FIRST REMINDER. Yaum Al-Khamis 3rd day of Shaãban (Thursday 19th April). WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FASTING VOLUNTARILY, SUNNAH or FARD FASTING? Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The purpose of fasting is not just physical training to endure hunger, thirst and exhaustion to appreciate what the less privileged people go through; it is also disciplining the ego to relinquish the loved for the sake of the beloved. The loved are the desires of eating, drinking, sexual activities etc. While the beloved is ALLAH, the Exalted. Hence, it is imperative to keep in mind when we observe fasting that we do so only for the sake of ALLAH. It becomes imperative on us to try our best to observe the rites that reflect our obedience to ALLAH such as the remembrance of ALLAH, reading the Qur'an, optional prayers, charitable deed and donations, good manners etc. When a Muslim maintains this attitude throughout the year, we will definitely become better Muslims. Let's strive to fast regularly each week especially Mondays and Thursdays and the 3 white days (3 middle days of each Islamic month) as the prophet recommended. As Ramadan is approaching, let's start preparing if you've not started already. To be continued in Shaa ALLAH. We ask Allah to grant us the desire to fast for His sake. Aameen.