Just counting the days, we, Muslims, will meet the holy month of Ramadan. A month full of blessings where our good deeds will be multiplied. While the ugliness and sin will be "burned". The meaning of being burned does refer literally to the origin of the word, namelyramad, which means "heated by the heat of the sun" or "burning". Indeed, the purpose of the presence of the month of Ramadan is to train ourselves to be closer to God, the Most Merciful and Most Expansive in His Forgiveness.

As humans, we have unlimited desires. So, often these desires manifest in less commendable qualities such as greed, miserliness, extravagance and other qualities so that our deepest desires are satisfied. Following unlimited desires makes us feel tired all the time. We often think something must be missing. If in the context of Hinduism, following the circle of lust is called samsara. A cycle of suffering in the cycle of life. In fact, humans are given the power to choose and determine what behavior they will do. Here the role of fasting is very big, namely building self-discipline.

Fasting in Arabic isshaumwhich means "to refrain". The essence of fasting is one ofthemso that as humans we have full control over ourselves. Not controlled by momentary lust or bad thoughts. By fasting, our eating patterns are more regular, when to eat and when to stop. There iszakatfitrah, as a means of training ourselves so that we do not depend on material aspects. For this reason, Ramadan should be used as a time for self-discipline, both physically, spiritually, emotionally, ritually and socially.

The goal of self-discipline during Ramadan as much as possible can be realized in the months that follow, not just Ramadan. If we have the intention to form a new habit, Ramadan is the right time. While automating behavior takes time, self-discipline is very important. It takes a minimum of 21 days to form a new habit, according to Dr. MaxwellMaltzin his book "Psycho Cybernetics (1960)". So Ramadan is the right time to train us to regulate ourselves to be better.Thenhow is the ritual of fasting understood in other religions?

Make no mistake, it is not only Islam that has an obligation to fast. Hinduism, for example, by holdingUpawasaaims to control sensual lust (desire). The procedure is to purify oneself and spiritually at themajaya-jayaceremony (if led by a priest) ormaprayascitaif it is done alone.

In the Tripitaka, Buddhists are asked to do theUposathaby observing the eight precepts (Atthasila) namely: avoiding killing living beings, stealing, having sexual relations, speaking or speaking untruthfully, not eating and drinking foods that weaken consciousness, avoiding eating after noon.,avoid singing, dancing, playing music, seeing entertainment, wearing perfumes, and cosmetic tools that aim to beautify themselves, and avoiding the use of luxurious beds.

Although the meaning of fasting in Protestantism is interpreted as a voluntary act of abstinence at all, the purpose of fasting for its adherents is to make themselves better than before.

Fasting encourages us to increase our special qualities. There are concepts of self-transformation and self-discipline there. Discipline yourself in managing our various desires consistently and controlling them gradually. For that, let us welcome the blessed Ramadan with full of joy. Spiritually, the meaning of fasting is not about losing weight, but about reducing sins and learning how to get rid of the ego that weighs on us (A.Helwa: Secret of Divine Love).

Author:MuhsinNuralim

Student of ReligionStudiesClass of 2020

HMPS Study of Religions -Intellectual Division