Fasting is an ancient and
universal practice. The Romans, the Babylonians, the Cynic, Stoic, Pythagorean
and Neo-Platonist philosophers commended fasting. The followers of Hinduism,
Jainism, Confucianism, and Zoroastrianism practice it. The Jews observe an
annual fasting on the day of atonement in commemoration of the descent of Moses
from Sinai after spending forty days of fasting in order to be able to receive
revelation. Jesus observed fasting for forty days in the desert and commanded
his followers to fast. In brief, the practice of fasting has been common in one
form or the other in all human societies.
Before the advent of Islam, fasting was resorted to by way of repentance or
penance, or as a mark of mourning, or to celebrate some particular occasion, or
to ward off an apprehended danger, or to control a prevailing epidemic, or to
gratify and please a deity or to put pressure to achieve a certain desire end.
The form of fasting also differed. For example, Jews ate only once in
twenty-four hours. Among Hindus, the restriction applies only to cereals whereas
eating of fruits or taking of liquids during fasting is not prohibited. In fact,
in ancient faiths and creeds, the objects of fasting were very limited, the
intention generally being self-mortification, asceticism, or the satisfaction of
some of some superstitious urge.
FastingOriginally, in Arabic the word 'as-Sawm' (Sawm) meant 'al-Imsak', that
is, to abstain totally from any act including eating, drinking, walking,
speaking, etc. Thus, the Arabs used to refer to a horse refusing to run or to be
fed, as 'Saum', that is, fasting. As is clear, the word 'Sawm' is ancient and
was used in a different context by the Arabs before Islam. Then, however it did
not have the specific meaning given to it by Islam as a term denoting a certain
religious obligation. As an Islamic term, it means to refrain intentionally from
what breaks fasting.
To a Muslim, Ramadan fasting is not just refraining from eating and drinking but
carries the added significance of worship, psychological comfort, morality and
legislation. It is neither the irrational motionless 'Imsak' of pre-Islamic
Arabs nor the mere abstaining from eating and drinking, but is, in fact, the
building of one's character, control over desires, and an inspiration towards
social and scientific creativity.
God has commanded this sanctified duty and enjoined it on the Muslims, as He had
enjoined it on the believing nations before. He assigned the blessed month, the
month of Ramadan, for every adult and healthy Muslim as a period of fasting.
This sacred ordinance was prescribed by God, for all believers and revealed in
the preceding month of Shaaban, nearly a year and a half after the Hijra (the
Prophet's auspicious migration from Makkah to Medina [in 622 BC] which marks the
start of the Islamic calendar).
Gradually, God revealed numerous other verses about the month of Ramadan and the
rules of fasting. In light of these divine injunctions, Holy Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.) expounded the merits of fasting, its significance, regulations,
effects, benefits and great reward. Hence, fasting is one of the pillars of
Islam and a religious duty for all those who believe in monotheism, and
consequently, whoever denies it is an unbeliever.
It is an apparent sign of obedience, submission and servitude to God, the
Exalted. By fasting, a Muslim expresses his submission to Allah's command, his
response to His will, and control over his own desires and wishes at the God's
behest.
In the holy month of Ramadan, a Muslim's abstaining from food, drink, sexual
intercourse, etc., during the prescribed hours is the very manifestation of
obedience to the Creator's will. This self-deprivation represents a state of
self-control and of overcoming carnal pleasure, desire, and enjoyment, for the
blissful love of God, His proximity, and the eagerness to desires. It is a
triumph of pristine love over one's pleasures for the eternal ones promised by
God, the Almighty. This response to the Divine commandments represents and
incarnates true servitude and is a brilliant display of spirit, intellect and
decisive willpower.
By fasting, a person keeps himself from the pleasures of life, with no
preventive or hindering factor, except that of obeying God and showing genuine
devotion to His commands. Traditions (ahadith) succinctly explain this fact: "A
fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except when
he backbites another Muslim." (Al-Kafi, al- Kulayni, "The Book of Fasting" 3rd
Edition, vol.4, p.190) "... Every breath you take is (has the reward of) Tasbih
(praise to Allah) and your sleep is worship..." (Uyun al-Akhbar al-Rida - the
Prophet's sermon).
In a moving speech, the Prophet of Allah described the believing soul that fasts
for love of Allah out of truthfulness and sincerity, and thus the whole day
becomes an alter of worship, and each and every activity of the fasting body,
provided it abstains from loathsome acts, is nothing but worship embodied.
A fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except
when he backbites another Muslim.
- The Prophet of Islam
Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) described the sleep of a fasting Muslim, even the
very breathing, as acts of worship, because they emanate from a body regarded as
being in a state of continual worship through abstaining from tasting delicious
and lawful things, solely out of obedience to the Creator. He Himself extols
fasting and attributes as a special blessing for mankind as is clear from a
'Hadith-e-Qudsi': Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "God, the Exalted says:
'Fasting is (exclusively) for Me and I will reward it." Ali ibn Musa al-Rida
(A.S.), the Eighth Imam quoted his ancestor Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) on
the chain of authority of his noble forefathers: "O people, any body who in this
month (Ramadan) cultivates good manners, will walk over the 'Sira' (Paradise's
bridge) on the Day when feet will tend to slip...." ('Uyun alAkhbar, al-Rida -
Prophet's sermon).
The practices of Islamic fasting are designed to divert human mind towards
righteousness through a process of self-denials. Fasting constitutes a process
of self-purification, self-righteousness, and spiritual development of one self.
Fasting in Islam is not prescribed to cause undue hardship. The Divine
principle, as specified in the Holy Quran: (On no soul does God place a burden
greater than it can bear...) (2:286).
Accordingly, although there can be no laxity in so far as the obligation of
fasting is concerned, there are facilities provided for one who may be sick or
on a journey. The Holy Quran says: (...But if any one is ill, or on a journey,
the prescribed period (of fasting should be made up) by days later. God intends
every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties ...)
(2:185).
When we observe Fasting, here is something that happens:
1. I feel hungry -> My mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY LORD
because I am Fasting for Him!
2. I feel thirsty -> My mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY LORD.
3. I think something NEGATIVE my mind says "I am Fasting" suddenly I REMEMBER MY
LORD because I am Fasting for Him!
4. Fasting helps us to become 'Conscious of God', He is watching us! Beware!