TWMCC Holds ‘How Fasting Teaches Us Self-Discipline’ Ramadan Online Lecture
- 2025-Apr-07
The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) held a Ramadan online lecture, titled ‘How Fasting Teaches Us Self-Discipline’, presented by Dr Martin Kellner, Professor at the Institute of Islamic Theology, University of Osnabrück, Germany, within the TWMCC's lecture series.
Dr Kellner discussed the concept of fasting in Islam and its spiritual and educational dimensions. He highlighted the deep meaning of fasting in Ramadan, citing the Almighty saying: 'O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah' (Al-Baqarah: 183), pointing out that fasting elevates the soul and promotes piety and awareness of the Creator Almighty.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, he explained, but rather training in self-discipline and controlling appetites, which helps people reduce their attachment to materialism and promote spiritual values.
Ramadan is an opportunity to rearrange priorities, stay away from preoccupation with the affairs of others, and be calm and balanced, he said, citing the Prophet's hadith: ‘Part of the perfection of one's Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.'
He stressed the importance of investing time in Ramadan, warning against wasting it on soap operas and useless entertainment, pointing out that three of the five pillars of Islam —prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage—are based on time adherence, which reflects the importance of consciously managing time and utilising it for worship and obedience.
