A
Definition of Fasting
Originally, in Arabic the word 'as-Sawm'
meant 'al-Imsak', that is, to abstain totally from any act including
eating, drinking, walking, speaking, etc. Thus, the Arabs used to refer
to a horse refusing to run or to be fed, as 'Sa'im', that is, fasting.
As is clear, the word 'Sawm' is ancient and was used in a different
context by the Arabs before Islam. Then, however it did not have the
specific meaning given to it by Islam as a term denoting a certain
religious obligation. As an Islamic term, it means to refrain
intentionally from what breaks fasting.
To a Muslim, fasting is not just
refraining from eating and drinking but carries the added significance
of worship, psychological comfort, morality and legislation. It is
neither the irrational motionless 'Imsak' of pre-Islamic Arabs nor the
mere abstaining from eating and drinking, but is, in fact, the building
of one's character, control over desires, and an inspiration towards
social and scientific creativity.
God has commanded this sanctified duty
and enjoined it on the Muslims, as He had enjoined it on the believing
nations before. He assigned the blessed month, the month of Ramadan, for
every adult and healthy Muslim as a period of fasting. This sacred
ordinance was prescribed by God, for all believers and revealed in the
preceding month of Sha'aban, nearly a year and a half after
the Hijra (the Prophet's auspicious migration from
Mecca to Medina [in 622 BC] which marks the start of the
Islamic calendar).
Gradually, God revealed numerous other
verses about the month of Ramadan and the rules of fasting. In light of
these divine injunctions, the Prophet (S.A.W.) expounded the merits of
fasting, its significance, regulations, effects, benefits and great
reward. Hence, fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and a religious
duty for all those who believe in monotheism, and consequently, whoever
denies it is an unbeliever.
It is an apparent sign of obedience,
submission and servitude to God, the Exalted. By fasting, a Muslim
expresses his submission to Allah's command, his response to His will,
and control over his own desires and wishes at the God's behest.
In the holy month of Ramadan, a
Muslim's abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse, etc., during
the prescribed hours is the very manifestation of obedience to the
Creator's will. This self-deprivation represents a state of self-control
and of overcoming carnal pleasure, desire, and enjoyment, for the
blissful love of God, His proximity, and the eagerness to desires. It is
a triumph of pristine love over one's pleasures for the eternal ones
promised by God, the Almighty. This response to the Divine commandments
represents and incarnates true servitude and is a brilliant display of
spirit, intellect and decisive willpower.
By fasting, a person keeps himself from
the pleasures of life, with no preventive or hindering factor, except
that of obeying God and showing genuine devotion to His commands.
Traditions (ahadith) succinctly explain this fact: "A fasting person
is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except when he
backbites another Muslim." (Al-Kafi, al- Kulayni, "The Book of
Fasting" 3rd Edition, vol.4, p.190) "... Every breath you take is
(has the reward of) Tasbih (praise to Allah) and your sleep is
worship..." (Uyun al-Akhbar al-Rida - the Prophet's sermon).
In a moving speech, the Prophet of
Allah described the believing soul that fasts for love of Allah out of
truthfulness and sincerity, and thus the whole day becomes an alter of
worship, and each and every activity of the fasting body, provided it
abstains from loathsome acts, is nothing but worship embodied.
A fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in
bed, except when he backbites another Muslim. |
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The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) described the
sleep of a fasting Muslim, even the very breathing, as acts of worship,
because they emanate from a body regarded as being in a state of
continual worship through abstaining from tasting delicious and lawful
things, solely out of obedience to the Creator. He Himself extols
fasting and attributes as a special blessing for mankind as is clear
from a 'Hadith-e-Qudsi': The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "God, the
Exalted says: 'Fasting is (exclusively) for Me and I will reward it."
Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (A.S.), the Eighth Imam quoted his ancestor the
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) on the chain of authority of his noble
forefathers: "O people, any body who in this month (Ramadan)
cultivates good manners, will walk over the 'Sira' (Paradise's bridge)
on the Day when feet will tend to slip...." ('Uyun alAkhbar,
al-Rida - Prophet's sermon).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the
Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims are obligated to fast (Siyam or Saum)
during this holy month of Islam. Siyam requires fasting every day during
the month of Ramadan. Ramadan reaches its height in its last ten days.
One of the last five odd numbered days of the month is called the Laylat
al-Qadr (Night of Power), marking the date of the revelations of the
Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr marks
the end of Holy Ramadan. |