4th Pillar: Fasting
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an essential part of being a Muslim. Muslims fast from dawn until sundown - abstaining from food and drink, and guarding themselves from destructive behavior.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Allah states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may achieve greater awareness (of Allah)." (Qur'an 2:183)
Fasting is not only beneficial to health, but it also allows one to truly empathize with those less fortunate. However, fasting is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constanly being aware of Allah.
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims everywhere; a time for reflection and greater spirituality. The end of Ramadan is observed by a holiday - Eid al Fitr. On this day, Muslims all over the world celebrate with prayers and an exchange of gifts.
Read the other Pillars of Islam
1st Pillar: Testimony
2nd Pillar: Prayer
3rd Pillar: Charity
4th Pillar: Fasting
5th Pillar: Pilgrimage
Read the other article to learn about Islam
What Do Muslim Believes In?
Who is Allah
Who is Mohammad (pbuh)
What Do Muslim think about Jesus (pbuh)?
What Do Muslim think about Mary (pbuh)?
Five Pillars of Islam
Common Misunderstanding about Islam
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
What is Qur'an
Why do Women dress the way they do
Why is the family so important to Muslims
Apart from the Qur'an is there any other Sacred Source?
Do Islam, Christianity and Judaism have different origins?
Does Islam give Women Equal Rights?
Does Islam Protect Women from Violence?
Does Islam Want Women to be Public and Political?
How are Muslim and America related?
How Did Muhammad (pbuh) become a Messenger of Allah?
How did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) related to Christians?
How did the spread of Islam affect the World?
How do Muslim view the Elderly death and the Afterlife?
How does Islam Elevate the status of Women
How does Islam guarantee Human Rights?
Is Islam respectful of other Beliefs?
What does Islam say about War
What does Islam say about Wives & Husband?
What does the Qur'an say about women's Creation and purpose?
What is written in the Quran about Motherhood?
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
Who are American Muslims?
Who were some of the Great Muslim Scientists and Thinkers