2. The Wisdom and Philosophy of Fasting in Ramadan
c. Fasting as a Means of Gratitude for Blessings
One of the wisdoms and objectives behind the legislation of fasting is that it serves as a means of expressing gratitude for the countless blessings of the Almighty. Abstaining from eating, drinking, and other nullifiers of fasting highlights the immense value of these blessings. The temporary deprivation of these necessities reveals their true worth, as blessings often go unrecognized until they are lost. This realization leads to a sense of gratitude toward Allah, the Almighty.
For this reason, a fasting person experiences great pleasure when breaking their fast, feeling the refreshing coolness of water when thirsty and the satisfaction of food after hunger. This naturally inclines them to thank Allah, Glorified and Exalted.
This very point is mentioned in the Holy Quran when speaking about fasting, as Allah the Almighty says: وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُون “So that you may be grateful.”
Bediuzzaman Nursi states that there are numerous wisdoms behind fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan, all of which guide us toward gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by our Lord. Fasting in Ramadan is the key to true and sincere gratitude and serves as a universal act of thanksgiving to Allah, the Almighty. This is because most people, when living comfortably without hardship, fail to recognize the value of many blessings, as they have never truly experienced hunger or difficulty.
For instance, those who are always well-fed—especially the wealthy—rarely understand the value of even a piece of dry bread. However, a fasting person, when breaking their fast, realizes that these foods are precious divine blessings, and their very sense of taste affirms this truth.
Thus, from kings to the poorest members of society, all fasting individuals attain a spiritual awareness of the worth of these blessings, which leads them to gratitude toward Allah. Furthermore, when a fasting person refrains from eating and drinking throughout the day, they come to the realization that these blessings do not truly belong to them, nor do they have absolute control over them. Rather, these provisions belong to Someone else and have been bestowed upon them out of His grace and generosity. They remind themselves: “These blessings are not mine. I am not free to use them whenever I please. They belong to another, and I must wait for His permission.” With this understanding, they attain a profound sense of spiritual gratitude for these blessings.
d. Fasting as a Means of Devotion to Remembrance and Reflection
Fasting softens the heart and prepares it for remembrance (Zikr) and contemplation (tafakkur). Indulgence in worldly pleasures often leads to heedlessness, hardening the heart and distancing it from the truth. This can create a barrier between a person and spiritual reflection. In contrast, an empty stomach illuminates the heart, removes its hardness, and makes it more receptive to remembrance and contemplation.
The great scholars of Islam and the spiritual masters of Sufism have always emphasized the importance of eating less, considering it one of the pillars of spiritual discipline. They understood that an empty stomach has a profound impact on the heart and soul, increasing spiritual radiance. Therefore, fasting, which leads to an empty stomach, paves the way for inner purity and concentration on divine remembrance and reflection. It better prepares the fasting person for worship and contemplation of Allah’s blessings. This is one of the significant wisdoms and objectives of fasting.
Besides its effect on the spiritual enlightenment of the heart, an empty stomach has numerous physical and spiritual benefits, including:
1. Controlling Desires and the Lower Self (Nafs): One of the most important effects of an empty stomach is restraining the nafs and staying away from sins. As the Prophet (PBUH) said:”الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ” “Fasting is a shield against sins.”
2. Reducing Strain on the Heart: Consuming less food decreases the workload of the digestive system, reducing the heart’s need to pump excess blood to the stomach. This, in turn, lowers the strain on the heart and improves cardiovascular health.
3. Strengthening the Immune System: Scientific studies have shown that fasting and an empty stomach help cleanse the body of damaged cells, contributing to overall health, including heart health.
4. Reducing Harmful Fats: Fasting helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL), which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
An empty stomach—especially through fasting—has profound effects on the heart, body, and spirituality. It softens and enlightens the heart, strengthens the immune system, and reduces harmful fats. When the heart is softened and the body is healthy, the conditions for remembering Allah, engaging in dhikr, and contemplating His blessings are optimally established. Fasting is the best means to achieve this.
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