How Successful Is the Purpose of Fasting
-Suyaibul Banna Sohi
Allah says in Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183):
“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).”
There are several important points in this verse. First, Allah addresses: “O you who believe,” meaning that fasting is prescribed for the المؤمنين (believers). He also clearly states the purpose: so that you may attain taqwa. Additionally, He mentions that fasting was also prescribed for previous nations.
First, we must understand: why fasting? What is its purpose? Why should we fast? Understanding the purpose behind any act is called aqidah (creed). If the aqidah is incorrect, then faith and actions will also be incorrect. Therefore, we must be clear about the aqidah of fasting.
We know that Islam is built upon five pillars. The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said that Islam is built on five foundations:
- شهادة (Testimony of faith)
- Salah (prayer)
- Zakat (charity)
- Hajj (pilgrimage)
- Sawm (fasting in Ramadan)
Fasting is thus the fifth pillar of Islam.
Now, what is the purpose of fasting? If someone does not understand the purpose of a car, they will not understand the purpose of its parts. But once they understand that a car is for transportation, every component makes sense. Similarly, all parts of Islam are interconnected—this connection is called ‘aqd’, from which the word aqidah comes.
So the question is: what is the relationship between faith, prayer, fasting, and other acts? Understanding this connection is aqidah. Without it, isolated acts lose their value. Likewise, without understanding the purpose of Islam, one cannot understand the purpose of fasting.
The word sawm means self-control, restraint, and discipline. The word “roza” (fast) is Persian and not used in the Qur'an. In Islam, sawm carries a broader meaning—self-restraint and control over oneself.
Today, Muslims across the world observe fasting with great importance. Millions abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Even the elderly and young participate. Outwardly, it appears that Muslims are attaining taqwa through fasting.
However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned that a time will come when people will pray Tahajjud, but it will only be loss of sleep, and they will fast, but it will only be hunger. This is a serious warning.
Fasting is an act that is usually free from showing off. Only those who truly believe in Allah observe it sincerely. Yet, why would such fasting become meaningless?
Again, the answer lies in understanding the purpose of Islam.
Islam is not just rituals—it is a complete way of life (Deen). Its purpose is to establish Allah’s system in all aspects of life: legal, economic, social, and political. When Islam is established, justice, peace, and security prevail.
From the beginning of humanity, Iblis challenged Allah by vowing to mislead mankind. Allah, however, promised guidance for His sincere servants. Thus, humanity’s role is to uphold truth and defeat evil.
This mission is carried out by المؤمنون (believers), united as the Ummah, striving to establish justice and righteousness.
But this is not an easy task. It requires training—spiritual, physical, and mental. The acts of worship in Islam serve as this training.
For example:
- Salah teaches discipline, unity, cleanliness, and obedience
- Zakat teaches generosity
- Hajj teaches sacrifice and equality
- Fasting teaches self-control and endurance
Through fasting, a person learns to control desires, endure hunger and thirst, and resist temptations. This builds character, preparing them to face hardship and avoid a life of indulgence.
Therefore, the purpose of fasting is to develop moral and spiritual character.
However, if a person lacks true faith—if they do not truly submit to Allah’s authority—then their fasting becomes nothing more than starvation. This is why today, despite widespread fasting, its impact is often not visible in society.
The message is clear: before fasting, one must understand its purpose. Allah does not benefit from our hunger—rather, we benefit through developing taqwa and character.
Fasting is a form of training for believers, preparing them to fulfill their responsibilities.
So first comes faith. Then comes commitment to Allah’s commands. Then comes building the character needed to uphold those commands.
May Allah grant us the ability to understand the true purpose of fasting. Ameen.
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