Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Short Treatise on The Divine Invitation The Specific Fast The specific fast is a more meaningful fast. In this level, not only does the fasting one refrain from those things that he must avoid during the general fast, but he also ensures that every member of his body fasts. In fact, some traditions consider this fast as the fast[^1] anticipated from the believers. Observe the following narratives: 1.
The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said: رُبَّ صَائِمٍ حَظُّهُ مِنْ صِيَامِهِ الْجُوْعُ وَالْعَطَشُ، وَرُبَّ قَائِمٍ حَظُّهُ مِنْ قِيَامِهِ السَّهَرُ. “How often is the share of one who fasts, [nothing save] hunger and thirst, and how often is the share of one who stands in prayer [nothing but mere] vigil.[^2]” 2. Imām ‘Alī (‘a) is reported to have said: أَلصِّيَامُ إِجْـتِنَابُ الْمَحَارِمِِ كَمَا يَمْـتَنِعُ الرَّجُلُ مِنَ الطَّعَامِ وَالشَّرَابِ.
“Fasting is to abstain from forbidden acts the way a man refrains from food and drink.[^3]” 3. Hadrat Fātimah Zahrā’ (‘a) is reported to have said: مَا يَصْنَعُ الصَّائِمُ بِصِيَامِهِ إِذَا لَمْ يَصُنْ لِسَانَهُ وَسَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ وَجَوَارِحَهُ؟ “What should the fasting one do with his fast if he did not protect his tongue, hearing, sight and members of his body?[^4]” 4.
“Fasting from food and drink does not merely mean that the human being should not eat or drink; rather when you fast, then your ears, eyes, tongue, stomach, and private parts must [also] fast; and safeguard your hand and private parts and observe silence most of the time save from what is good to say; and be kind to your servant.[^5]” 5.