Beginning the Ramadhan

On its surface, the month of Ramadhan is about controlling physical urges. It is natural for us to want to eat and drink when we are hungry. But it is asked of us not to during this month. It is natural for us to want to make love with a loved one. But it is asked us not to (well, at least not during daylight hours). It is natural for us want to go to sleep and rest after a good meal in the evening. But it is asked of us to go to the mosque to pray tarawih till late. It is natural for us to sleep in the morning. But we are asked to wake up early for sahur (morning food before the sun rises).

If health and circumstances permit, all it takes is a bit of self-discipline to successfully complete the physical obligations of fasting.

But why do Muslims fast? What is the end result, the end goal that is hoped to be achieved?

While in religious school, and during my time at the International Islamic University, i was told that there was a whole long list of reasons why i should fast.

While those reasons are valid, it almost seemed to me that those reasons existed because people like me were asking why we should fast. It was almost as though that long list of reasons were acting as an excuse, justifying the act of fasting.

I've come to realize that i don't need a reason to fast. Fasting is not something that requires justification. It is an act of faith, and believing in something is not necessarily a reason to do something.

Why do you love your mother? Or your father? Or your siblings? Do you need a reason to love? Or is it something that just is?

That's what fasting is to me. That's what being a Muslim means.

I wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters a safe and blessed month of Ramadhan. Remember me when Eid comes along! :)