Author: Muhajir Azizi
Moments with Ramadan (Part Four)
Definition, Philosophy, and Wisdom of Fasting in the Month of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan has a profound philosophy with special religious, moral, and social significance. In addition to being a form of worship, this month encompasses multiple objectives and wisdoms. Undoubtedly, every divine legislation carries specific purposes and philosophies. Here, we will discuss the definition, objectives, and wisdoms of fasting.
1. Definition of Siyam (Fasting)
a. The Linguistic Meaning of Fasting:
The word “sawm” (صوم) and “Siyam” (صیام) in linguistic terms mean abstinence and restraint. It is said: “Sama al-nahar” (صام النهار)—meaning the sun ceased to move. Regarding Maryam (MABH), Allah the Almighty says: “إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَنِ صَوْمًا” Translation: “I have vowed to the Most Merciful a fast.” (Implied meaning: silence; because fasting here refers to abstaining from speaking, as explained in the following verse: “فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنسِيًّا” Translation: “So today I will not speak to any human being.”)
b. Definition of Fasting in Islamic Terminology:
Scholars and linguists have provided multiple definitions of fasting in Islamic terminology, which are outlined below:
– Some have said: “Fasting is a specific form of abstention, meaning refraining from eating, drinking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset, accompanied by intention.”
– Others have defined it as: “Fasting is abstaining from specific things during a specific time.”
– Another group has stated: “Fasting is a particular form of abstention, at a specific time, in a specific manner.”
The most comprehensive and preferred definition is: “Fasting is an act of worship in which a specific person, under specific conditions, refrains from eating, drinking, and other nullifiers from the second dawn until sunset, with the intention of worship and seeking closeness to Almighty Allah.”
2. The Wisdom and Philosophy of Fasting in Ramadan:
Fasting is not merely abstaining and enduring hunger; rather, its legislation encompasses specific purposes and wisdoms. Out of His mercy, kindness, and protection for His servants, Almighty Allah has made fasting obligatory upon them to test them and cultivate them physically, spiritually, morally, and socially.
Imam Ibn Qayyim (MABH) has provided deep and comprehensive explanations regarding the objectives and wisdoms of fasting and the month of Ramadan. He states:
“The purpose of fasting is to restrain the soul from its desires, to detach it from familiar habits, and to moderate its carnal inclinations so that it becomes prepared to seek what leads to its ultimate happiness and bliss, and to accept that which brings about its purification and eternal life. Hunger and thirst break the intensity and dominance of desires and remind a person of the state of the poor and the needy who suffer from hunger. Moreover, fasting restricts the pathways of Satan within the human body by closing off the channels of food and drink, preventing the limbs from indulging in actions that are harmful in both this world and the Hereafter. It pacifies every limb of the body, restrains them from transgression, and places them under discipline and control. Fasting is the bridle of the righteous, the shield of the warriors, and the discipline of the pious and the close servants of Allah.”
Among all acts of worship, fasting holds a unique distinction before the Lord of the worlds because the fasting person does not engage in any physical action; rather, they simply abstain from their desires, food, and drink solely for their Creator. In reality, they forsake what their soul desires and enjoys in favor of Allah’s love and pleasure. This is a secret between the servant and their Lord, known only to Allah (SWT).
People may observe a fasting person refraining from the apparent nullifiers of fasting, but the fact that they abstain from eating, drinking, and desires purely for their Lord is something no human can truly perceive. This is the essence of fasting.
Fasting has an astonishing impact on preserving both the physical limbs and inner faculties from being affected by harmful substances that lead to their corruption. It also helps expel unhealthy elements that hinder bodily health. Thus, fasting preserves the heart and bodily organs, restoring what has been taken from them by carnal desires. This is why fasting is one of the greatest means of attaining piety, as Almighty Allah states: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ.” “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain piety.” (Al-Baqarah 2:183)
And the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Fasting is a shield.” He instructed those who are unable to marry and are overwhelmed by their desires to fast, making fasting a means to control those desires.
The point is that since the benefits and wisdoms of fasting are evident to sound minds and pure natural dispositions, Allah (SWT), out of His mercy, kindness, and protection for His servants, legislated it for them and made it a shield for them.
Continues…
