FASTING
FASTING IN THE NOBLE QUR’AN
O’ those who believe, you have been instructed to fast just as those who were before you were instructed, so that you can save yourselves (from sins). (Surah al-Baqarah 2:183-185)
Allah Ta’ala tells us that the previous religions were instructed to fast too, just like we are instructed. The reason for fasting was always the same: fasting helps to build discipline.
When we fast, we have to fight ourselves to avoid eating and drinking what we want. We constantly remind ourselves that Allah Ta’ala is watching us and we are fasting. In the same way, it’s hoped that after Ramadan, we will develop the same thinking if there’s ever an opportunity to commit a sin, that Allah Ta’ala is watching, and this will help us control ourselves and fight the temptations to sin.
(The fasts) are for a few countable days.
The next verse begins by telling us that fasting is only for a small number of days compared to the rest of the days of the year in which we are allowed to eat. It’s not a big sacrifice for us as the majority of the year we aren’t obliged to fast!
However, some scholars feel that this part of the verse links to the previous verse’s ending: Allah Ta’ala may also be telling us that we have to save ourselves from sins only for a few countable days!
Though it sounds absurd to say that we should only be good Muslims for one month, it does have something behind it. When we save ourselves from committing sins for thirty days straight, it will become a habit, and we will feel ashamed to break our streak and disobey Allah Ta’ala. This is why it’s only a matter of being our best for just thirty days, after which we will automatically become better Muslims in Sha Allah.
Whoever from amongst you is ill or on a journey, then (they should fast) the (same) number on other days.
The next part explains that those people who can’t fast should fast on other days. It is Allah Ta’ala‘s mercy on our sick and those who are facing the hardships of travel that they don’t have to fast in Ramadan if it’s difficult.
Those who are unable to fast are required to give compensation by feeding the poor.
As for those who can’t fast at all due to old age or a chronic illness, Allah Ta’ala has
even given an alternative: giving Sadaqah for every day they can’t fast (more
details on Fidya will come later).
Whoever gives more voluntarily, then it’s better for him.
As for those who can’t fast at all and therefore pay compensation, then the required amount is only a minimum so that it can accommodate those who are poor and can’t give much. But someone who feels bad about not being able to fast should give as much charity as they can, and the reward will be greater.
But fasting is better for you, if you knew (the benefit of it).
However, Allah Ta’ala reminds us at the end that the benefits of fasting are immense, and we should never try to miss any fast of Ramadan. It comes in the Hadiths that if a person deliberately misses a fast of Ramadan, then even fasting his entire life won’t bring the same reward than he would have received for fasting that one day!
BY HUDA PRESS
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John Doe
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