The blessed month of Ramadan brings us a great opportunity to build Taqwa – a state of constant awareness and consciousness of Allah. Taqwa is the very essence and purpose of our true faith. Fasting proves to be a powerful tool to nurture Taqwa – this is how fasting leads to Taqwa. The Divine Link The Quran explicitly establishes the link between fasting and attaining Taqwa. Through the practice of fasting, we as believers learn invaluable lessons of discipline, obedience, and willing submission to Allah’s commands. “يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ” “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you 1 —so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” However, true fasting extends far beyond merely abstaining from food and drink. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphatically stressed that true fasting also purifies our speech, conduct and character. Controlling Desires, Strengthening Faith Moreover, by controlling our basic human desires, we train our souls (nafs). The absence of hunger and thirst, (things that are prescribed as halal for you) during the fasting hours strengthens our souls. This spiritual exercise allows us to develop fortitude to resist temptations, wrongful inclinations, and sinful behavior. Ultimately, it puts us in a state of Taqwa – the constant feeling of Allah’s watchfulness over our actions, words, and thoughts. The term “month of the Quran” specifically refers to Ramadan. We are encouraged and motivated to immerse ourselves in reciting, studying, and practicing the Quran’s teachings. When we couple this with fasting, voluntary night prayers (Qiyam/Taraweeh), and other acts of worship, we gain Taqwa. Additionally, the hunger we experience during the fasting hours instills a genuine sense of empathy and compassion for the less fortunate in us. This naturally guides and inspires us towards charitable giving and generosity. Such selfless acts of sharing our sustenance not only purify our wealth but also increase our Taqwa. In essence, fasting in Ramadan allows us to experience Taqwa. From controlling desires and purifying ourselves, to increased worship fasting ultimately leads us to making a permanent and unwavering commitment to living solely for the pleasure of Allah, the Most High.
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