An aspect of the month of Ramazan is taqwa (2:183)

Taqwa means leading life with God-consciousness. Taqwa means to lead life in such a way that you remember God every moment. You must always think: 'I am under God.' 
God's angels are watching over you and making your record. The angels are recording your intentions, speech, behaviour, character and activities.As you live in this world, you should be aware of this reality. This is taqwa. Taqwa is not the name of special clothes, beard, or dye. Taqwa is not about any outward form. In truth, taqwa is a spirit. The Prophet said pointing to the heart: 'Taqwa is here.' Taqwa is not about any outward form. 

Ramazan teaches us to lead life with the spirit of taqwa. How is that so? This is because we remain hungry and thirsty for about 12 hours, from dawn to sunset. We feel thirsty, but do not drink water. We feel hungry, but do not eat anything. Why Because God has instructed us to not eat or drink during fasting; we do so even though God is not present before us. This is training for taqwa. 
We should follow the directions of God by our own free will, without there being any compulsion to force us. During fasting, we follow God's injunctions with respect to food and water. In the same way, we have to obey God in every other matter.