Islam As It Is
The Five Pillars of Islam
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obliging devotees to make radical changes in their
entire daily routine. Since no food or drink
whatsoever is to be consumed during daylight
hours, they experience the sharp pangs of hunger
and thirst, and the fatigue and weakness which
accompany them. This abstinence, day after day,
from the basic essentials of life teaches a lesson in
endurance; it is this willing submission of devotees
to the hardships of fasting which strengthen their
capacity for patience and fortitude.
In spite of the physical handicaps imposed by
fasting, they remain alert, discharging their duties
and carrying out their responsibilities. When they
see food and water before them, feeling tempted to
eat and drink, but then refraining from doing so,
their will-power is strengthened each time they
resist temptation. In this way, they prepare
themselves to lead a disciplined and responsible
life, in which they do what is right and eschew what
is wrong. Despite the difficulties strewn in their
path, they press on towards the achievement of the
true Islamic goal of life.
God has bestowed innumerable blessings upon man
