In the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty guides: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse: 183)
This blessed verse of the Holy Quran makes it evident that the key purpose of fasting is to develop Taqwa (righteousness i.e., the habit of abandoning sin) in ourselves.
In this same regard, the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: "If anyone does not give up lying and false conduct, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Number: 1903)
Therefore, in this blessed Ramadan, we should all make the intention to make every effort in supressing and abandoning sins and other desires, just as we supress and endure hunger and thirst while fasting despite having the desire. This will enable us to attain the true purpose of Ramadan.
Allah the Almighty knows best
Issued by Darul ifta Al-Ikhlas, Karachi