History of Ramadan Fasting for Muslims

Fasting for Muslims has a very deep meaning in the context of human servitude to Allah SWT. Fasting is not only worship that requires a physical role, but also requires mental health, even able to perfect the mind to be a servant of God.

The piety which is the final estuary of the fasting order is explained in the Qur'an Chapter Al-Baqarah verse 183:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُُُُُُُُُُُُُُُُْ

"O you who believe, it is obliged upon you to fast as required of those before you so that you fear yourself." (Surat al-Baqarah: 183)

In accordance with the discussion of the above theme, the verse cut كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ (... as required of those before you ...) is a starting point in the history of fasting, especially Ramadan fasting. In short, fasting has also become the obligation of previous peoples who received revelation. Tafsir Expert Muhammad Quraish Shihab in his work Earthing the Qur'an (2000) explains, in terms of religious teachings, the scholars state that all celestial religions, are equal in the main principles of the aqeedah, sharia, and morals. This means that all celestial religions teach the oneness of God, prophethood, and the inevitability of days later. Prayers, fasting, almsgiving, and visiting certain places as an approach to God are the principles of Shari'a that are known in celestial religions. Of course the ways and the activities can be different, but the essence and purpose are the same. We can question why is fasting an obligation for Muslims and for previous peoples? Humans have the freedom to act and choose their activities, including in this case, eating, drinking and having sex. These needs from the past until now have become human challenges in life. Because, it affects other aspects of life so that fasting is the right worship. The history of Ramadan fasting obligations is inseparable from the event of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad to the land of Yathrib (Medina). Because the incident is a starting point for perfecting Islamic law in the future. Ramadan fasting is obliged to the Prophet Muhammad and his people in the month of Shay'a of the 2nd year of hijra in the manner and model practiced by Muslims up to now. Affandi Mochtar and Ibi Syatibi in the book Risalah Ramadhan (2008) revealed, before the verse that requires fasting down, Muslims used to fast obliged on 10 Muharram or Ashura Day. When the Prophet Muhammad migrated and arrived in Medina, he found the Jews also fasted on the 10 Muharram.

The Jews stated, at 10 Muharram Allah SWT saved the Prophet Musa and his people from the attack of King Pharaoh. Then the Prophet Musa fasted on 10 Muharram as a sign of gratitude to Allah. Then, the Prophet Muhammad ordered Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram. Initially Muslims are required to fast until the time of sunset. After breaking the fast they are still allowed to eat, drink, and have sex between husband and wife until then perform the Isha prayer and sleep. After performing Isha prayer and sleeping, they are no longer allowed to eat, drink or have sex until it is time to break their fast. However, this practice really makes it difficult for Muslims so that not a few who violate the ban. Then, Allah revealed a verse described in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 187 which states, Muslims are allowed to eat, drink, and have sex with their wives throughout the night of the fasting month until dawn. Of course the verse was welcomed by Muslims at the time while saying thanksgiving for the love of Allah SWT.

Source: https://islam.nu.or.id