Insights from Islamic Scholars on Fasting and Ramadan | Part 1

Fasting during Ramadan is a deeply spiritual practice that has been emphasized and elaborated upon by numerous Islamic scholars throughout history. Their insights provide a profound understanding of the significance, benefits, and transformative power of fasting. Here are some key perspectives from past scholars on fasting and Ramadan: Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri Al-Hasan Al-Basri, an early Islamic scholar and ascetic, provided valuable insights into the ethical dimensions of fasting. He advised, “Fasting is not merely about hunger and thirst, but rather about avoiding idle talk, obscenity, and harm to others. If you fast, let your tongue, eyes, and limbs also fast.” Al-Hasan’s teachings highlight the importance of holistic fasting, where the entire being is engaged in acts of worship and righteousness, leading to moral and spiritual refinement. This purification extends beyond personal discipline to interpersonal relationships. Al-Hasan Al-Basri (d. 728 CE) advised: “Fasting is not merely about hunger and thirst, but rather about avoiding idle talk, obscenity, and harm to others. If you fast, let your tongue, eyes, and limbs also fast.” Fasting Beyond Physical Abstention: Al-Hasan Al-Basri emphasized that true fasting goes beyond mere abstention from food and drink. He advised that fasting should involve controlling one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. He stated, “Fasting is not merely about hunger and thirst, but rather about avoiding idle talk, obscenity, and harm to others. If you fast, let your tongue, eyes, and limbs also fast.” This holistic approach to fasting helps to purify the heart and cultivate virtuous character traits. The Spiritual Racecourse: Al-Hasan Al-Basri likened Ramadan to a racecourse where believers compete in acts of worship. He said, “Allah made the month of Ramadan a racecourse, here His creatures compete in His worship. Some are first and win, others lag and lose.” This metaphor highlights the importance of striving for excellence in worship and devotion during Ramadan, encouraging believers to make the most of this blessed month. The Hidden Aspect of Fasting: Al-Hasan Al-Basri also emphasized the hidden aspect of fasting, which involves refraining from sinful behavior. He narrated a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Fasting is a shield; so, when you are fasting, don’t use foul language or foolish talk. If someone attacks or insults you, say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting!’” This teaching underscores the importance of maintaining good conduct and avoiding negative behavior while fasting. The Ethical Dimensions of Fasting: Al-Hasan Al-Basri advised that fasting should be accompanied by ethical behavior. He emphasized the importance of avoiding backbiting, gossip, and other harmful actions. He narrated an incident where two fasting women were fatigued from hunger and thirst and sought permission to break their fast. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed them to vomit in a bowl, which revealed blood and bits of meat. The Prophet explained that they had been fasting from what Allah made lawful but had broken their fast on what Allah made unlawful by indulging in backbiting. Al-Hasan Al-Basri’s insights on fasting and Ramadan provide a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual and ethical dimensions of these sacred practices. By emphasizing the importance of holistic fasting, ethical conduct, and striving for excellence in worship, Al-Hasan Al-Basri’s teachings encourage believers to use Ramadan as a time for self-purification and the cultivation of virtuous character traits. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Ibn Taymiyyah, another great Islamic scholar, viewed fasting as a path to spiritual liberation. He explained that when a person fasts sincerely, they detach themselves from worldly dependencies and turn towards Allah in complete submission. Ibn Taymiyyah stated, “The soul finds true joy and contentment in devotion, and fasting is among the greatest forms of devotion.” He further elaborated that fasting purifies the heart, removing distractions that distance one from Allah, and replaces them with mindfulness and spiritual awareness. One of Ibn Taymiyyah’s key insights was that fasting teaches gratitude. He pointed out that by experiencing hunger and thirst, a believer becomes more aware of the blessings they often take for granted. This heightened awareness leads to a more profound sense of thankfulness and a greater willingness to help those in need. The Purpose of Fasting: Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that the primary purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness). He explained that fasting is a means to develop self-discipline, control desires, and purify the soul. By abstaining from physical needs, believers are reminded of their dependence on Allah and the importance of aligning their actions with His guidance. The Legal Rulings of Fasting: In his work, Ibn Taymiyyah discussed the legal rulings related to fasting, including what invalidates the fast and what does not. He provided detailed explanations on various scenarios, such as eating or drinking out of forgetfulness, swallowing saliva, and the ruling on continuous fasting. His comprehensive approach to Islamic jurisprudence ensures that believers have a clear understanding of the legal