The purpose of fasting is not to make people feel hungry and thirsty. It is not a deprivation of people’s comfort and conveniences. The real purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to learn piety, Hashim Msusa writes.
Muslims in Malawi join the rest of the world, in observing the blessed month of Ramadan, month of revelation of the Qur’an, fasting, compassion, alongside renewal of spiritual life.
Human beings always seek to know the wisdom of the legislated acts of worship. In this case he or she may want to know the wisdom of fasting. Allah Almighty legislated fasting in the month of Ramadan for gaining His consciousness.
Observing fasting in Ramadan is not done as a mere tradition. It is not an experience in vain. It is a legislated command. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an, “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Allah’s consciousness” (2:183)
Observing fasting in the month of Ramadan, is not a punishment. The purpose of fasting is not to make people feel hungry and thirsty. It is not a deprivation of people’s comfort and conveniences. The real purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to learn piety.
People generally care for themselves. This is not strange in case of Malawi. While it is allowed to enjoy ones wealth, very few think of sharing with the poor. Many ignore the needs of others. Yet through fasting in this month, Muslims taste the pain and suffering of the poor.
Essentially, fasting in this month teaches empathy and sympathy, and it takes away some of our selfishness and self- centeredness. This is the spirit of piety. Fast and learn to feel the pain and suffering of those who are hungry, homeless and living in poverty.
