Author: Sayyed Musleh Udden
Fasting and Its Position in Islam (Part 13)
The Global Atmosphere of Fasting and Its Impact on Individuals and Societies:
Sheikh al-Islam Ahmad ibn Abdul Rahim Dehlavi (MABH), with his keen insight and deep understanding, grasped this point in his commentary on the hadith: «إذا دخل رمضان فتحت أبواب الجنة…. » Translation: When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened…
“When fasting became a well-known practice, it proved beneficial in preventing the negative consequences of customs and traditions. If a nation adheres to it, their devils are chained, the gates of Paradise are opened for them, and the gates of Hell are closed.” [1]
Elsewhere, he states: “Likewise, the unanimous observance of something by large groups and communities of Muslims at the same time fosters a sense of cooperation in carrying it out, making it easier for them and motivating them to perform it.” [2]
This unity and collective observance also brings down divine blessings upon both the elite and the common people. At the very least, the spiritual radiance and blessings of perfected individuals reflect upon those of a lower rank, and their prayers include them as well. [3]
The Influence of Virtues and Their Power
Life is a constant battle between the appealing desires of the soul and the rational, evident benefits of the intellect. However, desires are not always the victors in this battle, as some may assume. Such an assumption stems from a pessimistic view of human nature and a denial of reality.
The force that propels the cycle of life forward with momentum, filling the world with vitality and energy, is faith and belief in benefit and gain. This very belief brings joy to the farmer on the coldest days of winter, driving him away from warmth and out to his fields at dawn. It compels him to endure the scorching sun and burning winds on the hottest summer days.
Similarly, this belief in benefit and gain drives the merchant away from his family and toward his shop; it leads the soldier onto the battlefield, making death and separation from loved ones seem bearable, to the extent that no comfort, wealth, or luxury can compare. All of this is the result of faith in benefits—it is the axis around which life revolves.
However, there exists another form of faith that is even more influential than this practical belief. It is faith in the benefits conveyed by the prophets and messengers of Allah, revealed through divine revelation and recorded in the heavenly scriptures. These benefits are solely tied to the pleasure of Allah Almighty and the rewards in both this world and the hereafter.
It is widely recognized that abstaining from food on certain days is beneficial for health and that a person should fast several times a year. Those who overeat and indulge excessively in food and drink suffer from various physical and moral ailments—this is an evident and accepted truth.
People also acknowledge the medical benefits of fasting and believe in its health advantages, as well as its economic benefits. However, if one were to ask: “How many people, throughout the year, fast purely for medical benefits or economic reasons? And how many days do they fast to maintain health balance or regulate their expenses?”
The clear answer is that the number of such individuals and the days they fast is very small—even in winter, when fasting is relatively easy. Despite the fact that medical or economic fasting is far easier than religious fasting, it remains rare.
On the other hand, if we examine the number of people who fast out of the belief that it is a religious obligation—that Allah Almighty has declared His pleasure in it, and that He has promised and guaranteed its reward—we find that despite the prevalence of materialism and the decline of religious motivations, millions of Muslims still observe fasting.
The intense heat of tropical regions does not deter these millions from fasting and spending their nights in worship. This is because, for believers, faith in the religious benefits conveyed by the prophets (peace be upon them) is stronger than faith in the medical benefits described by doctors or the economic benefits explained by financial experts.
Believers have heard virtues about fasting that lighten its hardships and make enduring heat, hunger, and thirst easier.
Hadiths on the Virtues of Fasting
Abu Huraira (MABH) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Every good deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. But Allah Almighty says: ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me, and I will reward it. My servant abstains from his desires and food for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joys: one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time of meeting his Lord. The breath of a fasting person is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk.” [4]
Sahl ibn Sa’d (MABH) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, through which the fasting people will enter. Whoever enters through it will never feel thirst again.” [5]
Abu Huraira (MABH) also narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” [6]
Continues…
References:
[1] Hujjat Allah al-Baligha, vol. 1, p. 9; Sahih Bukhari, Book of the Beginning of Creation, Chapter on the Description of Iblis and His Troops, Hadith No. 3103.
[2] Ibid., p. 54.
[3] Hujjat Allah al-Baligha, vol. 2, p. 37.
[4] Sahih Muslim, Book of Fasting, Chapter on the Virtue of Fasting, Hadith No. 1151.
[5] Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter: Ar-Rayyan for the Fasting, Hadith No. 1797.
[6] Sahih Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter: Voluntary Night Prayer in Ramadan as Part of Faith, Hadith No. 37.
