Fasting is a deeply spiritual act of worship. It is meant to transform us, both internally and externally.
The main reason why we fast is because Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) commanded us to do so. Like all other commandments in our dīn, fasting is an expression of our ʿubūdiyyah (servitude). Fasting trains us to submit to Allah and to obey Him.. Allah says,
يٰٓا أَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ
“…Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā (piety and mindfulness of Allah)” (2:183).
- The greatest purpose of fasting is to attain taqwā. Taqwā is to protect yourself from the punishment of Allah by avoiding His prohibitions and implementing His commands.
- Fasting increases our īmān in Allah and the hereafter. Fasting helps us get closer to Allah, become more attuned to Him watching us, and more eager to please Him.
- Fasting softens a person’s heart, increases his empathy for the poor and encourages a person to give charity.
- Fasting purifies the body from toxins, and is a preventative means of protection from many physical illnesses.
- Fasting sharpens the mind and boosts brain function.
- Fasting nourishes the soul just as food nourishes the body.
- Fasting teaches us zuhd (detachment from the world): it was prescribed so that we reduce the amount of food we eat, and not increase it.
source: lifewithallah.com
