What is Ramadan & Why do we Fast ?????

Since the start Ramadan, I have been asked by a couple of humans, " Why do we torture ourselves with hunger, during Ramadan ?"

Hearing this question from a non-muslim was real nice, as the person seemed intresting in knowing about Islam. But in the last 2 weeks I found more than a dozen of muslims who also never knew what Ramadan meant. For them it was more like a tradition being followed back home.

Plus this year, what shocked me most was to see less people in mosques,(though population is rapidly increasing every year). During the tarawi prayer, I recall roads all clear and infact there was a trouble finding parking near the mosques, moreover finding a place inside the mosque was difficult. But this Ramadan, evrything was opposite, people busy more in the wants of their everyday life and mosques having ample of empty space.

For the question What is Ramdan and why do we actually fast.................................

Ramdan being the ninth and the blessed month, we muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

Infact we all should be lucky enough that we have got to live and do the best in this month. No ones seen tomorrow. So never wait for it, do the most you can today.