Its been a little over a week since the Holy month of Ramadan began. This is my eighth year of fasting since I became a Muslim in the summer of 2005. For those that do not know fasting is an essential part of the Islamic faith and thus Muslims are required to fast once a year during Ramadan from just before dawn until sunset. During our fast we refrain from food, drink and sexual relations with one's spouse (if married). Muslims are also encouraged to practice controlling their anger, and straying away things that would be distracting from one's fast like TV, music, & entertainment. Ramadan is a month that carries so much benefit for the one who sincerely fasts and does good deeds solely for the pleasure of Allah. The reward for our deeds are multiplied numerously and the result of a successful fast is that one develops excellent habits that carry on beyond Ramadan. These habits may include a more healthy diet, becoming more generous, and most importantly performing more acts of worship which all, ultimately lead to having a closer relationship with Almighty Allah.
Last year I experienced the best Ramadan to date and it was because I set goals for myself, which helped me to maintain a strong spiritual program and increase my level of worship gradually throughout the month. I also remember being inspired by the news that my wife and I would have our first child. Last year's fast was such an inspiring experience for me that I even wrote a journal entry called My Ramadan 2011 which can be read by clicking here.
It is our belief that Allah began to reveal the Holy Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (Gods Peace be Upon him) during the holy month of Ramadan.
Thus Muslims are encouraged to spend much of their time engaged in reading, understanding and memorizing the Qur'an during Ramadan. This is a picture of me reading one of my favorite chapters of the Qur'an entitled "Ya Sin."
I pray that Allah (God) allows for our community and Muslim nation (Ummah) to have a successful month of fasting by which we receive benefit in this life and in the hereafter. I also pray that our fasting benefits not only the Muslim nation but also the entire world.