Why fast?

In a part (c) question you will be asked to explain the reasons behind and the benefits of fasting.  Try to think beyond upbringing, tradition and rules of the religion to the spritual or inner benefits of the practice.  Follow the link below to read about one young person's experience of fasting.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2005/10/10/ramadan_diary_1_feature.shtml

• It is the month of the Qur'an. Muslims remember the Night of Power when the angel Jibril first revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad.  In Ramadan Muslims thank Allah for the Qur'an
  
• It shows devotion to Allah and brings a Muslim closer to Allah
  
• It helps a Muslim gain Allah's forgiveness
  
• It helps a Muslim develop self discipline and self control which is helpful in living a good Muslim life
  
• During Ramadan a Muslim will suffer and suffering develops good character
  
• Fasting in Ramadan encourages a sense of being part of the ummah because all Muslims worldwide are fasting at the some time
  
• It helps Muslims identify with the poor around the world who do not have enough to eat
  
• It reminds Muslims that everything they have comes form Allah and it makes them thankful
  
• It helps Muslims give zakah more sincerely because they recognise the reality of hunger and poverty in the world and that all they have is from Allah