Fasting is one of the great acts of worship ordained by Allah for Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam; a Muslim’s faith is not complete without it. Fasting is both a spiritual and physical act of worship; it trains the soul in patience, purifies it, and helps a person control their desires. It is also a means of drawing closer to Allah and attaining piety. The obligation of fasting is mentioned in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Al-Baqarah: 183)
This indicates that fasting was not only prescribed for Muslims but is an ancient act of worship with great spiritual and physical benefits.
In Islam, fasting is abstaining from all things that break the fast from true dawn (Fajr) until sunset, with the intention of worshipping Allah. Things that invalidate the fast include eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and deliberately breaking the fast. Allah made fasting obligatory in the month of Ramadan:
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the month, let him fast it.”
(Al-Baqarah: 185)
A Muslim must make the intention to fast before dawn, as intention is a condition for the validity of fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Allah prescribed fasting for many wise reasons:
“That you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is a discipline of the soul, obedience, and a means to achieve piety. A Muslim should perform this act sincerely for Allah’s sake. Allah specifically rewards fasting:
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
