Fasting: Objectives, Benefits, and Virtues

Fasting is the third fundamental pillar of Islam, refining a Muslim through spiritual struggle (mujahida) and discipline (riyazat), transforming them into a purified soul. Fasting was made obligatory for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) on the 15th of Sha'ban in 2 AH. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) declared:

فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ

"Whoever witnesses the month of Ramadan should fast it."

(Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:185)

The month of Ramadan holds superiority over all other months, as it is blessed with divine mercy. It was during this month that Allah revealed the Quran to the heart of His beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). With Ramadan’s arrival, gates of mercy open, hearts incline toward worship, and worldly distractions fade. Evil is restrained: devils are chained, Hellfire is sealed, Paradise is opened, and the punishment of graves is suspended.

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Objective of Fasting: Attaining Taqwa (Piety)

Allah states in the Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

"O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will attain piety."

(Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The ultimate goal of fasting is to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness). While piety can be sought through other acts of worship, Ramadan uniquely disciplines the soul by curbing worldly desires. Fasting burns away greed, lust, and materialism, empowering the spirit and weakening the ego. Only through such spiritual rigor can the heart become receptive to divine light.

Essence of Fasting

Fasting is not merely abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy. Its true essence lies in avoiding all sinful acts—lying, backbiting, anger, and corruption. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) warned:

مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ

"Whoever does not abandon false speech and evil actions, Allah has no need for their hunger and thirst."

(Bukhari)

Ramadan trains believers to abandon sins permanently. By restraining from lawful pleasures for Allah’s sake, one gains the strength to resist unlawful temptations year-round.

Benefits of Fasting

Patience and Reflection: Enduring hunger and thirst instills patience. An empty stomach purifies the body and sharpens the mind. Luqman (عليه السلام) advised his son:

"When the stomach is full, thought sleeps, wisdom is silenced, and limbs neglect worship."

Health Benefits: Fasting detoxifies the digestive system, improves metabolism, and prevents diseases caused by overeating. It balances bodily fluids and enhances liver function.

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Virtues and Rewards

Forgiveness of Sins:

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

"Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hope will have their past sins forgiven."

(Bukhari)

Two Joys for the Fasting Person:

لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ فِطْرِهِ، وَفَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ

"The fasting person experiences two joys: one at breaking the fast, and another when meeting their Lord."

(Muslim)

Entry Through Bab al-Rayyan:

A special gate in Paradise, reserved exclusively for those who fasted. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ الرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ الصَّائِمُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

"In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan. Only those who fasted will enter through it."

(Muslim)

Freedom from Hellfire:

Every night in Ramadan, Allah frees 10,000 souls destined for Hell.

Divine Acceptance of Duas:

A fasting person’s supplication at Iftar, a just ruler’s prayer, and a victim’s plea are never rejected.

Unique Reward from Allah:

الصِّيَامُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ

"Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it."

(Bukhari)

Final Reminder

Fasting transcends physical abstinence. It demands moral integrity, kindness, and sincerity. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cautioned:

كَمْ مِنْ صَائِمٍ لَيْسَ لَهُ مِنْ صِيَامِهِ إِلَّا الْجُوعُ وَالْعَطَشُ

"Many fasters gain nothing but hunger and thirst."

(Ibn Majah)