| The month of ramadan is coming closer, that is why it | | | | Moreover, it is not necessary for this type of |
| is improtant to go over through its significance. Is | | | | retreat-based, solitary spiritual development to be done |
| fasting just about having sins forgiven and getting | | | | in Ramadan. That can be done in any month. This |
| rewards multiplied in the Hereafter? What | | | | shows that a Muslim cannot advocate a spirituality that |
| about the problems of life here in this world? Is | | | | is based on individual and subjective experience. |
| fasting just a ritual or does it have some other | | | | Therefore, in Islam, individual and subjective spiritual |
| significance? Modern Islamic scholars draw attention to | | | | development is not the purpose of fasting in the month |
| the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting. But | | | | of Ramadan.Since the Quran prescribed fasting |
| since physical and medical benefits of fasting accrue | | | | specifically in the month of Ramadan, it is important to |
| to anyone who fasts, regardless of one's faith in God, | | | | know the significance of this special time. A special |
| it is obvious that the physical and medical benefits are | | | | feature of the Quran is that whenever it gives a |
| not the primary purpose of fasting in Islam. What about | | | | command for action, it also provides the wisdom |
| spiritual benefits? Since different religions have | | | | behind it. It tells what the final result of that action will |
| different concepts of spirituality, what does spirituality | | | | be in this world, if it is successfully carried out. In this |
| mean in Islam and how can it be developed through | | | | way the Quran provides a pragmatic test for people |
| fasting? The proponents of other religions, including | | | | to see whether or not they are moving toward that |
| many Muslims, claim that spirituality is an individual and | | | | desired result. Regarding fasting, the Quran |
| subjective experience. How then can one know that | | | | says:Â |
| one's spiritual development is taking place due to | | | | Those who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it |
| fasting? In addition, would a Hindu's or a | | | | was prescribed to those before you, that ye may |
| Buddhist's spiritual development, due to fasting, be as | | | | (learn) self-restraint (al-Baqarah 2:183) |
| significant as a Muslim's? In fact, Buddhist | | | | Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the |
| monks and Hindu saints go through much more | | | | Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for |
| rigorous rituals than Muslims. Does this mean | | | | guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So |
| that their spiritual development is of a higher level? | | | | every one of you who is present (at his home) during |
| Obviously, no Islamic scholar would be prepared to | | | | that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, |
| accept this. | | | | or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be |
| According to the Quran, every Muslim (who can) must | | | | made up) by days later. God intends every facility for |
| fast in the month of Ramadan 2:183-185. And fasting | | | | you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He |
| has to be done collectively at the community level. | | | | wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to |
| Unlike a Buddhist monk or a Hindu saint, a Muslim does | | | | glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance |
| not have to go to a mountain or a forest retreat to | | | | ye shall be grateful. |
| develop their spirituality through fasting and prayer. | | | | |