The Purpose of Fasting in Ramadan is Taqwa

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the obligatory acts of worship for Muslims that carries profound meaning. It is not merely about refraining from food and drink, but also serves as a means of spiritual development.

The primary objective of fasting in Ramadan is to attain the level of taqwa, which is full awareness of Allah’s presence in every aspect of life.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْکُمُ الصِّيَا مُ کَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 183)

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This verse clearly states that the purpose of fasting is “la‘allakum tattaqun” (so that you may attain taqwa). Taqwa here includes guarding oneself from sinful acts, increasing obedience, and improving one’s relationship with Allah and with fellow human beings.

The Meaning of Taqwa in Fasting

Taqwa is not merely about fearing Allah. It also involves sincerely carrying out His commands, avoiding His prohibitions, controlling one’s desires, and improving character and behavior.

Fasting trains all of these aspects. When a person is able to refrain from things that are actually lawful (such as food and drink) during the day, he or she will be more capable of abandoning what is unlawful.

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From Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِى أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ

“Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, then Allah has no need of him leaving his food and drink.” (Reported by Bukhari, no. 1903)

This hadith emphasizes that fasting is not merely physical restraint, but also involves guarding one’s speech and conduct. Without this, the goal of taqwa will not be achieved.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

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الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ

“Fasting is a shield.” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting serves as a shield from sin and from the Hellfire, indicating that it functions as a means of cultivating taqwa within a Muslim.

The Meaning of Taqwa According to the Companions and Scholars

Ibn Kathir explained that taqwa means obeying Allah’s commands and avoiding His prohibitions with full awareness and fear of Him. Taqwa also includes hope for reward and fear of punishment. Thus, it is not merely fear, but fear accompanied by hope (raja’) in Allah.

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According to Al-Tabari, taqwa means protecting oneself from Allah’s wrath by performing acts of obedience and avoiding disobedience.

The concept of “protecting oneself” here is like placing a shield between oneself and Allah’s punishment through righteous deeds.

Al-Qurtubi stated that taqwa is placing between oneself and what one fears (Allah’s punishment) a protective barrier, which is obedience.

He also added that taqwa includes both outward actions (deeds) and inward aspects (intentions and the heart).

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According to Quraish Shihab in Tafsir Al-Misbah, taqwa is full awareness of Allah’s presence that encourages a person to always act carefully.

Taqwa is not limited to ritual worship, but is also reflected in daily social and moral behavior.

The Companion Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) beautifully summarized taqwa: “Taqwa is fearing Allah, acting upon the Qur’an, being content with little, and preparing for the Hereafter.”

The Wisdom of Fasting in Achieving Taqwa

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Some of the wisdoms of fasting that support the development of taqwa include: training patience, increasing sincerity because fasting is a hidden act of worship, fostering empathy toward others, controlling desires, and drawing closer to Allah through additional acts of worship.

Fasting in Ramadan is not merely an annual ritual, but a means of character building for a Muslim to become a person of taqwa. By observing fasting correctly, guarding intention, behavior, and the heart, the primary objective of fasting as mentioned in the Qur’an will be achieved.

May we be among those who attain the level of taqwa through the worship of fasting in Ramadan. Ameen. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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