For example...

For example, the duties mentioned by the holy prophet (SAW) in the Sha’baniyyah Supplication (Du’a) have nothing to do with fasting. Hence, the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan and our obligations in that month should not be mixed with the worth of fasting and our duties toward it. Here, we would like to talk about the essence and truth of fasting and its quality, and not about the worth and significance of the holy month of Ramadan or our duties in it.

Fasting is one of the ways by which human beings seek nearness to God exactly like the offering of prayer. By fasting, man can build his character, keep away from vices, be adorned with virtues, and save himself from the fire of Hell. By fasting, man can keep away from Satan and seek God’s assistance. By fasting, man can rectify his instincts, overcome his passions, awaken his humane emotions, strengthen his patience and endurance, reach his ultimate goal.

But what kind of fasting does have such worth and significance? Does fasting mean to abstain from eating and drinking only, or it has a more comprehensive and perfect meaning? We would better get the answer from the holy prophet of Islam (SAW) who has said: “There are many fasting people who get nothing from fasting other than hunger and thirst.

There are also many who keep vigil but get nothing from spending the night awake except sleeplessness.”[^5] The holy prophet (SAW) has also been reported as saying: “One who is fasting, but looks at a woman lustfully invalidates his fasting.”[^6] Imam Reza (AS) has been reported as having said: “Whenever you are fasting, your ears, eyes, skin, and hair must be fasting too.

You have to observe piety even in kissing and sleeping (with your womwn) while being fasting.”[^7] True traditions say: “…the day you are fasting should not be like the day you are not fasting.”[^8] Imam Sadiq (AS) has been reported as saying: “Fasting is not solely to abstain from eating and drinking. There are certain conditions to observe so that your fasting be valid. That is the inward fasting. Have you not heard what the daughter of Imran, Virgin Mary (AS) has said?

“Surely I have vowed a fast to the Beneficent God, so I shall not speak to any human being today.” [^9] It means ‘silence’.