Renowned Islamic scholar Aminu Daurawa explains that fasting, especially during Ramadan, is a powerful school for developing good character and discipline among Muslims.
In his Guzirin Ramadan lectures, Daurawa emphasized that fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, but a way to train oneself to become a better person.
Teaching Patience and Endurance: He said that abstaining from food, drink, and personal desires teaches a person patience during hardship, endurance through hunger and thirst, and control over anger and emotions. According to him, this helps a person become calm and wise in daily life.
Strengthening Truthfulness and Trustworthiness: Daurawa explained that fasting is a private act of worship between the servant and Allah. Even though a person could secretly break the fast, they refrain out of fear of Allah. This builds trust, strengthens honesty, and develops God-consciousness (taqwa) even when no one is watching.
Training Self-Control: The scholar added that fasting reduces desires of the heart, helps a person avoid harmful speech, and prevents deceit, lying, and mischief. He said this purifies the character and improves behavior.
Compassion and Empathy: Daurawa noted that hunger and thirst increase empathy for the poor, encouraging more charity and compassion within the community. This fosters love and unity among people.
Organizing Life and Following Rules: He also explained that fasting teaches timely action, such as during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking fast), helps establish good life routines, and encourages adherence to rules and regulations.
Drawing Closer to Allah: According to him, increased worship, Quran recitation, and prayer during Ramadan purify the heart, remove worries, and build strong spiritual discipline.
In conclusion, Aminu Daurawa stressed that fasting is not merely abstaining from food; it is a school for moral development. “If observed properly, it transforms a person into one who is patient, truthful, compassionate, and God-fearing,” he said, praying that Allah grants us forgiveness.
