The Essence of Fasting

THE ESSENCE OF FASTING One who observes fasting in its essence as well as in its outward form, will deserve the promised reward. On the other hand, one who attaches importance to symbols alone, will have nothing to his credit when he comes before God. Fasting of the second type is of no value in the eyes of God, since the true value of something which is symbolic in its nature is always determined by the virtue which it represents. The outward form of fasting is to abstain from food and water. This abstinence symbolizes the fact that man is at God’s disposal. He should, therefore, be willing, at all times, to sacrifice anything for His sake, even if it involves relinquishing such basic necessities as food and water. Obviously one who refrains from taking food and water on specific days but does not do likewise regarding other things forbidden by God, like telling lies, persecuting his fellowmen, perpetrating injustice and so on, mistakes the symbols for the essence, appearance for reality. Such a man cannot expect to deserve a reward from God. The essence of fasting thus is to eschew all evil ways throughout the year. The true fast is that from which one learns a lesson in self-discipline. Prophet Muhammad once said that one who keeps a fast but does not stop lying or practicing wrong ways then God does not need him to leave his food. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1689) The term ‘leave’ in this tradition actually refers to the symbolic leaving of wrong practices. According to a Hadith, two women kept fast and then sat down and started backbiting (Ghibat). The Prophet said that these people had kept the fast with a legitimate thing (food and water) but broke it with an illegitimate thing (Ghibat). (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23653) Fasting is a special deed. It makes a man kind-hearted and enables him to awaken his finer feelings. He is then able to feel and experience what God desires of a man in this world.