Abstract:
Fasting is a practice that has always been
recommended by health experts throughout history, and is
practiced in religions other than Islam, such as Christianity,
Budhism, and Hinduism. This article delves into the spiritual
and epistemic features and benefits of fasting; it purges the
root of lust, strengthens a person’s will power, and improves
a person’s ability to contemplate. A person’s fast comes with
restraining himself from immoral thoughts and actions, and
has a lasting effect. Additionally, several narrations are
offered to reveal its significance as well as its effects on
people in this world and in the next.
Machine summary:
"In a sermon, the Prophet said, "Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan by listening [to what is useful for his success] and prevents his ears, eyes, tongue and his other organs from immoral acts – such as lying and backbiting – with the intention of getting closer to God, God will make him close to Himself in a way that he will be close in level to Prophet Abraham.
Does anything except the harvest of one's tongue put him into the Fire by one’s face?" In another narration, Ma‘adh ibn Jabal asked the Prophet, "Will we be questioned about our speech?" to which the Prophet replied, "Does anything except the harvest of one's tongue put him face first into the Fire?"1 Thus, with less talking, a more appropriate fast transpires, resulting in strengthening a person’s faith and elevating him spiritually to strengthen his faith to eventually take him closer to God. F) Fasting strengthens man's willpower Another effect of fasting is that it enables man's will to become stronger.
"2 This implies that fasting – along with – silence – is so significant that without it a person cannot step in the path of serving God. Moreover, fasting has such great impact on one’s understanding and spirituality that it brings forth virtues such as wisdom, knowledge, certainty, and even satisfaction.
Thus, the results of hunger while fasting as explained above are: a) wisdom, b) saving the heart from temptations, and having spiritual stability and steadiness, and c) gaining proximity to God by doing what He desires and gaining knowledge."