The Quran says that the benefit of fasting is taqwa. God wants us to fast so that we become muttaqi. (2:183) What is the meaning of muttaqi? Taqwa means to be cautious. That is, to lead life with great caution, care and prudence. There is an example to illustrate this. Hazarat Umar, the second caliph, asked a Companion about taqwa. The purpose of fasting is taqwa. Let's understand what taqwa is. Hazarat Umar asked the question. The other Companion who was also a scholar said to Hazarat Umar: What do you do when you cross a path full of thorns? Hazarat Umar replied: شَمَّرْتُ وَاجْتَهَدْتُ (I rolled my clothes and passed by with caution) The Companion said: فَذَلِكَ التَّقْوَى "That is taqwa" (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 1, p. 164) This is a very good example to understand how we have to live in this world. In this world we will find thorns, mud, and all kinds of evil everywhere. These evils are inside our heart and not outside. For example, greed for more money, satisfaction of the ego, desire to achieve fame, etc.  Whenever we are provoked or tempted by our desires, we must walk ahead carefully. If we don’t save ourselves, we will fail in our test. Fasting is training for such a life. It teaches us to control our desires while leading life in this world.