One of the five pillars of Islam
Yes, fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm) is indeed one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), charity (zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month of fasting for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam; the others are confession of faith, five daily prayers, Zakah (almsgiving), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). Ramadan starts upon the sighting of the moon, which is largely determined by the Crescent Committee of Canada.
Fasting in Ramadan is a main pillar of Islam that helps Muslims grow closer to the One God, Allah. According to the Qur’an “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint”. Fasting, which is recognized for its health, spiritual, and psychological benefits, is considered by Muslims as a means to improve their moral character and provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal.
The real purpose of fasting is not to make us hungry and thirsty, or to deprive us of some of our comfort and conveniences but to be conscious of Allah. It is to do one's best to live by His commands and to avoid His prohibitions, fear of Allah, worship of Allah, sincerity in faith, and disobedience to Allah. Fasting is an invisible act. Only Allah and the person who is fasting know whether he or she is fasting or not. Fasting teaches how to control and discipline our desires. During fasting, we learn how to say "no" to things that are otherwise permissible and good but are forbidden during fasting. When one learns how to say "no" to that which is generally permissible, then one can easily control oneself to avoid that which is forbidden. Through fasting, we taste—to some extent—the pain and suffering of those who are poor. Fasting teaches empathy and sympathy, and it takes away some of our selfishness and self-centeredness.
Muslims feast from early dawn to sunset every day throughout the month (approximately 17 hours a day). The fast requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink, marital relations, and ill-conduct during the fast.
