We all know that fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for us as Muslims. It has been said in Quran:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous" [1] 

          This shows that fasting had been made obligatory for the previous nations, too. This command that made fasting in Ramadan obligatory for Muslims, came in the month of Shaban, 2nd Hijri (2nd year after Hijrah). The Arabic word "Saum"  means to refrain from food, drink, and sexual activity from morning till evening with the intention of pleasing Allah SWT alone.

          Although fasting was not new, but fasting as an obligatory ibadah was definitely a new idea for the Arabs, so it was introduced in stages, as we can clearly see that in Quran.

"[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew." [2]

Narrated Nafi:

Ibn Umar recited the verse: "They had a choice either to fast or to feed a poor person for every day," and said that the order of this Verse was canceled (later). [3]

          As we can see here that at first, fasting was suggested as a means to become better Muslims; it was left as a personal choice. And whoever did not wish to fast, had to feed a poor person each day for every missed fast. Later on, this order was cancelled, and fasting was made obligatory.

          The history of fasting made an obligatory ibadah can be understood with the help of Quran and hadith. How else would we know it? This shows the importance of not only reading Quran, but understanding it completely, too. Without understanding the Quran, we would not be able to practice Islam in the way that Allah SWT Wishes us all to.

          Taking  Quran lessons online is a good way to ensure learning to understand Quran. By taking Quran lessons online, we can not only save our time, energy, and resources, we can also be certain of having availed the services of an experienced, well qualified, and well trained online Quran teacher. Online Quran teacher can make our Quran reading lessons easy and fruitful. Online Quran teacher can not only help us learn and improve our Quran reading capabilities, but can also help us understand the word of Allah SWT by teaching us the language of Quran; Arabic.

          The relationship of Quran with fasting is really strong. Quran was first revealed in Ramadan, the month of obligatory fasting. It is always a good idea to read, repeat and try to understand Quran a bit more in Ramadan. According to several hadith, our Prophet (SAW) used to revise Quran with Jibraeel every Ramadan. We can try to follow this sunnah by taking Quran lessons online with the help of online Quran teacher if we don't have a mosque, or Islamic centre near us. Taraweeh can become a much more enjoyable experience when you understand each word of what the imam is reciting.

          Fasting has several benefits. It teaches us to be more patient and helps us to attain more self control. By refraining from all halal things for a certain time, we try to train ourselves to follow Allah's commands, no matter how difficult they seem to us. We become more understanding of Allah's decisions for us, because we realise that whatever Allah SWT is doing, is for the best for us. Fasting helps us to be more God fearing, because nobody is watching us all the time. We could easily eat or drink without anyone noticing us. But, we don't, because it is for Allah SWT Alone, that we are fasting. Fasting also helps us to be more kind towards others and to be more aware of the problems others are facing. When we experience hunger and thirst, we realise the difficulties of a major population of the world that has to go without food or water for several days. It also helps us to become more grateful for Allah SWT for bestowing us with so many of His blessings without our asking. We realise that Allah SWT has given us so much, without our deserving that. Fasting helps us get into the ideal daily routine; waking up at dawn, and sleeping early at night. It has several health benefits, too. Fasting is a great way to cleanse our body, particularly our stomach, and intestines.  It is one way to shed some extra pounds, too. Several fasting diets have become popular over the years.

          Fasting and Quran go hand in hand. Reciting Quran in Ramadan brings much more reward. So let's seek the help of an online Quran teacher to assist us in achieving more rewards.

References:

[1] Chapter Al Baqarah 2: Verse 183

[2] Chapter Al Baqarah 2: Verse184

[3] Narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari , hadith 1949