Insights from Zahra Mir Hosseini
Zahra Mir Hosseini, a renowned Islamic Seminary Professor and activist in women’s and family affairs, explores the profound social impact of fasting. She highlights how fasting, as prescribed in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183), was not only a practice for Muslims but also for previous nations—with the ultimate goal of fostering piety (Taqwa).
🌿 The Gentle Invitation to Fasting
The Quran introduces fasting with a tone of kindness and encouragement. This, Mir Hosseini explains, is a powerful method of spiritual guidance—similar to how a compassionate teacher nurtures students.
➡️ Despite its challenges, fasting is a mark of true faith. Historical records confirm that past nations also fasted, but in Islam, it became an obligation for all believers.
🛡️ Fasting as a Shield: The Role of Taqwa
The most significant impact of fasting is self-restraint and avoidance of sin.
🔹 What is Taqwa? Derived from the root (و-ق-ی), meaning protection, Taqwa acts as an inner moral compass—just like law enforcement deters crime in society.
🔹 How does fasting build Taqwa? Imagine a world where everyone is aware of being watched at all times—how much wrongdoing would be prevented? Fasting instills this awareness of God’s presence, reducing sinful behavior and promoting moral discipline.
🔥 The Two Main Sources of Sin: Anger & Desire
Mir Hosseini explains that most sins stem from two powerful forces:
🟥 Anger→ Leads to conflict, violence, and harm.
🟨 Desires → Fuel greed, immorality, and injustice.
💡 How does fasting help? By controlling hunger and thirst, fasting trains us to manage these impulses. This self-discipline spills over into all areas of life, leading to fewer societal problems.
Example: If a person can resist food and drink, they can also resist unethical temptations
🌍 The Social Benefits of Fasting
Mir Hosseini points to tangible benefits of fasting, especially in reducing crime rates during Ramadan. Statistics confirm that fasting has a powerful influence on social harmony.
1️⃣ Strengthening Willpower & Morality
✅ Fasting teaches self-control, making individuals more resistant to temptations.
✅ A person who refrains from lawful intimacy during fasting hours out of obedience to God will be more mindful of moral boundaries in society.
✅ The result? A safer and more ethical community.
2️⃣ Cultivating Empathy & Generosity
❤️ When fasting, we experience hunger and thirst, helping us understand the struggles of the less fortunate.
💰 This encourages acts of charity, especially through Zakat al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
🤝 Selfishness fades, and a sense of social responsibility grows.
3️⃣ Fostering Gratitude
🔹 The Prophet (PBUH) said: “For everything, there is a form of charity, and the charity of the body is fasting.”
🔹 Just as financial charity benefits others, fasting is an act of gratitude for our health and blessings.
✨ A Hadith Qudsi states:
“Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” This shows that the rewards of fasting go beyond this world!
🌟 Fasting: A Pathway to a Virtuous Society
Mir Hosseini concludes that true fasting transforms individuals, elevating them even beyond angels—because they willingly abstain from desires for the sake of God.
✅ In a society where people respect one another’s rights…
✅ Where self-discipline replaces impulsive behavior…
✅ Where kindness and generosity become second nature…
🌍 We move closer to an ideal, virtuous civilization.
💡 Through fasting, we do not just abstain from food and drink; we train our souls, build stronger communities, and create a more just and compassionate world.
🔻 Let’s embrace the spirit of fasting—not just for ourselves, but for a better society!🔻
From: zanannews