Ramadan Talk 01: Guide Your Fast, Fear Allah (Taqwa)

2026-02-18 - 15:16

By Haroon Ishola Balogun The foundation and ultimate goal of fasting is taqwa—the constant awareness and fear of Allah. Allah clearly states: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Qur’an 2:183) Taqwa guides the fast beyond hunger and thirst. It shapes intentions, actions, speech, and private conduct. A fasting Muslim guided by taqwa avoids sin not because of people, but because Allah sees all. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) warned that many people fast yet gain nothing but hunger and thirst due to sinful behavior. This highlights that fasting without taqwa is empty. As a guide, fasting Muslims should renew their intention daily, protect the eyes, ears, tongue, and heart, increase remembrance, and remain conscious of Allah in all dealings. True fasting reforms character, purifies the soul, and strengthens faith. When fear of Allah guides the fast, Ramadan becomes a means of lifelong transformation—not just a seasonal ritual. Vanguard News