There is wisdom in all the commands of Allah. When Allah commands or prohibits it is for our own benefit. The main benefit of obedience to Allah is in the hereafter but there are also worldly benefits, even if we cannot always see. Allah will personally reward the one who fasts. Reflect on the following few wisdom of fasting.

Removing Negative Traits

Human beings are created from 4 elements; Fire, clay, water and air. Similarly, after iman we have 4 fundamental ibadats; Salah, Sawm, Hajj and Zakat. Each iabadat combats an element.

  • Fire – Overpowering – This creates arrogance and pride. To combat this, we have salah. We prostrate to Allah daily with our forehead on the ground, this humbles us.
  • Clay – Miserliness – Soil conceals and hides everything. Humans have the quality of stinginess. To combat this, we have zakat.
  • Water – Discontent – Wherever it finds space it goes; it is not content. Humans are always in greed for more. To combat this, we have Hajj.
  • Air – Always present – It wants to be known. Humans want fame and recognition. To combat this, we have fasting. Fasting is a hidden action.

Instilling Positive Traits

1) Creates God consciousness – This is knowing Allah is always watching and due to it one refrains from sins. To reflect on life, the purpose and that one day we will return to Allah. The main purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa as mentioned in the Quran; O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may become righteous. [2:183]

2) Strengthens angelic quality – Human beings have four traits within themselves.

  • ANIMALISTIC – Animals like to eat, drink and roam free. This is what people like; freedom and enjoyment of life.
  • CARNIVOROUS – Lions/tigers get angry, take revenge and want to fight. People too have this carnivorous nature.
  • DEVILISH – Shaytan deceives and is cunning. People have this nature too; Making evil plans, wishing bad and committing sins.
  • ANGELIC – Angels are good and obedient. Human have guilt after doing sin, they want to be good and have good nature.

All these four traits exist within humans. In order to have the angelic nature suppress all other negative qualities, we are to fast. Fasting controls our behaviour, evil thoughts as well refraining from eating and drinking.

3) Builds patience – Refraining from eating and drinking trains the body to be patient and strong. The aim should be to continue this after Ramadhan, as we know Allah rewards immensely those who bear patience.

4) Creates affection – Fasting for the entire day makes us realise how fortunate we are. Allah has blessed us with food, many are struggling with the basics. This realisation creates affection for the poor to which, we give charity.

The above is an edited summary of Ramadhan bayan by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Nawab delivered on 30/04/20.