☀️ Why We Fast

Tonight's Story

Have you noticed something different about your house during Ramadan? The kitchen is quiet during the day. No snacks on the table. Baba doesn't eat his lunch. Mama doesn't drink her tea. But nobody looks sad — in fact, everyone seems… peaceful.

A long time ago, when the Muslims first came to Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gathered everyone together. He told them that a very special month was coming — the month of Ramadan. Allah was asking the believers to fast — to not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.

But why? Why would Allah ask people to feel hungry? In the Quran, Allah tells us: fasting is so we can grow closer to Allah. When we fast, our hearts become softer. We notice blessings we usually take for granted. We think of others who go without food.

He also told them: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hellfire are closed." This month is different from every other month. The air itself feels different. Allah's mercy is everywhere.

The Prophet ﷺ fasted with patience and love. When he felt hungry, he remembered Allah. He kept going because he loved Allah deeply. Fasting was his way of saying: "Ya Allah, I love You more than food, more than water, more than anything."

You might not be fasting yet — and that's perfectly okay. One day, when you're ready, you will. But right now, you can still be part of Ramadan in so many ways — by being kind, by helping at home, by making dua, and by sitting with your family at iftar. You are part of this beautiful month too.

Dua of the Night: Dua Before Breaking the Fast

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu

"O Allah, for You I have fasted and with Your provision I break my fast"

When we sit down for iftar, we remember that everything we have comes from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ would say this dua before eating. Even if you're not fasting yet, you can say it with your family at iftar tonight.

Family Discussion

Even though you might not be fasting, what can you do to be part of Ramadan?

Good Deed Challenge

Tomorrow, be extra aware of how your parents are feeling while they fast.