“During the month of Ramadhan the Qur’ān was sent down as a guidance to the people with clear signs of the true guidance, and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it, and whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead. Allah wants ease and not hardship for you so that you may complete the number of days required, magnify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him.”
(Al-Qur’ān – 2:185)
Fasting in Ramadhan is an obligatory prayer. It is not only an act of worship and devotion and a means to nourish piety but also an act of gratefulness to God for His great bounty of true guidance in the form of the Qur’ān. The Qur’ān was revealed during the month of Ramadhan to teach us the way that leads to God’s great pleasure, follow that way ourselves and direct the world along it. Fasting is an excellent means by which to prepare ourselves for shouldering this task. Hence fasting during the month of the revelation of the Qur’ān is more than an act of worship and more than an excellent course of training.
Allah the Exalted is All-Merciful. He always wants ease for people and never wants hardship for them. This seemingly hard act of worship wins a rich treasure of blessings which would help us in winning the pleasure of Allah and ultimately a blissful seat in the Paradise if Allah so wills.