritual change, and strive to improve our relationship with God and with those around us.
