Various essential aspects of 'Ramadan'

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FASTING, the third pillar of Islam, means abstaining from food and drink as well as legitimate sexual relationship from dawn till sunset.
Fasting, according to Islam, is primarily a spiritual discipline and consequently it inculcates moral discipline.
It is, indeed, the training ground where the faithful are taught the greatest moral lesson of their lives -- the lesson that they should be prepared to suffer the greatest privation and undergo the hardest trials.
Another aspect of the moral development of the believers (to Allah and His dear Prophet) by this means is that they are thus taught to conquer their physical desires.
From yet another point of view, fasting has an immense impact on society. For, all the Muslims, irrespective of their status, must observe dawn-to-dusk fasting during the whole month of Ramadan.
This brings to prominence the essential equality of all Muslims; this goes a long way towards creating sentiments of love and brotherhood in them. During the month of Ramadan 'evil' conceals itself while 'good' comes to the forefront and the whole atmosphere is filled with piety and purity. Fasting commences with the appearance of the Ramadan moon and ends with the appearance of Shawal moon.
Habibur Rashid Ismail
Chittagong
habibur.rashid.ismail@gmail.com