


It is quite often the case that individuals refrain from all things that invite them towards sin during their fast. This calmness also allows us to be better attuned to our own thoughts and emotions, since we slowly drift away from the hurry and fuzz of worldly desires. These emotions are the direct impact of a closer connection to Allah (SWT). Quite often, even though the raging hunger of a long fast bothers us, we are calmed down by an overbearing sense of peace. You have probably felt an overarching sense of calm and serenity during Ramadan. It brings you closer to your thoughts and emotions This is why you feel that heightened sense of closeness to Allah (SWT) during Ramadan your soul no longer has to battle your nafs in the desire to do good, and it is empowered by the fast, hence the increased willingness to do good. Keeping up with the first point, weakening the nafs would naturally mean strengthening the soul, since it is the vehicle through which an individual is inclined towards good deeds and hence towards developing a stronger relationship with Allah (SWT). Since good deeds enhance one’s spirituality and bring them closer to Allah (SWT), it is quite understandable that fasting entails a great degree of spiritual benefit, particularly with regards to weakening your ability to sin.

The logical conclusion, therefore, is that depriving the physical body from food and drink would weaken the nafs, and hence its ability to invite the individual towards evil and sin. Imam Ghazali writes that physical easements are the source of strength for the nafs, including food and drink. Each individual is responsible for controlling and overcoming these desires. The nafs is the component of an individual that compels them towards their animalistic desires. Since we are often unaware of these benefits, this article aims to briefly introduce how, ironically, fasting is food for the soul.Īlso See: Blessings of Ramadan 1. Indeed, the activity entails immense spiritual benefits that lay the foundations for the spiritual uplift we witness during the month. The fact that this distinct feature correlates with the auspiciousness of the month is perhaps testament to how important and beneficial fasting is. Why is it that Ramadan seems to have such a profound impact on our spirituality, particularly given the physical hardships that it entails? The most distinct feature of Ramadan is that it requires able Muslims to fast the entire month.
