The Quran is the sacred book of Islam and is claimed to be the final message from Allah to humanity. The Hadith is the collection of teachings and sayings, mainly of Muhammad, compiled by a few Muslim scholars almost 200 years after Muhammad’s death. The Quran and the Hadith dictate how Muslims should live and act. You can learn about the origin of the Quran and Hadith in our other article — Facts you didn't know about the sacred books of Islam.
Everything Muslims are commanded to do is found in either the Quran or the Hadith, including the practices of the month of Ramadan with its mandatory fasting from sunrise to sunset. To understand why Muslims fast, it is best to read directly from these Islamic sources.
What does the Quran say about Ramadan?
“Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness.” Quran 2:183
Fasting is mandatory for Muslims because it helps them be righteous and obedient to Allah.
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” Surah 2:184
This verse shows that Muslims may increase Allah’s favor on them when fasting if they also give to charity or feed the poor. This is why during Ramadan, there is a large influx of charitable donations among Muslims. Learn more about Muslim charity in this blog post.
“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” Surah 2:185
Allah wants Muslims to fast without too much hardship, which is often not the case. But this verse makes Muslims feel guilty if they are struggling in their fast which sometimes lasts over 16 hours during the long summer days without food or water. Devout Muslims even refuse to swallow their spit.
This verse also shows that if someone is unable to fast during Ramadan because of travel or sickness, they are not excused; they have to make up the number of days they missed after Ramadan ends.
What does the Hadith say about Ramadan?
“Islam is built upon five: to worship Allah and to disbelieve in what is worshiped besides him, to establish prayer, to give charity, to perform Hajj pilgrimage to the house, and to fast the month of Ramadan.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 8
Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam that every devout Muslim must adhere to: The confession of faith, the 5 daily prayers, almsgiving or charity, hajj (pilgrimage), and fasting. These five core practices rule a Muslim’s life.
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan due to faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Decree due to faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1901
This Hadith mentions the “Night of Power (or decree)” which occurs during the last 10 days of Ramadan. According to Islam, this night is when the heavens open and Allah’s presence will be available to creation for one second only. Muslims are not told the exact day or time, so many spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan deep in prayers and worship trying to get their one second with Allah.
This Hadith also explains that fasting Ramadan with deep faith promises that a Muslim’s previous sins will be forgiven by Allah. Now Muslims are not only trying to gain Allah’s favor, but if they mess up, their salvation could be at risk.
Ramadan is a heavy time of spiritual oppression for Muslims. You can share the grace and freedom of Christ with the Muslims around you. Learn more in this article.
Prayer for Muslims who are fasting during Ramadan
Dear Lord, please break through the darkness of Ramadan. Give me boldness to share the Good News. Rescue my Muslim friends and neighbors from the lie that they must work hard to save themselves. Amen.
