Golden Words of Allah (episode 24)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allah says concerning; Fasting During Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan is a cornerstone of Islam, blending physical discipline with spiritual devotion. Commanded in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183), it fosters righteousness and self-restraint. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described fasting as a shield from sin, promising immense rewards for those who observe it sincerely.

More than abstaining from food and drink, fasting embodies empathy, gratitude, and renewal. Rooted in divine guidance and prophetic practice, it remains a transformative act of worship for Muslims worldwide.

1. Purpose and Obligation of Fasting:

 Quranic View: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183).
– Fasting is a means of achieving taqwa (God-consciousness).
– It links believers to the practices of previous communities.
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said “Fasting is a shield; it protects one from the Fire and from committing sins.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1904, Sahih Muslim 1151].
– Fasting acts as a spiritual protection, reinforcing taqwa as described in the Quran.

 2. Significance of Ramadan:

 Quranic View: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185).
– Ramadan is a blessed time, honoured as the month of Quranic revelation and spiritual renewal.
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted Ramadan’s significance as a pillar of Islam: “Islam is built on five: testimony that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving Zakah, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16].
– Fasting in Ramadan is both a communal act of worship and a foundational duty for Muslims.

 3. Rules and Timings of Fasting:

Quranic View: “…And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until sunset…”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187).
– Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib).
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.”  [Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095].
– Breaking the fast promptly was emphasized: “The people will continue to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast.” — [Sahih al-Bukhari 1957, Sahih Muslim 1098].
– Suhoor and prompt iftar align with the Quranic directive for precise timings.

 4. Exemptions and Flexibility in Fasting:

 Quranic View: “…Whoever is ill or on a journey, then [fast] an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185).
– Exemptions apply to the sick, travelers, and those facing difficulty, with makeup fasts or compensation.
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is not righteousness to fast while traveling.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1946, Sahih Muslim 1110].
He also instructed compensatory acts, such as feeding the poor for missed fasts:“Feed one poor person for every day you miss.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 2312] 

5. Spiritual Rewards of Fasting:

 Quranic View: Fasting fosters gratitude and taqwa: “…So that you may become righteous.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

“…And that you may glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185).
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) quoted Allah saying: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151].
– He also said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have their past sins forgiven.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760].
– Fasting offers unique spiritual rewards directly from Allah, amplifying the Quranic focus on gratitude and self-restraint.

 6. Night Prayers and Laylatul Qadr:

 Quranic View: “Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr). And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”  Surah Al-Qadr (97:1–3).
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2017, Sahih Muslim 1169].
– On the spiritual benefits of Taraweeh, he said: “Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward will have their past sins forgiven.” — [Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759].
– Night prayers, as emphasized in both Quran and Hadith, bring immense blessings during Ramadan.

 7. Behavior and Self-Control During Fasting:

 Quranic View: The Quran calls for discipline in fasting and warns against violating its sanctity: “These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them…”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187).
Hadith Perspective: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If one does not abandon falsehood and acting upon it, Allah has no need of their leaving food and drink.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1903].
“When any one of you is fasting, let him not utter foul words or raise his voice in anger. If someone abuses or fights him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151].

Conclusion: Fasting during Ramadan is far more than a physical act—it is a transformative journey that nurtures the soul, strengthens faith, and deepens one’s connection to Allah. By combining the Quran’s divine guidance with the Prophet’s teachings, fasting teaches self-restraint, compassion, and gratitude. It serves as a reminder of our purpose in life and the rewards of devotion, offering believers a chance to emerge spiritually renewed and closer to their Creator.

And Allah knows best…

SPONSORED

SPONSORED