Virtues of fasting

A means to attain Taqwa

Indeed the person who has attained Taqwa has attained excellence in the worship of her Lord. In
many Ayat of the Qur'an Allah says that the reward of the people of Taqwa is Paradise. We will
just mention here two ayat in regard of the success of the people of Taqwa and their reward with
Paradise.

The people of Taqwa are the successful people in this life and in the hereafter where they will be
the dwellers of Paradise. Allah says "This is the Book; in it is guidance sure without doubt to the
Muttaqeen [people of Taqwa]. Who believe in the Unseen are steadfast in prayer and spend out
of what We have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to them and sent
before thy time and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on (true)
guidance from their Lord and it is these who are the successful.

Allah says: "Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden of the whole of
the heavens and that of the earth is prepared for the Muttaqeen [people of Taqwa].

A great reward for those who fast

Allah said: 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall
reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to
Allah than the smell of musk.

The greatest reward is, of course, Paradise

The Dua’ of the fasting person is granted

Muhammad(S) said: “Indeed for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, and makes a dua it
is not rejected"

It Will speak for us on the Day of Judgment

Muhammad(S) said : "The fast and the Qur'an are two actions that will speak for the servant of
Allah on the Day of Judgment. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and
desires during the day. Let me stand for for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from
sleeping at night. Let me stand for him.' And their request will be accepted." .
 Virtues of fasting
In Ramadan there is Laylatul Qadr (the night of Decree)

Allah says:"Indeed We have revealed Qur'an in the night of Decree. And what will explain to
you what the night of Decree is? The night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein
comes down the Angels and the Jibreel (A) by Allah's permission, on a specific task and they
say "peace" (continuously) till the rise of Morning!"

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (S) said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has
made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the
gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month]
which is better than a thousand months. Whoever neglects the good of it is really in a great lose.

An `Umra in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj

Muhammad(S) said :”'Perform 'Umra when Ramadan comes, for 'Umra in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in
reward),' or said something similar."

A Means of Forgiveness

Muhammad(S) said :"Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and
hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."

Fasting in Ramadan is a way to Paradise

Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that
will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I
came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."'

Muhammad(S) said "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of
Judgment it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the
gate, it will be locked."
 Benefits of fasting
Medical benefits of fasting.

1. The month of Ramadan is a great time for our digestive system, which is
responsible for
the metabolism process of food, to get some rest.
2. During fasting, the level of sugar in blood decreases so does the level of
cholesterol.
3. And of course it is a chance to get your body in shape!
4. Also, during the first week you will be surprised at how little food you need
to be full. For some people it can lead to the whole new way of consuming
food.
5. Gives you more energy
6. Better brain health

Mental benefits of fasting:

1. You get an opportunity to be in a state of self-discipline and self-control,
which is not a bad thing at all.
2. You start to evaluate even small things differently.
3. Ramadan teaches you to avoid anger.
4. To forgive someone’s and your own mistakes.
5. It is strongly encouraged to help those in need.
6. And share your happiness with everyone
Spiritual and Social benefits of Fasting:
1. Closeness to and consciousness of Allah.
2. Fasting teaches Muslim the principle of sincere love; because when he
observes the fasting he does it out of deep love for Allah (SWT).
3. Fasting ensures the harmony and unity of society.
4. Fasting raises awareness of the situation of poor people who live in our
society
5. This holy month of Ramadan brings discipline in our lives
6. Sympathy with the poor and hungry.

7. Unity, Brotherhood and Charity.

8. Fasting brings the sense of hope of Allah’s grace and forgiveness.

9. Patience and unselfishness comes due to fasting

10.Fasting Muslims experience self-control. As Muslims fast, they should

control own temper, they should remain calm and refrain from harming
others, verbally or physically.
11.Taraweeh which is mostly offered in congregation in Mosques is also a
collective program of the Muslims in the Holy month of Ramadan. Muslims
listen to the Quran together in Mosques; meet each other there and their
social interaction increases.
12.Ramadan makes the societies purer because, most people abstain from
wrong acts in this holy month.

 Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates
of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained”