Fasting: Moral Discipline

FASTING: MORAL DISCIPLINE F asting is a form of worship. At the same time, it is training in moral discipline. Fasting helps a person live among others with high moral values. His behaviour with people should be responsible, not careless. Fasting teaches that freedom must be used within limits, not without limits. It is a lesson in self-restraint. This self-imposed disciplined way of life is the foundation of all reform. According to a Hadith, the Prophet of Islam said that fasting is a shield. So, when anyone among you is observing a fast, he should neither speak indecently nor raise his voice. And if someone abuses him or fights with him, then he should respond: ‘Indeed, I am fasting.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1904; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 7693) Fasting outwardly means giving up food and drink. But at the same time, it is connected to one’s entire way of life. Just as fasting tells a person to stop eating and drinking; in the same way, it teaches him that if he is fasting, he should not speak harshly. He should not make noise. Even if someone abuses him, he should not respond in the same way. Instead, he should unilaterally ignore it.