The Mandate of Fasting: A spiritual discipline ordained for piety.
Fasting (*Sawm*) is commanded upon believers, just as it was commanded upon previous nations, so that they may attain piety (*Taqwa*). Embrace spiritual discipline. View fasting as a means to self-mastery, not merely deprivation. The physical control exercised over hunger and thirst is meant to translate into moral control over anger, desires, and sin throughout the year.