Why Fast?

By: Brother Musa Millington (حفظه الله)

Many non-Muslims may ask us why is it that we must fast from food, drink and our desires from dawn to sunset every day for thirty days. 

Now, in many instances Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) may not have clarified the wisdom in doing something. Therefore, upon us Muslims is to obey regardless of whether or not we know the wisdom behind what we are doing. As Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) has said:

" و ما اتاكم الرسول فخذوا و ما نهاكم عنه فانتهوا"

‘Whatever the Messenger gave you take it and whatever he has prohibited you from leave it.’

However, in this case, Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) has been so Merciful that the wisdom of fasting has been mentioned in His Book, the Qur'aan, & in the Sunnah of the final servant & Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Allaah has said:

"يأبها الذين امنوا كتب عليكم الصيام كما كتب على الذين من قبلكم لعلكم تتقون"

‘Oh ye who believe Allaah has written upon you fasting as he has written it upon those before you so that you may gain piety.’

So all of this fasting, leaving off food, drink, & our desires is for ONE purpose & one purpose only which is to gain piety. And piety is:

Doing what Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) has ordered, staying away from what he has forbidden wanting by this closeness to Allaah. 

For this reason the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said in a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Huraira, found in Bukhari's authentic collection:

"من لم يدع قول الزور و العمل به و الجهل فليس لله حاجة في أن يدع طعامه و شرابه"

‘Whoever does not leave off evil speech, and acting upon it & ignorance then Allaah is not in need of him to leave off his food and drink.’

This shows us that the goal of fasting is in order to cultivate this closeness to Allaah through patience (الصبر). That we should withhold our tongues from evil speech & withhold our limbs from evil actions & ignorant behaviour. 

However, if we do not do so we would be in a lot of danger. Because if our deeds do not change our character & behaviour then in that case it would not be beneficial. For example the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:

"اللهم إني أعوذ بك من العلم لا ينفع"

‘Oh Allah I seek refuge in you from knowledge that does not benefit.’

Hence, a person may have knowledge, but if this knowledge does not change his character, & does not change his speech & actions it has no use since it is not beneficial. And likewise fasting, if it does not change out character then what is the true benefit? 

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) also said in a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Huraira which is found in Ibn Maajah:

"رب صائم حظه من صيامه الجوع و العطش و رب قائم حظه من قيامه السهر"

"It is possible that the fasting person only benefits from his fast hunger & thirst. And that the one who stands at night only benefits from his standing exhaustion."

And in a Hadeeth narrated in Adab Al Mufrad on the authority of Abu Huraira:

"شقي عبد أدرك رمضان فلم بغفر له"

"May the servant who met Ramadhan & does not have his sins forgiven be saddened. "

This was the Du'a of Jibreel which Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) answered. Therefore, guard your fast! 

May Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) make us from those who benefit from Ramadhan and may he make us from those who fast & stand with Imaan & hope in His Mercy. And may He (سُبحانه وتعالى) make us better Muslims after the month has passed. 

Ameen.  

 http://musamillington.multiply.com/journal/item/24