Ramadan and Fasting in Islam - Pillars of Islam

Islam 

The word Islam means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “salam,” meaning peace.
Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with God and His creation. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word “salam,” or peace.

Pillars of Islam

There are five obligations or pillars of Islam, that each Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. These are as follows:
1) Faith
2) Salah
3) Fasting
4) Zakat
5) Hajj

Fasting in Ramadan

 Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad (P.B.U.H) according to Islamic belief.

 This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.

Things to do in Fasting

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations with one's spouse. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting. Food and drink is served daily, before dawn and after sunset. Spiritual rewards (thawab) for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran.

Quranic Verses about Fasting

Allah says in the Qur'an: 

 "The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful." [Quran 2:185]

 "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it had been prescribed for those who came before you, that perchance you can be God-fearing." [Surah al-Baqarah: 183]

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.

 Hadith About Fasting 

 Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

    Umm Saleem (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

(The performance of) `Umrah during Ramadan is equal (in reward) to performing Hajj with me. (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

    Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said

Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: "I am fasting!" (Muslim)

    Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)