In which surah is the command to fast उपवास करने का आदेश روزے کا حکم کونسی سورہ میں ہے۔

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The Divine Commandment of Fasting: Verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah

Asslamoalaikum sisters brothers and elders, this islamic informatic video offers an in-depth analysis of Verse 183 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which articulates the divine commandment of fasting. We will describe the essential role fasting plays in the life of a believer, describing its importance in cultivating piety and mindfulness. Through a comprehensive describing, we aim to illuminate the transformative power of fasting and its relevance in contemporary society. Join us on this spiritual journey to understand the essence of this sacred obligation.

Fasting in Islam is a divine commandment, emphasized in the Quran as a means of attaining piety and closeness to Allah. The foundational verse that establishes the obligation of fasting is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183):

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Quran 2:183)

This verse is a direct commandment from Allah to the believers, instituting fasting as an essential act of worship. It highlights that fasting is not a new practice but was also prescribed for previous nations, signifying its fundamental role in spiritual discipline and purification. The primary objective of fasting, as mentioned in the verse, is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness or piety).

The command to fast was given to the Muslim community in the second year after the Hijrah (migration to Medina). Before this, fasting was practiced in different forms by previous prophets and their followers. The Quran's mention that fasting was prescribed to earlier communities reinforces the universal nature of this practice. In Surah Maryam (19:26), for instance, we see that Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus), was commanded to observe a form of fasting:

"So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.'" (Quran 19:26)

This verse refers to a verbal fast, where Maryam refrained from speaking. Similarly, fasting was practiced among the followers of Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), emphasizing its role in spiritual purification and obedience to God.

The key purpose of fasting, as stated in Quran 2:183, is to cultivate taqwa. Fasting serves multiple spiritual and ethical purposes:

Self-Discipline: By abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, a believer exercises control over desires, strengthening willpower and discipline.

Spiritual Purification: Fasting cleanses the soul by encouraging acts of worship, remembrance of Allah, and seeking forgiveness.

Empathy for the Poor: Experiencing hunger and thirst firsthand allows believers to appreciate the struggles of the less fortunate, fostering a sense of compassion and generosity.

Gratitude and Reflection: Abstaining from everyday necessities makes a person more grateful for the blessings Allah has bestowed upon them.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further elaborated on the purpose of fasting, saying:

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 38; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 760)

Verse 2:183 introduces fasting as an obligatory act, but subsequent verses provide further clarification regarding its rules and exemptions. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184-185), Allah says:

"[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who can fast with hardship—a ransom [as a substitute] of feeding a poor person. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew." (Quran 2:184)

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful." (Quran 2:185)

These verses establish the framework for fasting, including exemptions for the sick and travelers and the option to provide food for the needy as compensation in cases of extreme hardship.

Taqwa is the ultimate goal of fasting, as mentioned in Quran 2:183. The Arabic term taqwa encompasses piety, consciousness of Allah, and a sense of accountability. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described fasting as a shield:

"Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting, he should not engage in foul speech or quarrels. If someone insults him, let him say: 'I am fasting.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1904; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1151)

This Hadith emphasizes that fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink but also from negative behaviors such as lying, backbiting, and arguing. A true fast is one that refines a person's character and strengthens their connection with Allah.

Fasting carries immense rewards in both this life and the Hereafter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied: a good deed is multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. Allah says: 'Except for fasting, which is for Me, and I will reward it Myself. He gives up his desires and food for My sake.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1894; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1151)

Fasting is thus a special act of worship that earns unique rewards from Allah. Furthermore, there is a designated gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, reserved exclusively for those who fast:

"Indeed, in Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan through which only those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgment. No one else will enter it besides them. It will be said, 'Where are those who fasted?' They will rise, and no one else will enter it besides them. When they have entered, it will be closed, and no one else will go through it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1896; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1152)

The divine commandment of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183) establishes it as an essential act of worship with profound spiritual significance. Fasting is a means of attaining taqwa, fostering self-discipline, and cultivating gratitude and empathy. The subsequent Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions further elaborate on its regulations, rewards, and spiritual benefits. By observing fasting with sincerity and devotion, believers not only fulfill a divine obligation but also purify their hearts and strengthen their relationship with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to observe fasting with faith, sincerity, and devotion. Ameen.

Allah Hafiz

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