Benefits of Fasting & The Night of Power

by Istafiah Is'harc

Benefits of Fasting

 

In the Qu'ran it is written that the fast is not intended to be a burden for Muslims because it brings them many benefits. We know that fasting cleanses the body and clears the mind. By learning to be patient and suffering hunger and thirst, Muslims can feel how it must be to be poor and to have nothing to eat and drink. Fasting can also make Muslims strong and courageous when facing difficulties in their lives. The lack of food can make them feel weak physically, but Muslims often find that this helps them to focus on their lives and become more aware of their mistakes. As a result of this, they ask for Allah's forgiveness and pray for His blessing. Many feel that the fast makes their feelings calm and clean. By the end of the fast they feel renewed.

In Islam there are certain times when Muslims are reminded that although they may be important people in their work, they are all just human beings and creatures of Allah (swt). The differences between races and between the rich and poor, disappear when the whole Ummah all over the world are united in doing the same activity. This happens at the mosque especially when Muslims meet for Friday prayers, and when there are big festivals. It also happens during Ramadan when rich and poor alike suffer hunger pangs. The fast of Ramadan is a very ancient practice and predates the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) - in fact, it is believed to date from the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (as).

The Night of Power

 

Ramadan is important because it was during this month that the Holy Qur'an was first received. The night when the Angel Jibril first came to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) to bring him the divine message, is called 'Lailat-ul-Qadr' - 'The Night of Power' or 'The Night of Decree'. It is said to fall on one of the last ten nights of the fast. It is the most important night for those who are fasting. It is not known exactly which night of Ramadan it is, but it is believed to be on one of the odd nights - 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Many people believe it is the 27th night. 

 

On this night people who fast, hope to receive illumination or something special from Allah (swt). This might take the form of a change in their character and understanding, guidance or the beginnings of a change in their lives. For this reason, Muslims will often stay up all night to pray on these special nights. In the Qur'an the 'Night of Power' is described in the Surah Al-Qadr, as follows:  

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful.
Surely We have revealed the Qur'an on the Night of Al-Qadr;
And what would make you know what is the Night of Al-Qadr?
The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months;
The Angels and the Spirit (Jibril) descend in it
by their Lords' permission, with every decree.
Peace it is until the break of dawn. (Qur'an 97:1-5)

When a whole family is fasting, the atmosphere at home often becomes very peaceful and calm. Nobody wants to spoil things by quarelling and losing their tempers. During the last ten days, if they can, devoted Muslims will also spend much of their time praying and reciting the Qur'an at the mosque or alone at home.

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This article has been taken from the book titled "Islam and its festivals" by Istafiah Is'harc.