The Holy Quran and fasting are among the greatest acts of worship through which Muslims draw closer to God in Islam. They represent an essential component of the spiritual life of Muslims and contribute to building a deep relationship between the individual and their Lord. The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims can become closer to God and more giving. It is a unique opportunity to deepen understanding, piety, and contemplation. It is a season of focused worship and spiritual efforts aimed at improving the relationship with God Almighty.
During this blessed month, worship includes reading the Holy Quran with deep contemplation and drawing on its rich teachings, which express profound wisdom and broad understanding for self-improvement. Fasting is also a powerful tool alongside the Quran to enhance closeness to God. It requires abstaining from food, drink, and worldly pleasures, fostering humility and a sense of compassion for those in need who live in difficult and challenging circumstances. It encourages Muslims to abandon worldly concerns and immerse themselves in worship.
The Importance of the Holy Quran and Fasting:
The Holy Quran is the unique miraculous book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as guidance and mercy for all people. The Holy Quran occupies a central position in the lives of Muslims, not only as a source of legislation and moral values, but also as a spiritual and faith-based reference that strengthens faith in God and the believer’s trust in His promises. The importance of the Holy Quran is also evident in its ability to bring peace and tranquility to the hearts of believers, especially when recited with reflection and contemplation. The Holy Quran constitutes a comprehensive guide for daily life, guiding Muslims in all aspects of their lives and motivating them to adhere to the noble human values that form the foundation of a righteous society.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered one of the most beloved acts to God. It contributes to developing willpower and self-resilience, and strengthens the believer’s connection with his Lord through sincere and honest worship. The feeling of hunger and thirst during fasting brings Muslims closer to understanding the suffering of the poor and needy, and fosters the values of compassion and mercy in society. Spiritual virtues are manifested through self-discipline, abstaining from forbidden desires, and controlling worldly inclinations and life’s temptations. On a collective level, fasting demonstrates unity and social harmony, as individuals gather around iftar and suhoor meals, strengthening family and social bonds and enhancing community cohesion. In the afterlife, the fasting person is rewarded with a special status when he is called on the Day of Judgment and the gate of Rayyan, one of the gates of Paradise reserved for them, is opened for him. The Impact of the Holy Quran and Fasting on the Soul and Spirit:
The impact of the Holy Quran and fasting on the soul and spirit is one of the most important spiritual elements during the holy month of Ramadan and Islam in general. The impact of the Holy Quran is manifested through the recitation of its verses and understanding their profound meanings. This practice promotes inner peace and makes the soul submit to the truth. Fasting, meanwhile, is a means of purifying the soul and freeing it from desires and attachment to worldly pleasures, supporting the drive toward piety and self-control. Combining reading the Holy Quran with fasting significantly refines the soul, making it more likely for individuals to reflect and contemplate their existence and their relationship with God and His creation. This dual effect enhances inner peace and spiritual connection, opening the way for a rich faith experience filled with true meaning.
The Psychological Impact of Reciting the Holy Quran:
Reciting the Holy Quran is a profound spiritual experience. A person finds reassurance and countless psychological comfort in the words of God. Frequent recitation of the Holy Quran enhances the ability to think clearly and achieve inner peace, enabling individuals to face daily challenges and problems with confidence and steadfastness. The verses stimulate critical thinking and self-awareness, and contribute to reflecting on the extent to which one’s life aligns with the teachings of religion. This helps in improving and changing one’s behavior for the better, and in acquiring social skills and inner confidence. Several scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of the Quran’s effect on the nervous system, as it helps significantly reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and daily pressures.
The Holy Quran and Fasting in Daily Life:
The Holy Quran and fasting during Ramadan are not just seasonal acts of worship; they are an integral part of a Muslim’s overall daily life. The Holy Quran promotes the morals and values that Muslims must embrace in their daily interactions, such as honesty, trustworthiness, and justice. This contributes to building a cohesive and strong society. Furthermore, fasting promotes self-discipline and control of desires through closeness to God, which focuses on achieving balanced physical and mental health. Commitment to the Quran and fasting during Ramadan represents a renewal of the covenant with God, which promotes inner peace, strengthens the spiritual relationship with God, and allows for direct communication with Him. These values are manifested in daily interactions with family and society, building a society characterized by mutual understanding and respect among individuals.
Applications of the Holy Quran and Fasting in Daily Life:
Muslims have the great ability to benefit from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the pillars of fasting to guide their lives toward goodness and the common good. By reading the Quran with contemplation, they can gain the wisdom needed to make sound decisions in various areas of life. These teachings hold great value for good behavior.
Fasting also has the ability to instill values of solidarity and compassion among individuals, encouraging them to share food and resources with those in need, thus strengthening community bonds and reducing extreme poverty and hunger. On a personal level, these acts of worship enhance patience and endurance, helping individuals better face life’s challenges, find peaceful solutions to conflicts, and address many other life issues.
Therefore, it can be said that the Qur’an and fasting combine to form a primary source for achieving self-development, strengthening faith, and correcting behavior in daily life. The Holy Qur’an directs the soul toward noble values and encourages contemplation and reflection on one’s behavior, while fasting refines the soul and enhances patience in the face of difficulties and challenges.
Therefore, Muslims remain focused on the great meanings of God’s words in the Qur’an and the power of worship in fasting, achieving inner balance and a deeper connection with God Almighty. Daily interaction with these two foundations enhances a true understanding of religion and provides a lifestyle that seeks to achieve divine satisfaction and inner peace in all aspects of spiritual and worldly life.
Religious Office
Dr. Kamal Aslan
Research and Studies Department
Independent Researchers
Syrian Future MovementTherefore, it can be said that the Quran and fasting combine to form a primary source for achieving self-development and
