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The fourth pillar of Islam: spiritual purification and the worship of patience
Fasting is far more than hunger. The Quran defines the purpose of fasting as 'taqwa' — deep God-consciousness and responsibility (2:183). Self-discipline, empathy for the poor, gratitude, and spiritual purification are its deeper dimensions. By experiencing hunger, a person recognises both their own weakness and their dependence on God.
Fasting is obligatory for every sane, adult Muslim who is in good health. But Islam is a religion of mercy: the ill, travelers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly may be excused; they can pay fidyah or make up the fast later. For the fast to be valid, the intention (niyyah) — a sincere resolve in the heart — must be made before dawn.
Suhoor is the blessed predawn meal eaten before Fajr (the imsak time). The Prophet ﷺ recommended it, saying 'There is blessing in suhoor.' Iftar is the beloved moment at the Maghrib call to prayer when the day's fast is broken. The sunnah is to break the fast with dates and water. The iftar table is a spread of gratitude, reunion, and brotherhood — a spiritual celebration shared in community.
Hidden within the last ten nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr is, according to the Quran, better than a thousand months (97:3). On this night, Jibreel and the angels descend, and prayers and worship carry special weight. It is the most precious night of the year for Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ advised seeking it in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days. I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) and night worship are the distinguished sunnahs of this period.
Oruçlunun iki sevinci vardır: İftar ettiğinde ve Rabbine kavuştuğunda.
Source: Buhâri
Kim iman ederek ve sevabını Allah'tan umarak Ramazan orucunu tutarsa, geçmiş günahları bağışlanır.
Source: Buhâri, Müslim
Oruç, kalkan gibidir; oruçlunun kötü söz söylememesi, cahillik etmemesi gerekir.
Source: Buhâri
Fasting is not merely hunger. It is seeing the limits of the self, discovering gratitude, and purifying the heart. It is a quiet answer to humanity's deepest question — 'Who am I?'