Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims observe fasting in this month all over the world. In fact, it is incumbent upon all adult Muslims, and children that have reached puberty, with exceptions for the sick, pregnant and the traveler. Ramadan is considered the month of mercy, and fasting gives Believers a chance to tame their base desires.
There are various and/or different levels of abstinence in the Islamic fast. First, one must refrain from eating and drinking from daybreak to dusk. During the same period you should not reach an extreme state of anger, have sexual intercourse, smoke, etc.
Ramadan also offers a believer the opportunity to look at their “true selves”. In explanation, it is believed by Muslims that during the month of Ramadan, the accursed devil (Satan) is literally chained up by Allah Almighty (SWT) for the duration of the month. Therefore, with the lack of satanic influence, a believer is able to identify which faults of his are “truly his,” and can not be blamed on Satan.
The following words are accounts from two new Muslims about their experiences of fasting for the first time.
Brother Aswad and Brother Latif both say that they were able to focus on what Allah (SWT) and his messenger Muhammad (PBUH) say about these things such as being steadfast in prayer and constantly doing deeds of righteousness.
They said that Ramadan gave them the needed discipline to strengthen their weak points, and made them much stronger at fighting the struggle within themselves. They anxiously wait and look forward to the next Ramadan!