شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُوَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Ramadaan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

(Surat al-Baqara: 185)

The month of Ramadaan is recognized predominantly through the act of fasting from dawn till dusk for 30 days. The 5^th Pillar of Islam (di’aamat) is fasting (sawm – roza). It is incumbent upon us as per our pledge in the Misaaq to do roza for the full 30 days of Ramadaan, completing the count of days according to the hidayat of our Mawali Tahereen, following the path they have shown us. Imam Ja’far us Sadiq SA asserted that “fasting is compulsory (farizat) in the month of Ramadan.” He added that “The obligation of fasting is minimally fulfilled by a Mumin doing so with conviction in his heart and pure intent, forsaking food, drink and sex in the day time for the duration of month, and making all senses and faculties abstain from the things Allah Ta’ala has made haraam.” Maulatuna Fatema AS emphasized the importance of fasting with all our senses and faculties, declaring, “What good is fasting if you do not safeguard your tongue, ears, eyes and limbs.”