Meaningful Fasting Based on Faith and Knowledge

Why is the legal basis for the obligation of Ramadan fasting linked to the fasting once enjoined upon communities before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Verse 183 of Surah al-Baqarah indicates that fasting — both during and outside Ramadan — is highly beneficial for humanity, particularly for Muslims. Fasting is replete with extraordinary wisdom and benefits.

For this reason, Allah the Almighty affirms the added value of fasting by declaring: “Fasting is better for you, if only you knew.” (QS Al-Baqarah [2]: 184).

The affirmation that “fasting is better” is accompanied by the condition “if you knew” or possess knowledge about fasting. This can be understood to mean that meaningful fasting must be grounded in adequate knowledge, in addition to strong faith.

Thus, the form of fasting that can make a Muslim’s life better is fasting based on knowledge — not merely fasting that involves enduring thirst and hunger. Fasting based on faith and knowledge should ideally lead to the ultimate purpose of fasting: becoming a servant who is truly devout.

On one occasion, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked his companion Muadh ibn Jabal: “Shall I show you the gates of goodness?” “Of course, O Messenger of God,” Muadh replied.

The Prophet then explained that the gates of goodness are: fasting as a shield; charitable giving as an extinguisher of sins, just as water extinguishes fire; and a person’s prayer in the middle of the night (qiyamul lail) (Narrated by an-Nasa’i).

How can Ramadan fasting serve as a personal shield or moral fortress against all evil and sinful deeds?

Various studies on fasting demonstrate that human life — and indeed all of God’s creatures — requires fasting. This means fasting is an existential need that must be undertaken systemically in order to live normally, remain healthy, and be free from disease. Fasting even serves as both a preventive and curative measure, functioning as natural healing therapy for various ailments.

Several of God’s creatures besides humans also fast naturally. Snakes and ants fast by remaining motionless and not eating in their hiding places for days or months. Poultry such as chickens and ducks refrain from eating and drinking for certain periods while incubating their eggs so they can hatch.

Certain species of fish migrate from their place of origin to other locations, covering distances of many kilometres over several weeks without eating. Birds that migrate to very distant places fly more nimbly and lightly whilst in a state of fasting. Polar bears remain still for five months each year, also without eating.

Fasting is therefore one of the needs of living creatures, including humans, for the sake of transformation towards a better condition. A caterpillar fasts inside its cocoon for approximately 36 days. Before fasting, the caterpillar is repulsive and frightening, yet after fasting it transforms into a beautiful, attractive butterfly that everyone wishes to approach and hold.

Ramadan fasting must be undertaken as a process and means of carrying out a mental and spiritual transformation — from being a human who is a “servant of the stomach and carnal desires” (abdul bathni wa abdul hawa) to becoming a servant of God who possesses both vertical and horizontal closeness, with God and with fellow human beings.

For this reason, strong faith can make the heart sincerely receptive in responding to and undertaking Ramadan worship. When a clean heart is called upon by God and His Messenger to fast, then with joy and profound gratitude, the believers adopt the attitude of sami’na wa atha’na (wholeheartedly ready to carry out obedience) in undertaking the worship of Ramadan fasting.

Faith in one’s pure innermost heart constitutes positive energy that drives believers to be patient in exercising self-control, managing the turbulence of carnal desires, and warding off the various temptations of Satan that infiltrate the self.

Faith as the foundation and primary capital for fasting ensures that a servant always feels watched over and audited by God, such that God is always present and accompanying them in their life. Conviction in muraqabatullah (feeling watched by God) is of paramount importance, as it gives one prime awareness and a strong spiritual commitment to love only God and His Messenger.

This awareness leaves no room for committing acts that are forbidden and despised by Him. With steadfast faith, a servant can savour the pleasure and beauty of Ramadan fasting worship.

If faith represents the inner power that drives action, then knowledge serves as the compass that points the way and guides the journey of life. Through knowledge, a servant receives guidance and direction along the righteous path. Through knowledge too, Ramadan worship becomes richly meaningful, containing abundant life wisdom, whilst simultaneously serving as a medium for mental, spiritual, and moral transformation towards enhanced quality of faith, knowledge, and righteous deeds.

Thus, faith and knowledge as the foundation of meaningful Ramadan worship can lead the shaimin (those who fast) to become devout servants who are loved, blessed, and forgiven by God.

The shaimin and shaimat need to strengthen their faith that Ramadan worship based on faith, knowledge, and the spirit of seeking God’s pleasure can yield forgiveness of sins from Allah the Almighty (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim). May steadfast faith and adequate knowledge open the doors of His mercy and forgiveness in this holy month. Wallahu a’lam bi ash-shawab!

Muhbib Abdul Wahab is a lecturer at the Postgraduate Programme of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teaching Sciences, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, and Deputy Chairman of the Pesantren Development Institute of PP Muhammadiyah.