Fasting in Ramadan: Nurturing the body, mind and soul

IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The month of Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred period in which Muslims abstain from food, drink and vices from dawn to sunset, in the hope of attaining greater taqwa (consciousness of Allah (SWT)). Fasting in Ramadan was ordained more than 1,400 years ago. While the ancient Greeks recommended fasting for physical healing, modern scientists today advocate modified fasting for its mental and physical benefits. Research suggests that restricting food intake during the day may help prevent health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and obesity, while also improving mental health and overall wellbeing.

Yet, the essence of fasting extends beyond abstaining from food and drink. The fasting of the body parts, restraining them from sin, is essential not only during Ramadan but throughout one’s life. This is attainable only when the fear and consciousness of Allah dwell firmly in our hearts.

Reflect upon the terrifying scenes of the Day of Judgement: every soul concerned only with itself; the sun blazing fiercely overhead; tongues parched with thirst; family members fleeing from one another. Sinners will be seized, their mouths sealed, and their own limbs will testify against them. Allah (SWT) states in Qur’an, Surah Yasin:

“Today, We shall set a seal on their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to what they used to do.” (Surah Yasin Qr 36:65)

It is therefore imperative for Muslims to fear the trials of the Day of Judgement and strive earnestly to prevent their limbs from engaging in sin. The following are aspects of the fasting of the body:

Fasting of the eyes

We must make our eyes fast by looking only at what is permissible—such as the Masjid, the Noble Qur’an, and, if granted the opportunity, the Holy Ka’bah; the sacred streets, valleys, and mountains of Makka-tul-Mukarramah; and the blessed city of Madinah-tul-Munawwarah with its green dome, minarets, deserts, gardens, and Masjid.

Let your eyes truly fast. Never misuse this precious gift of Allah (SWT) by gazing at what has been prohibited by the Shari’ah—indecent films, immoral dramas, non-Mahram women, attractive youths with lustful intent, or anyone’s private parts, including your own, without necessity. Avoid watching games and amusements that lead to heedlessness of Allah’s remembrance. Activities involving exposure of the body from the navel up to and including the knees are impermissible, and looking at such areas is likewise forbidden. Do not peep into another’s home or read someone’s letter or notebook without permission.

Fasting of the ears

The fasting of the ears entails listening only to permissible and beneficial sounds: the recitation of the Noble Qur’an, Sunnah-inspiring speeches, beneficial discussions, the Adhan and Iqamah, and responding to them. Avoid listening to music, songs, indecent jokes, backbiting, tale-bearing, and the faults of others. Do not eavesdrop on private conversations.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “If anyone listens secretly to the conversation of people who resent it, molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Judgement.” (Mu’jam Kabir)

Fasting of the tongue

The fasting of the tongue means speaking only words that are good and lawful: recitation of the Noble Qur’an, Zikr, Salat-‘Alan-Nabi, Na’at, Dars, inspiring speeches, calling towards righteousness, and beneficial counsel. Refrain from idle talk. Guard your tongue against abuse, lies, tale-bearing, and slander.

If a spoon becomes impure, it may be cleansed with water. But when the tongue is stained with indecent speech, even the waters of seven oceans cannot purify it without sincere repentance.

The consequences of misusing the tongue

Narrated by Anas (RA): One day, the beloved and blessed Prophet (SAW) instructed his companions (RA) to fast and said, “None of you should break his fast until I permit him.” In the evening, the companions sought permission to perform Iftar, and he granted it to them individually.

A companion (RA) then said, “Ya Rasulullah (SAW), in my house are two girls who have fasted but are shy to come here. Please permit them to break their fast.” The Prophet (SAW) turned away. Upon repeated requests, he said, revealing knowledge of the unseen:

“Those two girls have not fasted. How can they claim to have fasted when they have been eating the flesh of people all day? Go and tell them to vomit if they have fasted.”

When they vomited, blood and pieces of flesh emerged. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“I swear by the One in Whose Hand is my life! Had it remained in their stomachs, the Fire would have consumed them.”

(Reported by At-Targhib wat-Tarhib)

In another narration, he (SAW) explained: “They fasted from what Allah made Halal, but broke their fast with what Allah made Haram. They sat together and ate the flesh of people (by backbiting).” (Reported by At-Targhib wat-Tarhib)

This narration teaches that sins such as backbiting can nullify the spirit and reward of fasting, making it spiritually burdensome. Whether fasting or not, a believer must control his speech to avoid severe consequences.

If we uphold three principles, we can avoid much harm: Evil speech is always harmful; silence is better than idle talk; righteous speech is better than silence.

Fasting of the hands

The fasting of the hands requires using them only for virtuous deeds—touching the Noble Qur’an in a state of purity, assisting others, and greeting fellow believers sincerely. The Noble Prophet (SAW) said:

“When two people who love one another for the sake of Allah shake hands and send salat upon the Messenger, their previous sins are forgiven before they part.” (Reported by Musnad Abi Ya’la)

Show kindness to orphans, for there is reward in every compassionate gesture. Never use your hands for oppression, bribery, theft, gambling, or unlawful physical contact.

Fasting of the feet

The fasting of the feet entails walking only towards goodness—attending the Masjid, visiting scholars and the pious, participating in Sunnah-inspiring gatherings, inviting others to righteousness, and helping the needy. How blessed it would be to walk in the sacred lands of Makka-tul-Mukarramah and Madinah-tul-Munawwarah; to visit Mina, ‘Arafat, and Muzdalifah; and to perform Tawaf and Sa’i.

Do not misuse your feet by going towards places of sin, harmful company, or heedless entertainment.

True blessings of fasting are attained only when all body parts fast from sin. Otherwise, one gains nothing but hunger and thirst. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “There are many who fast and obtain nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many who stand (in prayer at night) and gain nothing but sleeplessness.” (Reported by Sunan Ibn Majah)

Therefore, those who fail to restrain their limbs from sin during fasting miss its spiritual essence. Likewise, those who spend their nights in gossip, idle chatter, or games lose not only their health and time but also jeopardise their Hereafter.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to fast with our bodies, minds, and souls, and to attain the true spirit and reward of Ramadan. Ameen.