By A. Abdul Aziz.

These are the days of blessed Ramazan. Allah has given special commandments for this month and has emphasized on their compliance. Those who are on a journey or are sick, have been commanded to fast later when their journey is completed, or when they are healthy enough to fast. But for others, during the day, both eating cohabiting with their spouses, are prohibited.

Eating is essential for the preservation for self, and cohabiting with oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s spouse is necessary for the preservation of the human race. But in Ramadan, Allah has commanded that we desist from both during the day time. .

Allah has made this month of Ramazan, for the purpose that when man is engaged in all other work during rest of eleven months and he eats, drinks and cohabits with his spouse, he should desist from these things for one month during the day. Why? Because Allah wants him to do so. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

During this month, he has also ordered that man should read the Holy Quran, and give Sadaqa (charity) as well. During the month of Ramadan, there should be lot of supplications, reading of the Holy Quran and maintaining the values of Ramadan. It has been written in the sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that for him who fasts during this holy month with faith, and seeks sawab, his former sins will be forgiven.

Some people say that during this month, their expenses soar. But this is because these people are unaware of the value of fasting. At time of sehri (breakfast) early in the morning, they stuff themselves so much that they tend to develop indigestion. They also eat the tasty dishes in Iftari ( the evening meal) like gluttons and due to this they become sluggish and fall into deep sleep.

They do not realize that fasting is an exercise for self-control. They must remember that the Holy Quran was revealed in this month, and that it is the guide and light for the people who believe in it. We should act according to the guidance provided by this Holy Book. Remember that real comfort comes when one dies or by desisting from evil deeds. Fasting also brings comfort. With it, man can attain nearness to God. Allah says, ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-I am near. When some one calls Me, I answer the call of him who supplicates.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚

The Holy Founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim JamaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢at Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him) – the Promised Messiah and Mahdi has said:-

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-The third pillar of Islam is fasting. People are unaware of its true significance. Fasting does not mean to remain hungry and thirsty during this month. It is a fact that the less one eats, the more self-purified is his self while his spiritual power is also strengthened. By fasting, Allah wants man to reduce one food in order to strengthen his spiritual power. During this time, man should draw close to God so that he may learn how to remain aloof from worldly pleasures. Therefore, fasting means that one should forsake the food which nourishes only the physical body, and acquire another food that nourishes the human soul. Those who fast for the sake of God alone and are regular in this exercise should keep busy in Tasbih and Tahleel which may provide them spiritual foodƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ (Malfoozat vol. IX pp 122 – 123).)

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) was asked about fasting during a journey. He said: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-From the Holy Quran, it is very clear that those who are sick or on a journey, should not fast and this is an injunction. If one who keeps fast during travel and bears that hardship and tries to please Allah by manifesting his strength, does not seek AllahƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s pleasure by humble submission he is misguided. True faith demands obedience of the divine commandments and abstentions prescribed by Allah the AlmightyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ (Al Hakam January 26, 1899).

At another place he says: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-If someone fasts in the month of Ramadan while travelling or when he is sick, he is disobedient to the clear divine commandment. Allah has clearly commanded that the traveller and the sick are not to fast. A traveller should fast when they reach their destination or regain their health. They should obey the divine commandment because deliverance is by grace alone. Allah did not say whether sickness is mild or severe or journey is short or long. The injunction is compulsory. So if a traveller or a sick person fasts, he will be regarded as being disobedientƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚(Al Badr, October 17, 1907).

The Promised Messiah said about fidia: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Allah has based Shariah on convenience. Travellers and the sick who can afford, should pay fidia instead of keeping fast. Fidia means to feed a destituteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ ( Malfoozat volume 9 p 430 – 431).