Ramadan: fasting for the body and feasting for the soul
Why and how we observe Ramadan and personal reflections
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Observing this month is one of the five pillars of Islam (Submission to God). In observing this month, as the body experiences fasting, the soul can be nourished. In this article we will be discussing why and how we observe this month followed by personal reflections on this practice.
Why observe Ramadan?
The practice of fasting is vital for our salvation (Quran verse 2:183). There is tremendous wisdom in this practice, some of which will be discussed here.
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. (Quran: The Final Testament 2:183)
Historically, it was during this month that the Quran was revealed. Quran provides guidance, teachings and the book of law (Quran 2:185). Observing this month is a way of glorifying God and showing our appreciation for guidance. Thus, this is the spirit of observing this month: glorification and appreciation of our Most Gracious Creator.
In addition, this practice has many benefits, some of which are explained later in the section entitled “Other benefits of Ramadan”.
How do we observe Ramadan?
It is simple: during this month, one fasts from dawn to sunset, abstaining from drinking, eating and sex (Quran 2:187). One can eat and drink before dawn and after sunset. Some individuals wake up before dawn to eat and drink before starting their fast. For the last ten nights of Ramadan, some people choose to retreat to the masjid (mosque). Sexual intercourse is allowed (between spouses) during the nights except while retreating in the masjid (2:187).
God allows substituting fasting during other days of the year (instead of during Ramadan) if someone is sick or traveling. In this case the fasting should be for same number of days (Quran 2:184–185).
If one experiences great difficulty in fasting, one can feed at least one poor individual for each day that one does not fast. This is the minimum. God encourages doing more righteous works. God also encourages fasting by saying that it is the best option (2:184).
We are very blessed to have such a compassionate God who gives us options.
Other benefits of Ramadan
This month is a training for the soul. To observe this month, we alter our daily routine. Our soul takes charge and directs the body as to when to eat and drink. Observing this month can help us remember and implore God more as we fast during the day. We can implore God to help us make it through the day and make it easy. We nourish and strengthen our soul as we follow God’s guidance to observe this month and as we remember and implore God. Fasting can help us appreciate the great blessing of having access to good, clean food and water. It can enhance our compassion for others who don’t have these blessings and our motivation to help them, God willing.
It seems to me that this practice can help us overcome a great obstacle to salvation: our ego. As we fast during the day, we witness our weakness and dependence on food and water. This practice can encourage us to depend more on God to get through the day. Thus, this practice can be humbling and purifying for the soul. Fasting can encourage us to slow down and that facilitates reflection. We can become more aware of our thoughts and thought patterns. As we become aware, we have the possibility of change. We can seek refuge in God when we have negative thoughts and not harbor them. We can implore God to help us and do our part to dwell in good positive thoughts. With a slower pace and spiritual focus, we can also become more aware of our behavior. This practice presents the opportunity to see ourselves more clearly and to reform for the better.
Thus, this practice can train, strengthen and purify our soul. As we fast, our soul can grow by following God’s guidance and remembering and imploring Him more as we observe this month.
Personal reflections and sharing
As we progress on our faith journey and our soul becomes stronger, fasting during Ramadan can become much easier. Therefore, if it is difficult to fast, there is hope. As we transform, our experiences including fasting can also transform. As an example, by God’s grace fasting is a lot easier for me now compared to when I started observing Ramadan.
In the past I was concerned about Ramadan and fasting, especially during workdays. After experiencing how God has helped me and made it much easier now, I trust that God will get me through it. I also know that it is a very blessed month with many benefits and a good opportunity to focus more on the soul.
Other than the guideline to fast from dawn to sunset, God gives us the freedom to choose how to go about it, including what to eat and how much to eat. Of course, we want to avoid the few prohibited items and eat and drink in moderation, as discussed in the Quran. We want to use our faculties to choose well. When possible, eating good nutritious food is helpful. We may have different preferences and needs. I would like to share some things that I have found to be helpful, by God’s grace, in case they are helpful for others. Sleep (during the night or day when possible) can be helpful as long as it does not interfere with growing our soul and fulfilling our obligations. Of course, we want to hydrate and nourish our bodies during the night. At the same time, we don’t want to overdo it and overwhelm our bodies. It’s good to eat and drink in moderation (Quran 7:31). Our kidneys conserve water so we may not need as much as we may think. This is key: to eat and drink to fulfill our needs and not overdo it. For this it is helpful to tune into the body and take cues from it. Eating slowly and mindfully can help us appreciate and enjoy the food and avoid overeating. Fruits, vegetables and other foods with fiber can help avoid constipation. It’s good to have water nearby (for example in a water bottle or thermos) to drink during the night in a way that doesn’t interfere with sleep.
One of the blessings of observing Ramadan is the marvelous feeling that comes with breaking fast. For me, drinking that water after a day of fasting and feeling it go down my throat is a great feeling. After fasting, one may appreciate and enjoy good food and drink more rather than taking them for granted. Ramadan is a reminder of the blessing of having easy access to food and eating lunch the rest of the year. It is important to appreciate that we have food and can eat it. Inherent in this process of eating are the blessings of being able to chew the food and swallow it. We can also reflect more on the marvels of the food we eat. When possible, it can be a wonderful experience to break fast with others, share reflections and enjoy God’s abundant provisions together.
This is a special month, and it seems that our kind and compassionate Creator provides support during this month that makes it easier to fast. Others have observed that it is much harder to make up days of fasting at other times of the year. The last ten nights of Ramadan are even more special, and the Night of Destiny (NOD) is exceptional. God swears by the last ten nights and tells us the NOD is awesome (Quran 89:1–5, 97:2–3).
In summary, Ramadan is a gift like the other practices prescribed by our Creator. It can help to nourish, strengthen and purify our souls. Thus, as our body fasts, our soul can feast.
