Q: And why do people do it? (Please no offense to be taken) Is it for their culture? And what can you and can't you do when fasting? And i just read another person's answer. Why can't you have your period and fast? Thank you :) How often is fasting? And how long do you do it for?
A: During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours i.e from sunrsie till sunset and then they break their fast at sunset and eat just before sunrise for 30 days.. It is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast. Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God. Why can't you have your period and fast? The reasons we are exempted from fasting are, first of all, because it is `amr ta`bbudi', an act of worship dictated by Allah. addition, Islam is the religion of easiness, and it tends to remove the hardship of women who may be weak or in pain from menstruation, if I had to fast while on my periods, then Allah help me as I get very very ill!! Part of the logic behind exempting menstruating women from fasting and prayer, I can say that upon the onset of the period the woman becomes very weak and experiences weakness and fatigue in her whole body, and that is why Allah, the Most Merciful, exempts her from fasting and prayer in order not to add to her weakness." I get very weak and would not be able to pray nor fast since I require bed rest!