aspects of fasting. The Ethical Dimensions of Fasting: Ibn Taymiyyah highlighted the ethical dimensions of fasting, emphasizing that true fasting goes beyond mere physical abstention. He advised that fasting should be accompanied by controlling one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. This holistic approach to fasting helps to purify the heart and cultivate virtuous character traits. The Role of Intention: Ibn Taymiyyah stressed the importance of intention in fasting. He explained that the intention to fast must be present in the heart, and it is not necessary to verbally state it. The intention follows knowledge, and when one knows that Ramadan is approaching, the intention to fast is naturally formed. The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting: Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting, including the development of sincerity (Ikhlas) and the strengthening of one’s connection with Allah. He explained that fasting is a private act of worship known only to the individual and Allah, fostering a sense of sincerity and purity of intention. This deepened connection with Allah enhances the believer’s spiritual growth and devotion. Ibn Taymiyyah’s insights on fasting and Ramadan provide a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual, ethical, and legal dimensions of these sacred practices. By emphasizing the importance of Taqwa, self-discipline, ethical conduct, and the role of intention, Ibn Taymiyyah’s teachings encourage believers to use Ramadan as a time for self-purification and the cultivation of virtuous character traits. Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, a prominent Islamic scholar and theologian, discussed the role of fasting in spiritual purification. In his works, he described fasting as a shield that protects the believer from sins and distractions. He stated, “Fasting severs the avenues of Shaytan in the body of the servant, for he flows through the veins of the son of Adam. By fasting, his influence is weakened, and the soul is inclined towards obedience and the remembrance of Allah.” Ibn Qayyim emphasized that fasting helps believers develop self-control, patience, and a stronger inclination towards righteous deeds. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya also highlights fasting’s role in spiritual purification. He describes it as a shield that protects the believer from sins and distractions: “Fasting severs the avenues of Shaytan in the body of the servant, for he flows through the veins of the son of Adam. By fasting, his influence is weakened, and the soul is inclined towards obedience and the remembrance of Allah.” Fasting as a Means of Spiritual Elevation: Ibn Qayyim emphasized that fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but is a means of spiritual elevation. He explained that fasting helps to purify the soul, develop self-discipline, and draw closer to Allah. By controlling physical desires, believers can focus on their spiritual growth and strengthen their connection with Allah. The Ethical Dimensions of Fasting: Ibn Qayyim highlighted the importance of ethical behavior while fasting. He advised that fasting should be accompanied by controlling one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. This holistic approach to fasting helps to purify the heart and cultivate virtuous character traits. He stated that fasting should involve avoiding idle talk, obscenity, and harm to others. The Role of Intention: Ibn Qayyim stressed the importance of intention in fasting. He explained that the intention to fast must be present in the heart, and it is not necessary to verbally state it. The intention follows knowledge, and when one knows that Ramadan is approaching, the intention to fast is naturally formed. The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting: Ibn Qayyim emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting, including the development of sincerity (Ikhlas) and the strengthening of one’s connection with Allah. He explained that fasting is a private act of worship known only to the individual and Allah, fostering a sense of sincerity and purity of intention. This deepened connection with Allah enhances the believer’s spiritual growth and devotion. Fasting as a Shield: Ibn Qayyim described fasting as a shield that protects the believer from sins and distractions. He emphasized that fasting helps to weaken the influence of Shaytan (Satan) and inclines the soul towards obedience and the remembrance of Allah. By fasting, believers can develop self-control and discipline, which are essential for spiritual growth. The Joy of Breaking the Fast: Ibn Qayyim also discussed the joy and spiritual fulfillment that comes with breaking the fast. He explained that the joy of breaking the fast signifies spiritual accomplishment, while the ultimate joy is the reward in the Hereafter. This perspective highlights the dual nature of fasting, providing immediate spiritual benefits and eternal rewards. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s insights on fasting and Ramadan offer a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual, ethical, and practical dimensions of these sacred practices. By emphasizing the importance of intention, self-discipline, ethical conduct, and the joy of worship, Ibn Qayyim’s teachings encourage believers to use Ramadan as a time for self-purification and the cultivation of virtuous character traits.

To be continued, inshâ’Allah, in Part 2…