CHITRAL: Fasting in Ramazan has been clearly enjoined by the Holy Quran.  In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183) it is stated: “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous” With the last ten days of Ramazan now underway across the Muslim world, this period holds particular importance for believers. Many Muslims observe it with great seriousness, believing that prayers and acts of worship during these days carry multiplied reward.

Yet when we compare this emphasis on fasting with the Quranic stress on truthfulness, a food for thought is aroused in the mind. In Surah Aal-Imran (3:61) the Quran declares: “The curse of Allah be upon the liars”. Despite such a stern warning, the social emphasis on truthfulness often appears non existing compared to the emphasis on fasting. Over time, the priorities set by preachers and religious scholars have strongly highlighted ritual observances, while ethical commands such as absolute truthfulness receive almost no attention.

Fasting is meant to purify the soul. However, the spirit of fasting is undermined when daily misconduct, especially telling lies continues with impunity even during the fast. If fasting is meant to cultivate righteousness, then honesty must stand at its core. The question therefore arises: which command is more strongly emphasized in the Quran—observing the fast, or refraining from falsehood? Perhaps the priorities need to be reconsidered. .. CN report, 10 March 2025