Fasting is observed by many living things in nature as a means of renewal and rejuvenation. Fasting was prescribed for past nations by God and made obligatory for followers of Muhammad in the second year after the Hijra. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and the Prophet cursed those who do not fast without a valid excuse. Fasting provides spiritual benefits and training in self-restraint, but one must avoid falsehood and focus on understanding the Quran to gain true benefits from fasting.