Sahih International

In Islamic terminology, "Fasting" means abstention from food, drink and marital intercourse from the break of dawn until sunset with the specific intention of earning reward from Allah. While abstention might appear to be something negative, it is in fact positive in Islam, for it is done with the intention to obey Allah, come closer to Him and earn His approval and reward.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an expression of pure monotheistic faith, of obedience, total submission and jihad. Leaving home, family, business, possessions and friends behind, the pilgrim joins thousands of others from all corners of the earth for days of intensive worship at the Kaaba, on the plain of Arafah and in the valley of Mina. It is a reminder of the resurrection when all people will gather in one place with no distinctions between them.