In the Chapter Al-Baqarah (The Heifer) of the Quran, believers are enjoined to fast during the month of Ramadan:

“Believers, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard yourselves against evil.” (The Quran, 2:183)

What is meant by fasting? The term ‘Roza’ is of Persian origin. In Arabic, it is known as ‘Saum’ meaning abstinence. It is an exercise aimed at controlling our desires. In other words, it is the Art of Desire Management.

Every man is filled with desires. One way of leading the life could be by following our whims and doing whatever we feel is correct, be it taking revenge, conducting robbery, indulging in corrupt practices, getting angry, being selfish etc. because all of these are desires. The other way can be leading a life whereby these desires are wilfully managed.

God has given us free will and our test is to rightfully use this freedom and thereby control our desires. Thus, the individual who fasts, imposes self-discipline. The one who does not fast, lets his desires loose. In this context, fasting teaches desire-management.

Fasting is to abstain from eating and drinking for one whole month. The period of fasting begins from sunrise and ends at sunset. Throughout this month, believers can eat and drink during the night, but not in the daytime.

According to Islamic teaching, fasting is not simply about experiencing hunger and thirst. In fact, hunger and thirst are symbolic of purifying the soul and training ourselves to control or manage our desires. The Prophet of Islam has said that one, who fails to abstain from using abusive language and persists in his evil habits, will not have his abstinence from eating and drinking accepted by God. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1689)

Source: Spirit of Ramadan