The Spiritual Significance of Ramadan Fasting in Islam

Understanding the Spiritual and Practical Significance of Ramadan Fasting

Friday, March 7, 2025

Fasting, or Saumu, is a religious practice in Islam that involves abstaining from specific activities for a set period, driven by spiritual intention. This sacred act is both a physical and spiritual discipline, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and belief.

In the Arabic language, the word Saumu can have various meanings, including refraining from certain activities or avoiding particular things. One of the references to Saumu in the Qur'an appears in the story of Maryam (Mary), where it is stated, “Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful a fast, so I will not speak today to any man.” (Qur’an 19:26). Here, the term Saumu is used to describe the act of abstaining from speaking, showing its linguistic diversity.

In the context of Islamic law, Saumu refers to fasting with the intention to refrain from specific actions during a defined period, and it must adhere to certain guidelines.

The Essence of Fasting in Islam
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered one of the most revered acts of worship. It is a unique form of worship, highlighted by a Hadith Qudsi, where Allah (SWT) says, "All actions of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward him for it." (Bukhari & Muslim). This emphasizes the personal and hidden nature of fasting, which serves as a direct connection between the individual and their Creator. The essence of this act is to purify the soul, keeping away from worldly distractions and focusing purely on devotion to Allah.

Fasting teaches true piety (taqwa) – the consciousness of Allah – a central virtue in Islam. As the Qur’an states: “...that you may become righteous.” (2:183). The ultimate aim of fasting is not only physical restraint but also spiritual development, fostering greater obedience to Allah and self-control. Sayyid Qutb (may Allah have mercy on him) beautifully expresses the core objective of fasting: "True piety emerges when hearts are purified through fasting, seeking to earn Allah’s pleasure and stay away from any disobedience, even in thought."

The Wisdom Behind the Obligation of Fasting
Fasting has multiple benefits that enrich both the physical and spiritual aspects of life:

1. Resisting Satan’s Influence: Fasting restricts the pathways through which Satan tempts individuals, limiting the physical desires that lead to sinful actions.

2. Building Empathy for the Poor: By experiencing hunger, a fasting person gains a deeper understanding and compassion for the struggles of the less fortunate.

3. Strengthening Self-Discipline: Fasting helps to overcome personal desires and urges, leading one closer to Allah by putting aside indulgence in favor of spiritual closeness.

4. Developing Patience: Fasting trains the individual in resilience and patience, especially when faced with life's challenges and difficulties.

5. Improving Health: Fasting has significant health benefits, such as weight regulation, improving metabolism, and reducing the risk of diseases related to overconsumption, such as diabetes and hypertension.

The Pillars of Fasting
There are two fundamental elements to fasting:

1. Intention (Niyyah): The intention must be made before dawn (Fajr) for the fast to be valid. This intention sets the purpose for the act of worship.

2. Abstention from things that invalidate the fast: This includes refraining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual relations during daylight hours.

Who is Exempt from Fasting?

Certain individuals are permitted to break their fast, and while they are exempt from fasting, they are required to make up for it by providing compensation (fidya) for each missed day by feeding a needy person.

1. Elderly: Those who face significant difficulty fasting throughout the year are allowed to break their fast and compensate by feeding a poor person for every day missed.

2. Chronic Illness: Individuals suffering from diseases with no hope of recovery are allowed to break their fast, and they too must compensate by feeding the poor.

3. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: There is scholarly disagreement among Islamic jurists regarding fasting for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some scholars recommend breaking the fast with a compensation of feeding the poor, while others advise paying compensation without making up for the missed days.

The amount of fidya for each missed day is equivalent to one mudd (approximately 544 grams) of the local staple food, according to the Shafi’i school of thought.

Those Allowed to Fast Later:
Some individuals are allowed to break their fast but are required to make up the missed days after their situation improves:

1. Sick Individuals with Expected Recovery: Those who have temporary health issues can break their fast but must make up the missed days at a later time.

2. Travelers: Individuals traveling are permitted to break their fast. However, they must make up the missed days. The type of journey that allows breaking the fast is typically one that permits shortening the obligatory prayers (qasr), and it is defined as a journey recognized by the local community as "travel."