The document discusses the Islamic practice of fasting during Ramadhan. It notes that fasting is obligatory for Muslims according to the Quranic verse that it has been prescribed as it was for past communities, so that believers may attain taqwa. Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, intimacy, and smoking from dawn to sunset. The goals of fasting include developing self-control, attaining closeness to God, refraining from harming others, encouraging charity, and cultivating taqwa, ehsan, and discipline. Fasting also aims to make one share the feelings of the less fortunate and nurture a collective spirit.