1. Why do the followers of Islam believe they are brought closer to God through their long period of fasting?
2. How are the body and the soul, and the gates of heaven and hell, thought to mirror each other during the fast?
3. The twenty-sixth night of Ramadan is called the "Night of Determination." According to the Quran, it is on this night that God will decide the destiny of the entire world for the course of the following year. How does this night correspond to the objectives of the rest of the fast? Support your response with details from the passage.
4. Take a moment to consider all the food you consume on an average day. How would you feel if you had to undergo a month-long fast?
5. You may be surprised to learn that Ramadan is usually thought of by Muslims as a time of celebration. After a long day of fasting, a light meal is enjoyed by neighbors and friends. Why might Ramadan be considered a time of social solidarity and enjoyment rather than simply one of hardship? _