Explore 7 benefits of Fasting in Islam, including spiritual, health, and emotional rewards. Learn how Islamic fasting enhances self-discipline and empathy.
Fasting, called Sawm in Arabic, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is very important for Muslims. Fasting is not just about not eating or drinking from dawn to sunset. It is much more than that. Fasting is about giving up bad habits and feeling closer to Allah. It helps us refresh our faith.
Allah wants us to do more than just give up food and water. He wants us to stop doing bad things. This means we should control our anger, not hurt others, avoid fights, and stay away from bad actions. By doing this, we clean our hearts and minds, and we get closer to Allah. This is why Fasting and Taqwa go hand in hand!
The true meaning of fasting is to improve ourselves and seek forgiveness. It is a time to focus on our faith, feel empathy for those who have less, and strengthen our bond with Allah. Through fasting, we learn patience, thankfulness, and humility. This makes us better people, both spiritually and morally.
The Root Meaning of Sawm
Fasting, known as Siyam or Sawm in Arabic, means to refrain from eating, drinking, and talking. Also, a person who does this is called a saim, or an observer of the fast. Interestingly, the word “sawm” can also mean “to remain silent.” In Shari`ah, sawm has a special meaning. It refers to worshiping Allah by abstaining from activities with the intention to please Him. Therefore, it is very necessary to understand that sawm or fasting in Islam is not just giving up food or water. But, giving up food and water is a small, however, mandatory part of it.
Sawm in the light of the Quran
The Quran on Fasting brings much clarity on this topic. It mentions fasting many times, most dominantly in Surah Al-Baqarah. The word “Sawm” and its derivatives appear around 14 times in the Quran. Other Surahs mentioning fasting include Surah Al-Maaida and Surah Al-Ahzaab and others.
Fasting is undoubtedly associated with good character, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 35:
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
Sawn in the light of Sunnah
There are many hadiths on Fasting in Islam. Some sheds light on the importance of Fast in Ramadan. And some tell us about Fasting on the Day of Ashura or in Muharram.
One of the most notable and beautiful hadith is:
Narrated Abu Huraira:The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)”(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
This hadith importantly tells us that the real essence of fasting is Islam is to get rid of bad habits. It is mandatory for us to correct our speech. Instead, we should be more focused to remember Allah, do good deeds, and gain good habits.
Fasting in Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month filled with countless blessings and Barakah. Allah has made this month particularly special by chaining the devils and closing the gates of hell, making it easier for Muslims to focus on worship and good deeds. One of the key aspects of Ramadan is fasting, or Sawm, which is mandatory for all Muslims who are healthy and have reached puberty.
Ramadan Fasting is Farz, meaning it is an obligation that every capable Muslim must fulfill. The month of Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, and is followed by the joyous celebration of Eid. Eid marks the end of the fasting period and is a time for festivities, gratitude, and togetherness.
When we observe fasts during Ramadan, we not only fulfill our religious duty but also draw closer to our faith, or Deen. Islamic Fasting Rules more than just abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. It is a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah. Through fasting, we learn to give up bad habits, such as anger and negative behaviors, and adopt good ones, like patience, humility, and empathy.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1899)
7 benefits of fasting in Islam
Fasting in Islam has more benefits than we can ever imagine. Most of us think Fasting in Islam is only limited to the holy month of Ramadan. But it is not so!
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It was said:
“O Messenger of Allah, why do you fast on Mondays and Thursdays?” He said: “On Mondays and Thursdays Allah forgives every Muslim except two who have forsaken one another. He says: ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1740)
Let’s learn about more benefits of fasting in Islam.
1. Spiritual Benefits of observing sawm
Fasting during Ramadan brings a unique and blissful feeling of closeness to Allah. Waking up for Suhoor, while the world sleeps, creates a special bond with our Creator. It is a peaceful time for reflection and prayer, setting a spiritual tone for the day ahead. This early morning devotion fills our hearts with a sense of purpose and connection to Allah.
As the day progresses and we abstain from food, drink, and negative behaviors, we constantly remind ourselves of our faith and devotion. This continuous awareness fosters a deep spiritual connection, making us feel near to Allah throughout the day.
At Iftar, when the Maghrib call to prayer signals the end of the fast, we experience a profound sense of contentment and gratitude. Breaking the fast with loved ones, sharing in the blessings of the meal, fills our hearts with joy and rejuvenates our spirits. This moment of fulfillment and happiness encourages us to continue striving for spiritual growth and deeper devotion to Allah.
