Why Muslims fast during Ramadan
Fasting, in Arabic sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, daily prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage to Mecca.
During Ramadan, the faithful refrain from:
Food and drink
Smoking
Marital relations
Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset. The first meal of the day is called suhoor, while the evening meal that breaks the fast is iftar.
The meaning of fasting goes beyond the physical aspect. It is an exercise in self-control, discipline, and spiritual purification. Through renunciation, the believer strengthens his or her faith and develops empathy for those who live in difficult conditions.
The spiritual value of the holy month
Ramadan is a time of intense spirituality. In addition to fasting, Muslims devote more time to prayer and reading the Quran. Mosques organize moments of collective evening prayer, which strengthen the sense of community.
A central aspect is solidarity. During this month, attention to the most needy increases, also through donations and concrete gestures of support. Charity, called zakat, takes on an even deeper value in this period.
Ramadan is also an opportunity to improve one's daily behavior. Members are encouraged to avoid arguments, hurtful words, and negative attitudes, focusing on patience and respect.
