Blogging Ramadan. Day 4a.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Because the Quran tells us to.

Sahih International

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -

Sahih International

[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.

Sahih International

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

The next question you might ask is where did Muslims learn how to perform what the Quran has told them to do? The answer is simple: the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).  He taught us all how to fast after the Quran told us to do so. This is where it gets very detailed. These links below are quite good in describing the hadiths on Ramadan and fasting. Have a read if you have the time.

http://navedz.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/ramadan-fasting-in-the-hadith/

http://alsunna.org/Ramadan-Rules-of-Fasting-the-Blessed-Month.html