THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING There is a wisdom behind every act in Islam, no matter how big or small. In time we may know the wisdom behind some acts, and for others we may never know. Salaat, the five daily prayers for instance, is a daily training for purifying a believer and reminding him that he is a member in a community of believers. Fasting, on the other hand, is an annual institution containing all conceivable attributes for human excellence. It is a training for the body and soul, a renewal of life, encouraging the spirit of sharing and giving. The following are some of the general benefits: Self-Restraint (Taqwaa) Allah (SWT) states: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self restraint." (Al-Qur`an, 2:183) This verse indicates the first lesson or wisdom to be gained by fasting: Self-restraint, (Taqwa) or the fear of Allah (SWT). That is to say, fasting instills in the heart