The merits of fasting and the month of Ramadan: By Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali

The significance of fasting in Islam can be deduced from many verses of The Holy Qur'an. For example, the verses 2:45 reads:

    استعینوا بالصبر و الصلوه و انها لکبیره الا علی الخاشعین

And take recourse in patience and prayer, and it is indeed hard except for the humble.

Based on several narrations, "patience" has been interpreted as fasting due to the fact that fasting, consisting of abandoning certain acts such as eating and drinking for part of the day is one of the best forms of patience. Muslims have been advised by the narrations to resort to fasting when confronted with challenging problems and difficulties.

Although fasting is deeply connected to the month of Ramadan, it is an important act of worship by itself that cab be performed outside Ramadan as well. Except for two forbidden days, fasting is a recommended deed throughout the year, especially in certain months such as Rajab and Sha'ban and on certain days such as Mondays and Thursdays.

Moreover the month of Ramadan, regardless of fasting, provides a great opportunity to give even to those upon whom fasting is not incumbent an opportunity to benefit from.