Articles

Except for Fasting
Author : Dr. Zuhaar Riyallat
Date Added : 24-09-2024

In the Qudsi Hadith, Allah The Almighty Says (What means): "Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied: a good deed is multiplied tenfold up to seven hundred times, except for fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it. He leaves his desires and his food for My sake..." [Moslim].

In this hadith, Allah excludes fasting from the deeds that have a fixed reward. All deeds are multiplied: a good deed by ten times, up to seven hundred times, except fasting. Allah multiplies its reward without any specific limit.

It is understood that the fasting referred to here is the fasting that Allah has commanded, not merely refraining from food and drink, as is the case with many people's fasting. However, why did Allah single out fasting from all other deeds with this special distinction when He Said (What means): "Except for fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it"?

If we reflect on the reality of fasting and the difference between it and other acts of worship, we can deduce some of the wisdoms for which Allah granted the fasting person this great virtue. Among these wisdoms are:

First: Fasting is a secret between the servant and his Lord, known only by Allah. A person may show off in their prayer or other acts of worship because they are visible actions, but they cannot show off in fasting — meaning, they cannot display it to people for recognition and praise. It has been narrated: "Fasting has no show-off" [Al-Bayhaqi in "Shu'ab Al-Iman"]. Fasting consists of two elements: refraining from food, drink, and other desires, and an intention held in the heart, which only Allah Knows. Therefore, it is fitting that the matter of fasting remains between the servant and his Lord, and that Allah singles it out by attributing it to Himself, unlike other deeds.

Second: Fasting is the only act of worship in which a person abandons all their desires for the sake of Allah. For example, when a person enters the state of Ihram (Ritual consecration) for Hajj or Umrah, they only give up some desires, like intimacy and beautification, while other desires, like food and drink, remain permissible. Similarly, when a person gives Zakat (Alms) or charity, they only give up the desire for wealth.

Nevertheless, in fasting, as mentioned in the previous hadith: "He leaves his desires and his food for My sake." This phrase explains the reason behind fasting's unique reward — the fasting person leaves multiple desires, and the reward for abandoning each one is known only to Allah.

It may be argued that prayer also involves leaving all desires, just like fasting. However, the difference lies in the duration — prayer lasts only a few minutes, so the person does not suffer the deprivation of food and drink, whereas fasting lasts the entire day.

Third: It is narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: "Fasting is half of patience" [Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Al-Tirmidhi, who graded it as sound]. Patience is of three types: patience in performing acts of worship, patience in refraining from what Allah has forbidden, and patience in enduring trials.

All three types of patience come together in fasting: patience in performing an act of worship, patience in abstaining from forbidden desires, and patience in enduring the hunger and thirst that occur during fasting. Thus, fasting encompasses all forms of patience. Allah Says (What means): "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure" [Az-Zumar/10]. One meaning of "without measure" is an immense reward, which is attained through fasting.

Fourth: Fasting is a training ground for preparing a person for the future. When one enters this school of fasting, their intention is to be righteous and committed in the present and the future. The fasting person holds two intentions: one for the present moment and one for future commitment. Therefore, they deserve the reward for both their current fasting and their future resolve. This resolve and intention are known only to Allah, and their sincerity can only be judged by Him. Thus, the reward for them is from Allah alone.

Fifth: Fasting links the lawful and unlawful to time. What was permissible yesterday becomes forbidden during the day, and what was forbidden a few moments ago becomes lawful with the call to Maghrib (Sunset) prayer. This demonstrates the ultimate submission and obedience to Allah.

The fasting person refrains from their desires during the day out of obedience to Allah, and they hasten to them at night, also out of obedience. They abstain and return to their desires only in response to Allah's command. They are obedient in both states. For such a person, it is hoped that they will be among those who are told (What means): "Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in days past" [Al-Haqqah/24].

 

The published article reflects the opinion of its author

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is it incumbent on a father to cover the marriage costs of his son if the latter couldn`t afford them?

The son should seek the help of his relatives in order to convince his father to do the aforesaid, and the father should make sure that his son doesn`t commit fornication through helping him to get married, and Allah will reward him for doing so.

Should a woman who broke her fast because of delivery make up for missed fasting days before the next Ramadhaan, and what is the expiation due on her in case she delayed making up for them ?

She should make up for missed fasting days before the start of next Ramadan if possible, but if she didn`t while being able to, then she is obliged to make up for them along with feeding a needy person for each delayed day of the missed fasting days. However, if she wasn`t able to make up for the missed fasting days before the start of next Ramadan, she has to fast a day for every day that she missed, and no ransom is due on her. And Allah Knows Best.

My husband has deprived me of visiting my family and is threatening to take my 7-month-old baby girl. Is he entitled to do so?

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Your question is unclear, but family visitation is a legitimate right of yours. However, if he deprives you from this, try to convince him with wisdom and fair preaching. If there is a problem between you two, try to fix it. As for your daughter, you are most entitled to her custody anyway. Even if he divorced you, the girl remains under your care so long as you don`t get married. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

I missed fasting 30 days of the obligatory fast within the last 6 years and 20 days. How do I fast? And what should I do? 

Missed fasting days must be made up, and it is permissible to make them up on non-consecutive days, as continuity is not required for making up missed fasts. Additionally, expiation (Fidya) must be given: feeding one needy person for each day if the makeup is delayed for one year. If the delay extends to two years, Fidya must be given to two needy people per day, and so on. And Allah Knows Best.