towards Allah. This is the fasting of the most distinguished people. (Al-Jauhara-tun-Nayyirah, pp. 175; Faizan-e-Ramadan, p. 90)

Dear Islamic brothers! It is important to remember that when we fast, we must not only abstain from eating or drinking, but also keep our body parts in a state of fasting. This means, to keep them away from evil things. In Ramadan, we stop ourselves from eating Halal and permissible foods during the day, which we may have been eating just 24 hours previously.

Keeping this mind, let us think. When the month of Ramadan arrives, we are prevented from even eating Halal and permissible things. When this is the state of certain Halal things, then think about those things which are Haraam; Lying, tale-telling, bad assumptions, disobeying your parents, hurting the hearts of people; will these not become even more severe during the month of Ramadan?

When we are prevented from certain Halal things while fasting, imagine the penalty for doing something Haram. Will it not be worse to sin in Ramadan while you are fasting? Will the punishment for sins not be more severe? If a person stops eating Halal food while fasting, but does not stop committing Haram acts; what form of fasting is this?

Remember! The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has warned us by saying, ‘If anyone does not refrain from indecent talking and evil acts, Allah Almighty  does not need him to remain hungry and thirsty.’ (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 628, Hadith 1903)

Fighting even when fasting

Dear Islamic brothers! Some Muslims have descended into such a state that it seems as though they look for opportunities to hurt, fight and quarrel with others, even in the month of Ramadan. If someone abuses or hurts us in any way, instead of forgiving them for the sake of Allah, we instead become ready to fight and argue with them in return.