FASTING

Fasting is made obligatory on muslims for a whole month of Ramadan (the 9th month of Islamic calendar). The institution of fasting is universal and exists in different forms in different religions. Therefore, Islam is not the only religion which commands its followers to fast. Quran says,"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may be righteous"

Fast in Islam is not meant as a punishment or self-torture. The motive behind the command of fasting is teaching self-restraint. Fasting teaches us tolerance. It trains us to control our desires. Moreover, it makes one realize the plight of poor who are dying of hunger and starvation. Fasting prompts people to help poor and needy. It helps in establishing communal harmony as people start caring for each other.