Well MD that is why I got defensive about Oryx's post!

But anyway.. fatcat we fast so that we can remember and feel (even if it is for a small amount of time) what it feels like not to have food and water. How many times do we as people forget the woes of others and submerse ourselves in the joys of this world. Sure we feel for them but that is only when we hear or see them. Fasting allows us to feel for them for at least 1 month out of the year and reminds us to Thank Allah for everything he has given us.

What could be more beautiful then humbling ourselves in prayer, thanks, thinking about and giving to others?

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi