Fasting gives this great social subject a perceptible form...

Fasting gives this great social subject a perceptible form to those who observe it. Every intelligent person realizes that fasting works as a lesson of equality among the members of society. Of course, by practicing this religious command, the rich realize perceptibly both the state of the hungry and the deprived of their society, and, saving in their daily meals, can help them well.

Verily, if the populations of rich countries throughout the world customarily fast a few days a year and feel the taste of hunger, will there remain so many hungry people in the world as we have it right now? Family is an important institution of society. One of the highly recommended acts in the month of Ramadan is fostering the kinship relationship and avoiding its collapse.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUHH) in the sermon of Sha’baniya, said: “Whoever fosters his kinship bond in this month, Allah will connect him with His mercy on the day he will meet Him. Whoever breaks the kinship bond in this month, Allah will cut him off of His mercy on the day He will meet Him [5] .” It is therefore recommended that the family bond should be preserved, particularly in the holy month of Ramadan.

Every act that will strengthen this sacred bond should be practised while actions that will weaken or destroy it should be completely avoided. In view of this, it has become a usual practice in the holy month of Ramadan for the family members to sit together at the table and wait for one another for the Iftar (sunset meal). In addition, during the month of Ramadan, family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, and even strangers are invited to Iftar.

This act strengthens the family or brotherhood bond among the members of society. Another social benefit of fasting, particularly in the holy month of Ramadan is the development of human dignity. The fast observers who can abstain from food, drink, and their lawful partners during the stipulated time in the month of Ramadan would have a kind of control over their bodies and souls.

That is to say, such people who have persevered against hardships can face and overcome every difficulty that may come their way in life. Consequently, hunger and thirst cease to be great threats to such people and they would be able to protect their self-respect and dignity at any cost. Such people will not beg for money or food, even when they are hungry.