Fasting during the holy month of Roza Ki Fazilat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a deeply transformative act of worship. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, fasting cultivates self-discipline, empathy, and a heightened connection with Allah. This article explores the virtues of fasting in Islam, supported by Quranic verses, Hadith, and practical wisdom, while highlighting the role of institutions like Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran in promoting Quranic education.

Read More: The Importance of Ramadan

Quranic Foundations of Fasting

Quranic Verse 1:

“یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا کُتِبَ عَلَیۡکُمُ الصِّیَامُ کَمَا کُتِبَ عَلَی الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِکُمۡ لَعَلَّکُمۡ تَتَّقُوۡنَ”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Translation:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”

Explanation:
This verse establishes fasting as an obligation for Muslims, linking it to the universal goal of attaining Taqwa—a state of mindfulness and reverence toward Allah. Fasting purifies the soul and aligns believers with divine principles.

Quranic Verse 2:

“شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیۡۤ اُنۡزِلَ فِیۡہِ الۡقُرۡاٰنُ ہُدًی لِّلنَّاسِ”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)

Translation:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind.”

Explanation:
Ramadan is honored as the month of Quranic revelation. Fasting during this time deepens Muslims’ connection with the Quran, encouraging reflection and implementation of its teachings.

The Virtues of Fasting in the Quran – Ayat on Roza Ki Fazilat

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fasting and its spiritual benefits. Allah has made fasting obligatory for all believers, just as it was prescribed for previous nations, to attain Taqwa (piety and God-consciousness).

One of the most significant verses about fasting is:
“O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse highlights that fasting is a means of developing righteousness and closeness to Allah. Another verse states:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

From these verses, it is clear that fasting not only strengthens faith but also connects a believer with the Quran, as Ramadan is the month of revelation.

Prophetic Teachings on Fasting

Hadith 1:

“مَنۡ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِیمَانًا وَاحۡتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَہُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنۡ ذَنۡبِہِ”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Translation:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have their past sins forgiven.”

Explanation:
This Hadith underscores Ramadan as a month of divine mercy and forgiveness. Sincere fasting erases past sins, offering believers a spiritual reset.

Hadith 2:

“الصِّیَامُ جُنَّۃٌ”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Translation:
“Fasting is a shield.”

Explanation:
Fasting acts as a protective barrier against sin and wrongdoing. It trains believers to control desires and avoid immoral behavior.

Spiritual Virtues of Fasting

A. Closeness to Allah

Fasting is a unique act of worship performed solely for Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for himself except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

B. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

The Quran describes this blessed night:
“لَیۡلَۃُ الۡقَدۡرِ خَیۡرٌ مِّنۡ اَلۡفِ شَہۡرٍ”
(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

Fasting in Ramadan positions believers to seek this night, where worship yields unparalleled rewards.

Moral and Social Benefits

A. Empathy for the Less Fortunate

Fasting fosters empathy by allowing Muslims to experience hunger and thirst. This awareness inspires charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) and support for marginalized communities.

B. Strengthening Community Bonds

• Iftar Gatherings: Shared meals promote unity and brotherhood.
• Taraweeh Prayers: Congregational prayers enhance communal spirituality.

Health Benefits of Fasting

Modern science validates the physical advantages of fasting:

• Detoxification: Fasting cleanses the body and improves metabolism.
• Mental Clarity: Reduced caloric intake enhances focus and cognitive function.
• Weight Management: Intermittent fasting supports healthy weight loss.

Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran: Promoting Quranic Wisdom

Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran plays a pivotal role in educating Muslims about the Quran and Sunnah. Through structured courses and Ramadan-focused programs, the institution:

• Teaches the Quran’s relevance to fasting and spirituality.
• Encourages reflection on Hadith related to Ramadan.
• Empowers communities to implement Islamic values beyond Ramadan.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Ramadan

1. Set Spiritual Goals: Aim to complete the Quran or increase nightly prayers.
2. Give Generously: Donate to causes supported by institutions like Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran.
3. Seek Forgiveness: Repent sincerely and mend broken relationships.

The Virtues of Fasting – Roza Ki Fazilat in English

Fasting (Roza) holds great significance in Islam and is one of the five pillars of faith. It is a means of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and strengthening one’s connection with Allah. By abstaining from food, drink, and worldly desires from dawn to sunset, a Muslim learns patience, gratitude, and self-control.

Fasting is not only about refraining from eating but also about avoiding sins, controlling anger, and engaging in acts of worship. The rewards of fasting are immense, as mentioned in Hadith:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah says: Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Moreover, fasting serves as a shield against sins and the fire of Hell. It is an act of worship that helps cleanse the heart, increase devotion, and bring a believer closer to Allah.

Conclusion:

Fasting in Ramadan is a divine gift that elevates the soul, strengthens morality, and unites communities. By adhering to Quranic commandments and Prophetic teachings, Muslims unlock blessings in this world and the hereafter. Institutions like Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran amplify these teachings, ensuring the legacy of Ramadan endures for generations.

FAQs:

1. What is the significance of fasting in Islam?

Fasting (Roza) is one of the five pillars of Islam. It purifies the soul, strengthens faith, and brings Muslims closer to Allah.

2. What are the spiritual benefits of fasting?

Fasting helps in self-discipline, patience, and gratitude. It also increases Taqwa (God-consciousness).

3. What are the health benefits of fasting?

Fasting improves digestion, detoxifies the body, and helps in weight management while boosting metabolism.

4. What does the Quran say about fasting?

Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

5. What are the rewards of fasting?

The reward for fasting is immense, and Allah has promised a special place in Jannah for those who fast sincerely.

6. How does fasting purify the soul?

Fasting helps control desires, prevents sins, and increases devotion to Allah through worship and charity.

7. What are the conditions for a valid fast?

A valid fast requires intention (niyyah), abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).

8. What nullifies a fast?

Eating, drinking, intentional vomiting, menstruation, and intimate relations break the fast.

9. What should one do if they accidentally eat or drink while fasting?

If done unintentionally, the fast remains valid, and the person should continue fasting.

10. What are the best deeds during fasting?

Praying, reading the Quran, making dua, giving charity, and performing good deeds increase the rewards of fasting.

11. What is the significance of Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)?

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is a blessing.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

12. What is the importance of Iftar (breaking fast)?

Breaking fast on time is Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ would break his fast with dates and water.

13. What is Laylatul Qadr and its connection to fasting?

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree) is a blessed night in the last ten days of Ramadan, and worship on this night is better than 1,000 months.

14. Can sick or elderly people skip fasting?

Yes, those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, or traveling are allowed to skip fasting and compensate by fasting later or giving fidya (charity).

15. What is fidya and when is it required?

Fidya is a charity given by those who cannot fast due to valid reasons. It is the equivalent of feeding a poor person per missed fast.

16. What is Kaffarah for breaking a fast intentionally?

If someone breaks their fast intentionally, they must fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people.

17. What is the reward of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays?

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, saying that deeds are presented to Allah on these days.

18. Why is fasting in Shawwal recommended?

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.” (Muslim)

19. How does fasting help in controlling anger?

Fasting teaches self-restraint and patience, which helps control anger and bad habits.

20. What is the special gate in Jannah for those who fast?

The Prophet ﷺ said: “In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fast will enter.” (Bukhari & Muslim)