The Prophet Muhammad called the month of Ramadan a month of patience. The Quran states that fasting during this month has been prescribed so that man may become God-fearing. These two qualities are required of us every month of the year. Why is it that they have been so particularly mentioned in connection with the month of Ramadan?
The reason for this is Ramadan is the special period of the year during which these qualities are to be cultivated. Of course, the exercise of patience and piety is required of every believer every day of the year and every year of his life. These are principles to which he must at all times adhere. But in this one particular month, special stress has been laid on this so that these two attributes become an integral part of one’s character. This is done by laying down a certain discipline, so that much as people may want to do something, they will then refrain from doing it if it is an action displeasing to God. If they wish to eat or drink something, no matter how strong their desires, they will not do so if Divine law prohibits it. They will follow the will of God irrespective of the circumstances and regardless of any difficulties they may encounter in the process. Even if it means leaving behind, or abstaining from, that which they hold most dear, they will not abandon the way of God.
What is fasting? You are required to leave food and water so that in life you leave those things which God has forbidden. Fasting is training to lead a life of self-discipline. This is a matter of self-discipline because there is no police or army over anyone. There is no compulsion involved when you leave food and water. You do it without any compulsion. This is training for a life of self-control and self-discipline. This is indeed great wisdom. God has made people free. People have desires, lust, selfishness, revenge, anger and other negative elements. How should such a person live in the world? Here fasting trains us. A person should lead a life of self-control and self-discipline. Even though he has freedom, he should use his freedom in a limited way. When he gets angry, he should manage his anger. If he seeks revenge or develops malice, selfishness, arrogance or intolerance, then he must manage these feelings. Fasting is training for self-control and self-discipline. Fasting isn't completed by simply leaving food and water. God wants something from us throughout our life. That is, a person should lead his life by controlling his freedom. He should live with discipline. This is the training we receive during fasting. If fasting is without spirit and only gives you hunger and thirst, then it would not be considered fasting. Such kind of fasting would not be considered a fast for which God has promised great rewards.
