2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ...

2: 183. O ye who believe!

... كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٣﴾

fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

C188. As it was prescribed: this does not mean that the Muslim fast is like the other fasts previously observed, in the number of days, in the time or manner of the fast, or in other incidents; it only means that the principle of self-denial by fasting is not a new one.

Other versions:

2: 183 Asad …………….so that you might remain conscious of God:

Pickthall O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil);

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ kutiba 'alaikumus siya_mu kama_ kutiba 'alal lazina min qablikum la'allakum tattaqu_n(a).

[ Ruby’s Note – The exhorting about fasting. It is starting with a reminder that fasting was prescribed for all bygone people as it is prescribed now for the community and for tomorrow. This emphasis conveys that there is some inherent good in fasting. I think it is not only denial of a basic nourishment of body for a limited time, but through this one attains a higher objective of spiritual uplifting if done with right intention and mindset. Hardship and suffering has its role to take one to a higher plane by helping directing one towards consciousness of God and reliance on God. ]