What is it like fasting at Ramadan?

Question

To those who have done it, has it taught you anything?

Answer 1

I feel that when I am fasting during Ramadan, I am closer to my Creator. I learn to apreciate what I have and let go of what I do not have. It really teaches me that I am so fortunate for the things I have, and I need to be thankful that I am provided with the luxuries I do have. We are not wealthy, but it really teaches me not to complain that I dont have new shoes or what I exactlly want to eat when I want it. I look at the world different, i feel so much empathy for those in other countries that do not even have a good meal to eat. It makes me want to do more for the community, and be close to Allah and thankful for all the great things he provides me with every single day. I cant even explain it, I have tears in my eyes and am sad that it is over. I know that there is so much I have left out. Sorry it is a quick answer, and not as accurate as I would like it to be!!

Answer 2

It is challenging, after all it is about learning self-control, but without a doubt very rewarding. Let's not even talk about the reward that we shall receive in the afterlife, but even in this life.

Fasting has taught me to understand how the less fortunate feel when they are deprived of food and water. It made me understand what hardship is, therefore it is a very humbling experience.

I live in a western country and my non Muslim friends actually tried to fast during Ramadhan, just to see what it's like. It was interesting and some of them found it really hard, but I think that's because they don't have a reason to fast and therefore they don't have the willpower. I learned that it's amazing how much we can achieve if we really put our heart and mind into it.

This is a really interesting documentary about what Ramadhan is like for American Muslims:
American Ramadan - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v21FtTG1ubA (highly recommended!) - a documentary looking at the American Muslim experience. The documentary explores and reveals the holiest of rituals, shared by the Abrahamic traditions, but practiced by more - the act of fasting for faith.
The documentary follows the lives of five American Muslim families during the Month of Ramadan - from the divorced dad, the student coping with school, work and family life, the convert to Islam and his Indonesian wife, another interracial couple, and the wife of an incarcerated businessman.

Answer 3

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is fard upon every Muslim, male and female, who is sane and mature.

Almighty Allah has promised great reward for those that fast, whilst severe punishment is in store for those who do not fast in the month of Ramadan.

Fasting has many physical, moral and social benefits. However, Allah has made fasting compulsory so that we become pious, God-fearing and God-conscious.

Fasting in Islam means to stay away from eating, drinking and cohabitation from true dawn (subh sadiq, beginning of fajr time) to sunset with an intention of fasting.

TYPES OF FAST

There are eight types of fasting. They are as follows:

Specific obligatory (fard) fast: Fasting for the whole month of Ramadan once a year.

Non-specific obligatory (fard) fast: The duty upon one to make up a fast missed in the month of Ramadan with or without a valid reason.

Specific necessary (wajib) fast: To vow to keep a fast on a specific day or date for the sake of Allah, upon the fulfillment of a wish or desire (nadhr)

Non-specific necessary (wajib) fast: To vow or pledge to keep a fast without fixing any day or date, upon the fulfillment of a wish (nadhr). Those fasts which are kept for breaking one’s qasm (oath) also fall under this category.

Confirmed sunna fast: Those fasts which the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) kept and encouraged others to keep. E.g., fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and the 9th of Dhul Hijja, etc.

Recommended fast: All fasts besides fard, wajib, and sunna are mustahabb. E.g., fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.

Disliked fast: Fasting only on the 9th or 10th of Muharram or fasting only on Fridays. Some scholars hold it permissible to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram since distinguishing our fast from that of the Jews no longer applies, as the Jews no longer fast on those days.

Impermissible fast: It is haram to fast on five days during the year. They are: `Eid al-Fitr, `Eid al-Adha, and three days after `Eid al-Adha.

Answer 4

YEAH, it kinda has. its not that hard either cuz ur stomach gets used to it and doent waant food until u give it sum food, Its meant to teach you what life is like for the poor who dont hv food, to bring u closer to god, and to test ur patience and willpower, two very important things in islam.

Answer 5

Well it gives u an appetite.