Fasting Commandments
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous
Qur'an (Surah Al-Baqarah,2:183)
الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ فَإِذَا كَانَ صَوْمُ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلاَ يَرْفُثْ وَلاَ يَجْهَلْ
Fasting is a shield, so when one of you is fasting, he should avoid indecent behavior and foolish talk
Hadith (Sahih Bukhari)
Importance of Fasting Commandments
The commandments of fasting are crucial because they guide believers in performing this act in the way prescribed by Allah and His Messenger. Fasting in Ramadan is not just about refraining from food; it is a journey of self-control, patience, and empathy for others. By understanding these commandments, Muslims can observe fasting as it was intended, developing qualities like humility, gratitude, and generosity. Following these guidelines helps to fulfill the purpose of fasting and prepares the heart and mind for greater devotion and self-purification.
Virtues of Fasting
Observing fasting according to its commandments brings immense spiritual rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have their past sins forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This promise of forgiveness highlights fasting’s purifying power, both in this life and the Hereafter. Fasting strengthens self-discipline, increases reliance on Allah, and deepens one’s faith. These virtues elevate the believer’s spiritual rank and bring them closer to attaining the ultimate reward: paradise.