Fasting, known as “Sawm” in Arabic, is the second most important religious obligation after prayer in Islam. The term “Sawm” means abstaining, and in religious terms, it refers to refraining from food, drink, and intimate relations from dawn till sunset. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim, and it holds a special place in Islamic teachings. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah instructs the believers to fast as it was prescribed to the people before them (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183). Fasting teaches self-discipline, and humility, and enhances one’s consciousness of Allah (Taqwa).
Throughout Islamic history, fasting has been an essential spiritual practice for developing a deeper connection with God and fostering self-restraint. In this article, we will explore several hadiths related to fasting, providing their English and Urdu translations and discussing their meanings. Additionally, we will explain the important lessons learned from each hadith.
The Gates of Heaven Open in Ramadan
Hadith in Arabic
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا جاء رمضان فتحت أبواب الجنة، وغلقت أبواب النار، وصفدت الشياطين” (صحيح البخاري ومسلم).
Hadith in English
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “جب رمضان کا مہینہ آتا ہے تو جنت کے دروازے کھول دیے جاتے ہیں، جہنم کے دروازے بند کر دیے جاتے ہیں، اور شیطانوں کو جکڑ دیا جاتا ہے” (صحیح بخاری اور صحیح مسلم)۔
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith beautifully illustrates the spiritual benefits of Ramadan. The “gates of Heaven being opened” symbolize that Allah’s mercy is abundantly available during this holy month. It encourages Muslims to perform good deeds because the rewards are multiplied. The “gates of Hell being closed” signifies protection from sinful behaviour, while the chaining of the devils indicates that evil influences are reduced, giving believers a better opportunity to focus on their worship.
Key Lessons from This Hadith
- Ramadan offers increased mercy and forgiveness from Allah.
- This month is a time for Muslims to increase their good deeds.
- The reduced influence of devils helps believers stay on the path of righteousness.
Fasting is a Shield
Hadith in Arabic
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “الصيام جنة، فلا يرفث ولا يجهل، وإن امرؤ قاتله أو شاتمه فليقل إني صائم، إني صائم” (صحيح البخاري ومسلم).
Hadith in English
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Fasting is a shield, so the person observing fasting should avoid obscene behavior and ignorance. If someone fights with him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “روزہ ایک ڈھال ہے، لہٰذا روزے دار کو فحش باتوں اور جہالت سے بچنا چاہیے، اور اگر کوئی اس سے لڑائی جھگڑا کرے یا اسے گالی دے تو وہ کہے کہ میں روزے سے ہوں، میں روزے سے ہوں” (صحیح بخاری اور صحیح مسلم)۔
Explanation of the Hadith
In this hadith, fasting is compared to a shield that protects a person from sinful actions and negative influences. By fasting, a believer builds self-control, not only by abstaining from food and drink but also by avoiding harmful behaviours. This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining good character while fasting. Even when provoked, a fasting person is encouraged to remain calm and avoid retaliation, reminding themselves and others of their state of fasting.
Key Lessons from This Hadith
- Fasting serves as a protective barrier from immoral behaviour.
- A fasting person should demonstrate patience and refrain from engaging in arguments.
- The spiritual discipline during fasting helps in refining one’s character.
The Reward of Fasting
Hadith in Arabic
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصيام فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به” (صحيح البخاري ومسلم).
Hadith in English
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward him for it.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “ابن آدم کا ہر عمل اس کے لیے ہے، سوائے روزے کے، روزہ خاص میرے لیے ہے اور میں ہی اس کا بدلہ دوں گا” (صحیح بخاری اور صحیح مسلم)۔
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith highlights the uniqueness of fasting as an act of worship. Unlike other deeds, which may be observed by others, fasting is a private act between the individual and Allah. The sincerity required in fasting is rewarded directly by Allah. The exclusivity of fasting in terms of its reward demonstrates the deep spiritual connection it fosters between a believer and their Creator.
Key Lessons from This Hadith:
- Fasting holds a special status as a form of worship in Islam.
- Allah personally rewards fasting, showing its significance.
- The act of fasting fosters a deeper relationship between the believer and Allah.
Fasting Cleanses the Soul
Hadith in Arabic
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “من صام يوما في سبيل الله باعد الله وجهه عن النار سبعين خريفا” (صحيح البخاري ومسلم).
Hadith in English
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will keep his face seventy years distance from the Fire.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابن عباس رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “جو شخص اللہ کی رضا کے لیے ایک دن کا روزہ رکھتا ہے، اللہ اس کے چہرے کو جہنم سے ستر سال کی مسافت تک دور کر دیتا ہے” (صحیح بخاری اور صحیح مسلم)۔
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith highlights the immense reward of fasting, even for a single day. Fasting is not just an act of worship but also a means of attaining Allah’s protection from Hellfire. The distance mentioned in the hadith, “seventy years,” symbolizes a significant separation from the punishment of Hell, showing the value and impact of fasting.
Key Lessons from This Hadith
- Fasting is a powerful means of earning Allah’s protection from Hellfire.
- Even fasting for a single day holds great spiritual benefits.
- This hadith emphasizes the mercy of Allah towards those who fast sincerely.
Conclusion The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Fasting in Islam is not merely a physical act of abstaining from food and drink. It is a holistic practice that involves controlling one’s desires, refraining from negative behaviours, and focusing on spiritual purification. Through fasting, Muslims develop patience, self-control, and a closer relationship with Allah. The hadiths we discussed highlight the virtues of fasting, including its protective nature, its role in deepening one’s consciousness of Allah, and its ability to shield a person from sin and Hellfire.
Fasting during Ramadan is a unique opportunity for believers to cleanse their hearts, renew their faith, and strengthen their resolve to live a life that pleases Allah. Each hadith about fasting serves as a reminder of the numerous blessings that come with this important religious obligation.