The fourth pillar of Islam is to fast during the Holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. Before the dawn of the first day of Ramadan, a Muslim intends to fast this month, and abstains every day from drinking, eating, or practising sex till sunset.

 He performs fast till the end of the month of Ramadan, fulfilling by that the commandment of Allah and seeking his pleasure. Fasting has innumerable benefits. When a man refrains himself from eating and drinking for the sake of Allah, he does this only for the purpose that he obeys Allah, worship him from the bottom of his heart with God's fear. Fasting has also innumerable hygienic, economic and social benefits which are perceived only by those who perform it with strong belief and sincere faith.  

The Quran states: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, may (learn) self restraint" (2:183)  "Ramadan is the month in which Allah sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear (sings) of guidance and judgement 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 you 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. (2.185).

According to the rules of the Quran and prophetic traditions, it is permissible for a sick man, a man travelling on a journey, a menstruating women, or a confined women not to fast, but to make up for what they missed. Foster-mothers and pregnant women are also permitted not to fast if fasting will harm them or their bodies, but they should compensate this fully by fasting for equal number of days, if a man drinks or eats absent-mindedly while fasting, he should spit out whatever still in his mouth as soon as he remembers that he is fasting. In this case, his fast is not broken.  This is a privilege with which the Muslim nation has been endowed (Allah forgives sins committed by mistake forgetfulness, or by compulsion.)

A glance at the rules of fasting
Fasting is a way of worship to Allah by abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse with one's spouse and smoking, from down till sunset during the whole month of Ramadan.  Fasting is a Fardh, (an obligatory duty) as Allah, the Almighty said.

"O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self restraint. Fasting is a fundamental ordinance of Islam.  Muhammad, the Prophet, (Peace Be Upon Him) said Islam is based on five pillars, testifying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, performing prayers, Zakat (giving out) and performing Hajj (pilgrimage to the holy House in Makkah).  The following are some of the merits which Allah has assigned to the auspicious month of Ramadan.

A) The odour of the month of fasting person is more pleasing to Allah that the aroma of musk.
B) Angels as Allah's forgiveness for those men who fast (till they break their fast.
C) Everyday, Allah has his paradise decorated and He says: (my good worshippers are about to get rid of the burden of life) and the harm done to them and then get to you (O paradise).
D) In Ramadan, devils are shackled.
E) In it, there is the night of power Lailatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.
F) Those who fast are forgiven for their sins in the last night of Ramadan.
G) In every night of Ramadan, Allah releases a number of people from hell.

After knowing the aforementioned advantages of Ramadan, how should we prepare to receive it? A true believer should receive Ramadan with true repentance and a strong will to avail himself of Allah's special mercy and kindness bestowed on him during this Holy month.  He should spend his time doing what is good.