How Fasting Helps One Grow in Taqwa
Fasting is among the acts of worship that are not limited to Islam and are practiced by followers of other faiths as well.
According to the Quran, all peoples should fast as a duty. God says in Verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory for the people before you, so that you may have Taqwa (fear of God).”
So, according to this verse, achieving Taqwa is the main philosophy of fasting.
In Islam, fasting applies to the Batin in addition to the body and that is the way fasting helps one get closer to God.
Islam is complementary to all other divine religions and has everything that previous faiths may lack.
The followers of Islam are required to fast in the holy month of Ramadan and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities from dawn to sunset. While fasting in Ramadan is Wajib (obligatory), it is Mustahab (recommended) in other months of the year.
If one asks how fasting can help one grow in Taqwa, it should be said that by fasting and going through its difficulties, one gets closer to God. Although he is hungry and thirsty, he refuses to eat and drink and his patience and endurance helps to boost his Taqwa. A person who fasts, has control over his desires and inclinations and obeys the orders and injunctions of God. So he will achieve Taqwa and if he already has Taqwa, it will be strengthened in him.
According to Hadiths, whatever a fasting person does is an act of worship, even his breathing and sleep. This demonstrates the significance of fasting.
Another point about fasting is that when a person goes through hunger and thirst during fasting despite having access to food and water, it will strengthen the spirit of thankfulness and gratefulness to God for the blessing He has provided to him.
In Verse 184 of Surah Al-Baqarah, God says: “Fasting is only for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey has to fast the same number of days at another time. Those who can afford a redemption should feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one's own initiative will be rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded. Would that you knew this!”
Kaffara (expiation) provides an opportunity to recompense for individuals who cannot fast during Ramadan. Kaffara is a certain amount but if one wishes to give more, it would benefit him more.
In some cases, fasting is Haram. For example, Imam Sadiq (AS) said a pregnant woman or one who breastfeeds a baby is not allowed to fast because it might harm the fetus or the baby.
