When a former Buddhist who is now an Islamic scholar joins The Deen Show all the way from Malaysia to discuss Ramadan, the result is a conversation that illuminates the beauty and precision of Islamic fasting in a way that both new Muslims and lifelong practitioners will find deeply enriching. Sheikh Hussein Yee brings a unique perspective, having journeyed from Buddhism to Islam and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of submitting to the Creator.
Why Ramadan Is the Most Special Month
Ramadan holds a unique distinction among all the months of the year: every single major divine scripture was revealed during it. The Torah was revealed to Moses in Ramadan, the Psalms (Zabur) to David in Ramadan, the Gospel (Injil) to Jesus in Ramadan, and the Quran to Muhammad (peace be upon them all) in Ramadan. This alone makes it the most blessed month in the Islamic calendar. Allah prescribed fasting during this month not to cause suffering but because He loves His creation and knows what is best for their bodies, minds, and souls.
Allah knows what is best for our body, our mind, and our soul. That is why He wants us to fast: so that our taqwa will increase, we will attain piety, and we will become a better person. Not the old you, but a new you.
The Discipline and Precision of Islamic Fasting
- Allah chose the specific month (Ramadan), fixed the exact number of days (29 or 30), and set the precise times (before sunrise until sunset)
- No other religious tradition in the world provides this level of structure and discipline for fasting
- Fasting trains believers to become the master of their desires rather than being enslaved by them
- The benefits extend beyond the spiritual: modern science confirms that fasting improves mental clarity, physical health, and internal body function
When you look at Islam as a way of life, you will be amazed at how Allah perfected His religion. Other religions also have fasting, but if you ask them how to fast, how many days, from what time to what time, they have no clue. In Islam, everything is specified with divine precision.
Sheikh Hussein Yee’s journey from Buddhism to Islam exemplifies the universal appeal of a faith built on pure monotheism, clear guidance, and logical consistency. Ramadan is not just an annual ritual; it is an opportunity to reset your entire life. The bad habits you gave up during the month, the discipline you built, the closeness to Allah you cultivated: carry all of it forward. Remember that at the end of this life, the only thing that matters is whether you lived in submission to your Creator. Death is certain, accountability is certain, and the time to prepare is now.
