Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FASTINGThis verse establishes fasting in Ramadan as obligatory for all healthy nontravellingMuslims, with no concessions except for the elderly, as pointed out above:“Whoever of you is present in that month shall fast throughout the month.” It has thusbecome binding on all Muslims who either see the new moon of the lunar month ofRamadan themselves or learn of it by any other reliable means, to observe the fast inRamadan. But as this is a general order applicable to all, a reiteration of theconcession given in special cases immediately follows: “But he who is ill or on a journeyshall fast instead the same number of days later on.”The sūrah gives the Muslims yet another incentive to keep the fast: “God desires thatyou have ease. He does not desire that you be afflicted with hardship.” (Verse 185) Thisstatement encapsulates the fundamental principle on which all Islamic religiousduties are founded. They are intended to be easy, not arduous. This indicates agenerous and realistic outlook on life as a whole. It instils in the Muslim heart atolerant, easy and agreeable attitude. Religious and social activities andresponsibilities are discharged with ease, confidence and assurance, in the happyknowledge that God’s purpose is to enable man to go through life with the minimumof hardship or discomfort.To complete a whole month, sick people or those who travel in Ramadan and availthemselves of the special concession are required to make up for days missed byfasting an equal number of days at a later date in the year: “You are, however, requiredto complete the necessary number of days.” (Verse 185)Fasting is an occasion to celebrate God’s guidance, glory and grace. Hence therequirement “to extol and glorify God for having guided you aright and to tender yourthanks.” (Verse 185) It is a time during which believers can feel and appreciate God’sfavours and reciprocate with thanks, submission and gratitude. In so doing, Muslimscultivate the precious and vital quality of taqwā, or God-fearing; a main objective offasting.Thus we can see how evident God’s grace is in the imposition of the duty offasting which, on the face of it, seems hard and demanding. We can clearly see itseducational and disciplinary benefits for a nation being prepared for the leadershipof mankind, guided by a genuine fear of God, a keen sense of accountability, and avigorous conscience.A Close Relationship with GodInterposed among the verses dealing with fasting comes a verse reflecting aprofound insight into human nature. It reaches to the deepest recesses of the humanpsyche, offering solace and ample rewards for keeping the fast in response to God’scommands: “If My servants ask you about Me, well, I am near; I answer the prayer of the206