বাংলা 
English 
Among the many devotional practices Muslims observe at different times of the year is fasting (sawm). Muslims fast in various ways, all of which involve self-restraint. These include abstaining from eating and drinking, feeding the poor, remaining immersed in the remembrance of Allah, refraining from gossip or indecent speech, not being greedy with one's eyes or mouth, showing humility and purifying oneself.
The deeper purpose of fasting is to strive to attain God-consciousness (taqwa), so that one may always strive to live in accordance with the ethics of Islam. Individual believers may take part in fasting in whatever way they choose, because it is not meant to be a cause of needless hardship.
Fasting in Ramadan
Ramadan is holy for Muslims because it was the month in which the holy Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW and his family). Fasting is one of the many acts of taqwa that Muslims observe in the month of Ramadan. Within the Muslim community one finds a heightened commitment to prayer, to the daily recitation of the Quran, to opportunities for learning about the faith, and to charitable giving to those in need.
The Quran mentions the practice of fasting in Ramadan in the following verse:
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may be God-fearing. Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, then later (make it up). For those who can fast only with the utmost hardship there is a means of compensation - feeding a needy person. But whoever willingly does good, it is better for him; and fasting is better for you, if you only knew... Allah desires ease for you, not hardship." (Q 2:184-185)
Muslims understand the purpose and benefits of fasting in many ways. It teaches self-control, strengthens one's faith and taqwa, helps one become more conscious of Allah and His blessings, offers a means of seeking forgiveness for sins, and reminds one of the plight of those who do not have enough food, water or shelter.
However, the guidance of the Quran also makes clear that fasting is not meant for severe hardship. Those who are unable to fast - such as the elderly, the sick, the pregnant, or those nursing children - are advised to feed the poor and the needy instead.
This emphasis on charitable giving strengthens the moral principles of Islam, which are needed most in society by those striving to raise their standard of living.
The Deeper Purpose of Fasting
As stated in the Quranic verse above, the deeper purpose of fasting is to strive to attain God-consciousness, or taqwa. Taqwa means remaining constantly aware of Allah's presence and, in this way, always striving to live by the principles and ethics of faith. Fasting can serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping this deep commitment to self-restraint throughout the year.
In the following two hadiths, the Prophet is reported to have emphasised this broader commitment to self-restraint beyond food and drink:
If a person does not give up false speech and false action, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink.
Fasting is a shield; so when one of you fasts, let him not utter obscene speech and let him not raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or abuses him, let him say: I am fasting.
The Prophet's beloved daughter Hazrat Fatimah (SAW) also said:
One who does not guard his tongue, hearing, sight and limbs from forbidden acts does not truly fast.
This same message of self-restraint and of a year-round commitment to living according to the ethics of Islam has been echoed by many Islamic Imams throughout history. The present Imam, Shah Karim al-Husayni, also stressed this idea when he said in 2016:
...my wish for the coming decades is that you stand firm by the principles and ethics of our faith. Wherever you may be, whatever your age, whatever you do in your life, it is important to me that the principles of our faith be honoured every day of your life.
For Ismailis, both the outward form (zahir) and the inner meaning (batin) are seen as indispensable to a correct understanding and practice of the faith. Thus the physical act of fasting is regarded as part of a year-long spiritual observance, in which one consciously refrains from all actions, thoughts or behaviour that hinder the pursuit of God-consciousness and spiritual knowledge.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they wish to fast, in light of their own personal circumstances. As with all religious practices, fasting should be undertaken with a sincere intention (niyyat) and commitment, not merely out of obligation. No judgement should be made about the particular form of fasting a person keeps, or about those who do not fast.
