The Prophet (SAW) has exhorted us to fast during certain days: six days of Shawwal, the Day of Arafat, the day of Ashura, most of the month of Sha’ban, Monday and Thursday, three days of every month, and the fasting of Prophet Dawud.
Fasting has immense spiritual value for it is a spiritual exercise and discipline. It brings man closer to Allah and removes all barriers between him and his Lord:” O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you - so that you may fear Allah.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)
A Muslim does not eat, drink, or smoke and undergoes severe and rigorous discipline during the month of fasting because of his faith in Allah, for His love, and fear of His punishment. This continuous rigorous discipline strengthens one’s faith in Allah and makes one sincere, faithful, and obedient to His command.