One of its significant effects is that it strengthens in the...

One of its significant effects is that it strengthens in the individual and society the will to resist temptation and defy the forces of evil, injustice and deviation. A believer's soul, having tasted the pleasures of fasting, will never submit to other than Allah, and will never entertain the idea of worshipping other than Him. Al-Balagh Foundation in presenting this booklet on fasting seeks to perform its duty of inviting people to Allah and proclaiming His eternal message.

It hopes the booklet will be of benefit to our dear readers whose enthusiasm has been a source of inspiration for us. We humbly implore Allah, the Most Exalted to guide the Ummah along the blessed path of Islam, and to accept the selfless deeds of fasting Muslims. He is the Most Excellent Patron, the Most Excellent Helper.

AL-BALA GH FOUNDATION THE PROPHET'S SERMON ON THE ADVENT OF RAMADHAN As we said before, holy Ramadhan is Allah's Banquet, spread out for all His creatures without the difference of class, caste, rank, race, language or geographical barriers.

It is not just a month of mere rituals, as some may misbelieve, but on the contrary signifies the very peak of spiritual purification, which Islam has perfected; The word Ramadhan is derived from the root ramadh which indicates heat' and restlessness', and is said to signify the hardships of a fast, like thirst for example. A hadith from the Prophet says, Ramadhan burns the sins and the faults as fire burns wood.

Before discussing further the spiritual and physical dynamism of fasting, let's start with those eternal words of Allah's last and greatest Prophet, which continue to ring even today in the ears of the believers.

Imam Ali bn Musa ar-Ridha (a.s.)* relates on the chain of authority of his illustrious forefathers from Lmam Au (a.s.) that once on the advent of Ramadhan, (s.a.w.)* delivered the following sermon: (( أيها الناس انه قد اقبل اليكم شهر الله بالبركة والرحمة والمغفرة ,شهر هو عند الله أفضل الشهور,وأيامه أفضل الايام ,ولياليه أفضل الليالي, وساعاته أفضل الساعات ...