Virtue of Fasting

A few virtues and benefits of fasting.


The Quran  commands that during the twenty nine (29), or thirty (30) days of Ramadan, the month of Islamic  calendar, Muslims must fast so that they might become conscious of Allah.


Fasting provides an exacting exercise in self-discipline, and it strengthens and deepens our faith. It honors the memory of the sending down of the  Quran which took place in the holy month of Ramadan.


It makes the faster realize through his own experience, how it feels like to be hungry, and thirsty, and thus makes him appreciate the needs of the poor.


Our body is composed of bones, muscles, and blood. But Allah (SWT) has given us a soul, and ability to think what is right, and what is wrong, and to choose what our soul needs or our desire here on earth. Therefore, man is higher than animals, and the angels as well. Heaven is our homeland, this earth is a place of trial for us.


Fasting raises us above our self and provides a spiritual "lift up". It liberates us from desires and temptations. It is the rein of the God-fearing; that is it restrains or controls him as a rein controls a horse.


The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: 


"When the month of Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are thrown wide open, the gates of hell closed, and the devils are put into chains."


"Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of Faith and seeking reward of Allah will have his/her past sins forgiven; and he/her who passes the Laylatul-Qadr in prayer our of Faith and seeking His Pleasure, will have his/her past sins forgiven."


Fasting is a shield against sins, so the faster should not indulge in shameful talking, and surely the breath of a faster is pleasant to Allah than the smell of musk.


Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
Allah said: Every action of the son of Adam is for him except fasting, for that is for ME. I give the reward for it. The fast is a shield, if one is fasting he/she should not use foul language, raise his voice, or behave foolishly.  If someone reviles him/her or fight with him/her, he/she should say, 'I am fasting' (twice). 
By the One in whose hand is the soul of Mohammad (SAW) the breath of the one fasting is better in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection than the smell of musk."
"Sahih Muslim"


Abdullah ibn Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah(SAW) said:


The fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection:
The fast will say: "O Lord, I prevented him/her from food, and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him/her.
The Quran will say: "I prevented him/her from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him/her.
And their intercession will be accepted."
"Ahmad"