What fasting is all about

Muslims all over the world consider Ramadhan as the most sacred month in the Islamic Calendar and it is also known as the 'Month of Fasting'. If you think about life as a journey (driving in a car to be more precise), which I think of as a very good anology then the chapter on 'Servicing and Maintaining your Car' would correspond directly to the idea of fasting. Now fasting is also part of other sacred religions such as Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, but in Islam (i.e. the way of life for a believing Muslim) it is one of the most important articles of faith.
You fast from sunrise to sunset as a way to purify or purge yourself of bad things like:
1. bad food habits - eating too much, smoking, eating 'paan' or 'supari' or chewing gum
2. bad lifestyle - waking up late, not sleeping on time, boredom, addictions
3. bad company - people who talk crap, back-bite, disrespect or abuse
4. bad thoughts - scheming, fantasizing, anger, jealousy, hate
5. bad actions - lying, cheating, adultery, flirting, idling about

But the question is why for 30 days? Well apart from the evident quranic injunction I feel Ramadhan is like a crash course in belief and patience. 30 days is a significant period of time, enough for anyone to bring about some change in himself/herself. Once you have done that you have trained your body and mind to appreciate the good things in life in a way no radio program or TV jingle can make you realize.

Tags: benefits, fasting, ramadhan, 30 days