In the first place, we’d like to note that it is an obligation upon every Muslim to propagate Islam and introduce its illuminating teachings to others, Muslims and non-Muslims. This season of spirituality needs to be introduced to others. The best way to introduce it to others is to make them feel that it is special. This can be done when we stick to the best of deeds and the lofty manners during the month commemorating its being special and, by this, we as Muslims are ourselves special.

Fasting as such is a human phenomenon, which is found in all religions, whether primitive or developed, Divinely revealed or man-made. Allah Almighty says : “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (2:183)

Ramadan has a special appeal to all Muslims, even to our young children. It captures our souls. Fasting increases our goodness, cultivates our nature, and sharpens our consciousness of Allah. It disseminates brotherly feelings toward the community and all humanity, and above all sharpens in us the sense of responsibility toward one another. It helps us attain self-control and provides us with the ability to resist lusts and base desires during our fasting-time. Ramadan enables us to encounter hardships.

In Ramadan, we not only abstain from food, drink, smoking, marital sex, but we also abstain from all kinds of immoral acts and obscenity. Our social, religious, charitable acts are combined in our fasting. So, the month of Ramadan is an intensive course in physical and spiritual hygiene.

We also fast to honor the Revelation of the Qur’an in this blessed month. The Qur’an is our guide and rule to advance in this world and to draw ourselves closer to Allah. During the blessed month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims gather in mosques during the daytime for reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an. During the night, they gather to pray in congregation and listen to lectures from Muslim scholars. All these virtuous help us to be more adaptable, sociable, and practical.