Acting For God

For Muslims, the importance of fasting is not just in completing a major part of their religion but it is in the weight that is given to observing this holy month.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Every deed of the son of Adam will be rewarded ten to seven hundred times its worth, except for the fast, for it is for God, and He will reward it.

"The one who fasts leaves off his desires and his food for God's sake. There are two times of joy for the one fasting. The time of joy when he breaks his fast and the time of joy when he meets His Lord (on the Day of Judgment).''

It is for this reason that Muslims go out of their way to avoid sins during this time. For even small white lies will break the fast and a fast broken for no good reason in Ramadan can never be made up.

They are reminded that if they are met with adversity during the month then they should have faith and repeat “God, I am fasting'' as a reminder for themselves and to increase their faith in the higher being.

In addition to this, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with a firm belief while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his previous sins forgiven.''

So this month holds immense power and virtue and it is because of this that even non-practicing Muslims will partake in it and use it to increase their faith and help them get back on the right path.

It is truly a special time of year.