Why Ramadan?

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, requires Muslims to fast from dawn to dust. But what's the purpose? What can a person really achieve by remaining hungry?

In order to answer that we first need to look at the meaning of the word "Islam". Islam is an Arabic word coming from the verb "Salama" which means surrender, and peace. So Islam means 'peace through submission to God'.

God Almighty, Creator of the heavens and the earth knows what we need--physically, emotionally, and spritually. He chose the month of Ramadan for people to strengthen their bond of submission and be true slaves to Him.

Muslims are not only required to fast from food and drink; they are required to abstain from sexual activity with their spouses; from backbiting; lying; cheating; getting angry and showing that anger; bad manners; and looking at impermissable things.

All in all, the purpose is to train our souls to abstain from lowly, animalistic desires and be able to control our thoughts and emotions. This makes one a disciplined person of high values.

Ramadan is like an Intensive Care Unit where a person is constantly vigilant, day in and day out for a month, of his/her soul by nurturing it with the obedience of God, and establishing a close connection with Him.

If a person attains the true purpose of Ramadan, which is true slavery to God Almighty, their is a visible difference in the manner, attitude, and temperament. In a nut shell, one leaves Ramadan in a better state than one entered it in!

If that is not the case, then the person really has to question his/her worship, fasting, and extra prayers at night.

Ramadan, like every thing else in Islam, has a purpose. The purpose is to help humans attain the highest level of happiness which is through complete submission to One True Lord, God Almighty!