2. Health Benefits of sawm
Beyond its spiritual significance, fasting during Ramadan offers several health benefits. Research indicates that fasting can lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance heart health. It also helps in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, which improves sleep quality. Fasting also helps in regulating hormones. Additionally, fasting allows the digestive system to rest and rejuvenate. By pausing constant digestion, the body can enhance its metabolic processes and support better overall health. This rest period helps the digestive system repair and reset, leading to improved functionality.
Thus, fasting during Ramadan or normal days not only strengthens our spiritual bond with Allah but also promotes physical health, making it a comprehensive approach to well-being.
3. Fasting in Islam is also following Sunnah
Fasting and Patience in Islam extends beyond Ramadan and includes several Sunnah fasts, recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These include fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month), and the Day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj. Additionally, fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) and the six days of Shawwal after Ramadan are also Sunnah. These fasts help Muslims draw closer to Allah, enhance self-discipline, and gain spiritual and physical benefits, further integrating fasting into daily worship and devotion.
Narrated Qatadah Ibn Malhan al-Qaysi:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to command us to fast the days of the white (nights): thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the month. He said: This is like keeping perpetual fast. (Sunan Abi Dawud 2449)
4. It helps us prepare better for Ramadan
When Ramadan comes, we are on another level! However, by the time Ramadan ends, we all think that we could have done better. That’s when the routine of fasting on normal days comes to our rescue!Fasting on normal days helps prepare us for Ramadan by building self-discipline and strengthening our willpower. Regular fasting trains the body to cope with hunger and thirst, making the transition into Ramadan smoother. It also fosters a habit of increased prayer, reflection, and mindfulness, thus, enhancing our spiritual readiness.
5. Covering the missed Fasts of Ramadan
We all know that missed fasts from Ramadan need to be covered, but many of us often forget them once Ramadan ends. By regularly observing fasts throughout the year, we can not only fulfill any missed fasts but also earn additional rewards. This practice helps us stay committed to our religious duties and ensures we maintain spiritual discipline. Keeping extra fasts beyond Ramadan allows us to remain engaged in the practice, making us more consistent in seeking Allah’s rewards and reinforcing our devotion.
6. Fasting in Ramadan is a way to enter Paradise!
Narrated Sahl:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”(Sahih al-Bukhari 1896)
Don’t we all want to attain Paradise? So, we should focus on fasting in Islam and fulfill all the rights to attain Paradise through Asr-Raiyan!
7. Earning great rewards through fasting in Islam
Allah is Al-Wahhab, and He is very generous and rewards good deeds abundantly. And Fasting is a special way to earn many rewards from Him. When we fast, we not only follow a key religious practice but also gain Allah’s blessings. Each fast helps us grow closer to Allah and seek His forgiveness. Whether during Ramadan or other recommended times, fasting is deeply valued by Allah and brings great rewards. By fasting, we can receive His kindness and increase our spiritual rewards.
Conclusion
Fasting in Islam offers profound spiritual and personal benefits. It is among the 5 Pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasts of Ramadan, observing Sunnah fasts enhances our self-discipline and deepens our connection with Allah. Each fast is an opportunity to seek His forgiveness, earn abundant rewards, and grow in faith. By embracing fasting throughout the year, we enrich our spiritual lives, strengthen our devotion, and experience the blessings of Allah’s generous rewards.
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FAQs
Why is SAWM so important in Islam?
Sawm, or fasting, is vital in Islam as it fulfills a key religious obligation, promotes self-discipline, and strengthens spiritual connection with Allah.
What are the moral benefits of SAWM?
Fasting in Islam is also about giving bad habits and inculcating good ones. It encourages patience, humility, and kindness, helping us grow spiritually and morally, while strengthening our connection with Allah and promoting good character.
What does the Quran say about sawm?
Sawm or Fasting is mentioned 14 times in the Quran in different Surahs. It is associated as a good and rewarding deed.
What happens if Sawm is broken?
If the sawm gets broken unknowingly, for example, if you are fasting and you happen to eat or drink without any intention too, then your sawm is not broken. But if it is done unknowingly, then Surah Baqarah mentions ways to fulfill its dues.
What are the three types of fasting in Islam
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory which is called Fardh. Fasting when our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW fasted is Sunnah. Fasting any day voluntarily is Nafl fasting in Islam. It makes one worthy of rewards and is counted as a good deed if done rightly.
Can you drink water during fasting?
Drinking and eating is prohibited while fasting in Islam.