The Essence of Fasting in Ramadan
by: Alvin Qodri Lazuardy/ Indonesian Scholar
Dear brothers and sisters in faith,
All praise is due to Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We send our blessings and salutations upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, and his companions. May Allah guide us to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to grasp the profound significance of fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Fasting in Islam transcends mere abstention from food and drink between dawn and sunset. At its core, fasting is an expression of faith, an act of devotion rooted in sincerity toward Allah. It is not undertaken for physical health benefits, societal conformity, or mystical experiences. Instead, the true essence of fasting lies in enduring hunger while maintaining unwavering righteousness. A devout Muslim safeguards their speech, actions, and thoughts, refrains from sinful behavior, and cultivates moral excellence. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned:
“Many people who fast gain nothing from their fast except hunger, and many who pray at night gain nothing from their prayer except sleeplessness.” (Hadith)
Conversely, when performed with faith and sincerity, fasting serves as a means of absolution from past sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have their past sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 38, 1901)
Fasting as a Pathway to Spiritual Purification
The philosophy of self-purification (tazkiyatun al-nafs) within fasting parallels that of prayer. If prayer represents direct communion with Allah, fasting embodies the suppression of worldly inclinations, particularly those driven by base desires (nafs al-ammarah bi as-suu’). Through abstention, the physical body weakens, and with it, the dominance of unchecked desires. Consequently, the tranquil soul (nafs al-mutmainnah) emerges as the guiding force. Imam Al-Ghazali posited that true spiritual refinement occurs when human inclinations are governed by intellect rather than primal instincts.
Moreover, fasting serves as a formidable defense against both internal and external temptations. Internally, it curbs the influence of Satan, whose whispers find fertile ground in unrestrained desires. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:
“Satan moves through the human body like blood. Constrain his movement through hunger.” (Hadith)
Externally, fasting acts as a shield against provocation and conflict. The Prophet (peace be upon him) further instructed:
“Fasting is a shield. So, if any of you is fasting, let him not engage in foul speech or act harshly. If someone insults or fights him, let him say: ‘Indeed, I am fasting.’” (Hadith)
This response, ‘Indeed, I am fasting,’ conveys dual significance: it serves as both a restraint against anger and an assertion of humility. Moreover, fasting carries divine merit, as Allah declares in a Hadith Qudsi:
“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied ten to seven hundred times. Allah said: Except for fasting, for it is Mine, and I will personally reward it. He abandons his desires and food for My sake.” (Hadith)
By fasting, an individual secures divine protection, elevating their spiritual rank. Even within mystical traditions, fasting is embraced as a means of attaining heightened spiritual awareness. If natural fasting fosters increased mindfulness, how much greater is the reward when fasting is performed with sincere devotion in accordance with divine guidance?
The Three Levels of Fasting
Islamic scholars, particularly within Sufi traditions, delineate fasting into three progressive levels:
- Sawm al-‘Umum – The fast of the general populace, which involves merely abstaining from physical indulgences such as food, drink, and marital relations.
- Sawm al-Khusus – The fast of the spiritually conscientious, wherein one not only refrains from physical needs but also exercises vigilance over speech, actions, and thoughts, avoiding distractions and sin.
- Sawm Khusus al-Khusus – The fast of the elect, observed by the prophets, saints, and deeply devoted believers. This level demands total submission of the body, heart, and mind, ensuring that every action aligns with the pleasure of Allah. (Ihya Ulumiddin, Imam Al Ghazali)
Each level of fasting offers a heightened spiritual experience, culminating in the ultimate goal of achieving divine proximity.
The Importance of Consistency in Worship
Both prayer and fasting function as instruments of self-purification, absolution from sin, and protection against temptation. Therefore, their observance should be sustained beyond Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of consistency in acts of worship when a man from Najd inquired about the best deeds in Islam. The Prophet replied:
“The five daily prayers.” The man then asked, “Is there anything else?” The Prophet responded, “No, but they must be performed consistently.” The Prophet later added, “And fasting in the month of Ramadan.” The man asked again, “Is there anything else?” The Prophet reiterated, “No, but it must be done continuously.”
To preserve the essence of Ramadan throughout the year, the Prophet recommended voluntary fasts such as those on Mondays and Thursdays, the six days of Shawwal, the Day of Arafah, and the Day of Ashura. Such practices extend the discipline and spiritual enrichment attained during Ramadan into daily life.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to elevate our fasting beyond a mere ritualistic exercise of hunger and thirst. Let us internalize fasting as a profound act of devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual refinement. Through fasting, we cultivate patience, enhance our moral character, and deepen our connection with Allah. May our fasting imbue us with sincerity, humility, and gratitude, fortifying us in faith and righteousness.
May Allah accept our fasts, envelop us in His boundless mercy, and elevate us among those who attain true piety and divine nearness. Ameen.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
