Every year in the month of
Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown,
abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. Those who
are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are
pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make
up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are
physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person
for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe
the prayer) from puberty, although many start
earlier.
Although the fast is most beneficial to
the health, it is regarded principally as a method of
self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly
comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true
sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's
spiritual life.
The `Five Pillars' of
Islam