The acts of worship that the Muslims practice seek to achieve certain goals and benefits that Allah wants His slaves to acquire knowledge in them and to comprehend and achieve them. Among these acts of worship is fasting during the lunar month of Ramadhan, which has several goals that the Muslims must strive to achieve with his heart and by his actions. These goals are as follows:
Achieving taqwa, that is, to become God-fearing. Allah said:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you; that you will perhaps be God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:183]
Hence, fasting is a means to achieve taqwa. In fact, all acts of worship and tawhid are methods and means to achieve taqwa, as Allah has said:
"O mankind, worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may become God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:21]
Acquiring the rewards of Allah. Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:
"Allah the Exalted said, 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are his, except for fasting, for it is Mine and I will reward for it.' "
Achieving taqwa, that is, to become God-fearing. Allah said:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you; that you will perhaps be God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:183]
Hence, fasting is a means to achieve taqwa. In fact, all acts of worship and tawhid are methods and means to achieve taqwa, as Allah has said:
"O mankind, worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may become God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:21]
Acquiring the rewards of Allah. Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:
"Allah the Exalted said, 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are his, except for fasting, for it is Mine and I will reward for it.' "
