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Fasting

Fasting is the third of the five pillars of Islam. It comes after professing the oneness of God and accepting Prophet Mohammed as the Messenger. After fasting come paying the zakat or "tithe" and performing the haj or the pilgrimage, if that particular Muslim can afford it.

Every year, Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The fast begins before dawn breaks, usually at around 5:30 am, and is broken at about 7:00 pm. No food or drink is allowed while fasting, and smoking is forbidden, too. Since Ramadan is a month for spiritual cleansing, Muslims are also encouraged to do more good deeds and pray more than the usual five times a day. It is meant as a time to reflect on one's good fortune, to help the unfortunate and to display physical and mental discipline. Muslim children are trained to fast for half a day when they are 6 years old, so that it will be easier for them to fast for a full day when they grow older. Converts are encouraged to fast for half a day too, in the beginning. 

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims around the world celebrate their one month of fasting with Aidilfitri, or Hari Raya Puasa. 



Author
Suchitthra Vasu



References  
A convert's personal experience. (2001, December 16). The Sunday Times, Sunday Plus Cover Story, pp. 2, 4.

As the moon wanes ... A time for caring and compassion. (2001, December 16). The Sunday Times, Sunday Plus Cover Story, pp. 2, 4.

Celebrating faith and self-renewal. (2000, December 27). The Straits Times, Home, p. 8.

Zuzanita Zakaria. (1999, January 7). A pillar of Islam. The Straits Times, Home Focus, p. 30. 

The information in this article is valid as at 2002 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Ethnic Communities>>Customs and Traditions
Fasting--Religious aspects--Islam
Pillars of Islam
Islam--Customs and practices
People and communities>>Customs>>Festivities
Philosophy, psychology and religion>>Religion>>Islam

Librarian Recommendations
>> The Five Pillars of Islam
>> Hari Raya Puasa


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