The Impact of Fasting on Muslim Behavior
The effects of the fasting obligation on the behavior of Muslims can be observed in many aspects. Below are some of these effects:
Enhancement of Piety and Renewal of Faith
Allah -the Almighty- states: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Fasting clearly protects Muslims from indulgences and sinful actions, as individuals abstain from anything that angers Allah -the Most High- and commit themselves to acts of obedience and righteousness. Consequently, the reward allocated for fasting differs significantly from the rewards associated with other deeds. The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- conveyed from his Lord -Glory be to Him- that “Every action of Adam’s offspring belongs to him, except for fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it, and the breath of the fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the scent of musk.”
Allah has designated immense rewards for fasting due to the sincere devotion it embodies, as one’s intention remains concealed between the servant and their Lord. This reflects a genuine level of faith and piety in a Muslim. Piety refers to establishing a barrier between oneself and God’s wrath by wholeheartedly accepting everything that Allah -Exalted and Glorious- commands and performing those commands with conviction, while refraining from all prohibitions.
Heightened Awareness of Divine Vigilance
Fasting strengthens the spiritual connection between the servant and their Creator, leading them to feel Allah’s observation in all circumstances. This results in distancing oneself from actions that anger Him and drawing closer to what pleases Him -the Exalted.
Fostering Balance and Moderation in Life
Fasting disciplines the human soul by setting specific times for eating and abstaining, thus helping individuals develop contentment and organize their appetite. This practice emulates the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) example, as he would often spend nights fasting without food, as narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas -may Allah be pleased with them-: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would spend consecutive nights hungry, and his family would not find dinner, while most of their bread was made of barley.”
Awareness of Countless Blessings
A Muslim becomes more appreciative of the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah when they temporarily lose access to them. When fasting, one realizes the value of food, drink, and marital intimacy due to the temporary deprivation, which heightens empathy for the struggles of the poor and needy.
Cultivating Truthfulness in Deeds and Words
Fasting encourages adherence to truth and righteousness, fulfilling a commitment to obedience while aligning external actions with internal beliefs, free from deceit and hypocrisy. As such, noble morals are further enhanced by recognizing the rewards associated with fasting and striving to maintain them without engaging in falsehood or lies. Imam Al-Bukhari reports from Abu Huraira -may Allah be pleased with him- that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever does not abandon false speech and actions, Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink.” True sincerity within an individual leads to the pursuit of lofty goals while avoiding trivial deeds.
Pursuit of Accuracy and Truthfulness in All Matters
Fasting deters individuals from engaging in any activity that contradicts truthfulness, thereby earning the love of Allah -the Almighty- and fostering closeness to Him. Imam Al-Bukhari also narrates from Abdullah ibn Mas’ud -may Allah be pleased with them- that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise, and a man continues to be truthful until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person.”
The Influence of Fasting on Muslim Personality
Fasting has a significant impact on the personality of a Muslim, including the following benefits:
Strengthening the Willpower of Muslims
Fasting instills in individuals the ability to control themselves and resist their desires, enhancing their moral fabric and allowing them to attain the status of the fasting and praying. The Prophet Muhammad -(peace be upon him)- remarked that “The believer may attain the status of the one who fasts and prays due to their excellent conduct.”
Cultivating the Trait of Patience in Obedience
This is achieved by restraining oneself from food, drink, and other desires to earn Allah’s pleasure. Fasting embodies patience against desires and sins; thus, a fasting person experiences the sweetness of forbearance regarding what Allah has prohibited, along with the endurance of hunger and thirst as part of divine decree.
Instilling Gratitude Towards Allah
Fasting acts as a means to express gratitude for blessings, as refraining from eating and drinking highlights their importance. The acknowledgment of these blessings encourages individuals to be thankful. Consequently, upon breaking their fast, they experience immense joy from cold drinks and food, which further strengthens their gratitude towards Allah -the Almighty- as indicated in His words: “And perhaps you may be grateful.”
The Social Effects of Fasting
Promoting Social Solidarity in the Muslim Community
This emulates the example of the Prophet -peace be upon him- who was known for his generosity during Ramadan. Imam Muslim narrates from Abdullah ibn Abbas -may Allah be pleased with them- that “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous in doing good, and he was most generous during the month of Ramadan.” The rewards for good deeds are multiplied during Ramadan compared to other months. The righteous predecessors also set remarkable examples of charity during Ramadan. It is narrated that Abdullah ibn Umar -may Allah be pleased with them- would place food before him for iftar after fasting, offering it to anyone who asked. Likewise, the successor Al-Hasan Al-Basri would prepare banquets for the poor and orphans during this month, echoing the Prophet’s words: “Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person will earn the same reward, without diminishing the fasting person’s reward.”
The gathering of Muslims around iftar tables enhances their bonds and fosters unity among them, strengthening their resolve for worship and righteousness. Moreover, Ramadan offers a golden opportunity to address the needs of the poor and needy in pursuit of divine reward. Muslims reach a level of excellence as described in the words of Allah -the Almighty-: “And Allah will grant them a reward in this world and a good reward in the Hereafter, and Allah loves the doers of good.”
Enhancing Unity Among Different Levels of the Muslim Community
During Ramadan, the essence of unity and brotherhood is observed at its finest. Regardless of their backgrounds, Muslims of different races, social standings, and languages fast and break their fast together, reflecting no distinction between the rich and the poor, or between male and female. This principle of unity is further manifested as Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder for prayers across diverse levels of society.
Establishing Equality Among All Community Members
Fasting is a vital and effective means of uplifting individuals and communities on numerous levels—spiritual, psychological, educational, social, health, and security. It fosters mutual bonds among people, resulting in the realization of the Prophet Muhammad’s statement: “You see the believers in their mercy, love, and compassion for one another, like a body; when any part of it feels pain, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
In conclusion, fasting is a monumental act ordained by Allah primarily to cultivate piety. When performed diligently, its effects resonate throughout every facet of life, leading to elevated levels of faith, self-discipline, and perseverance. Indeed, fasting serves as a training ground that draws Muslims closer to Allah -the Exalted- while its benefits extend beyond the individual level to the community as a whole, fostering an increase in social solidarity and unity among its members.