Fasting: Moral Discipline
Fasting is a form of worship. At the same time, it is training in moral discipline. Fasting helps a person live among others with high moral values. His behaviour with people should be responsible, not careless. Fasting teaches that freedom must be used within limits, not without limits. It is a lesson in self-restraint. This self-imposed disciplined way of life is the foundation of all reform.
According to a Hadith, the Prophet of Islam said that fasting is a shield. So, when anyone among you is observing a fast, he should neither speak indecently nor raise his voice. And if someone abuses him or fights with him, then he should respond: ‘Indeed, I am fasting.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1904; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 7693)
Fasting outwardly means giving up food and drink. But at the same time, it is connected to one’s entire way of life. Just as fasting tells a person to stop eating and drinking; in the same way, it teaches him that if he is fasting, he should not speak harshly. He should not make noise. Even if someone abuses him, he should not respond in the same way. Instead, he should unilaterally ignore it.
This Hadith explains the spirit of fasting. It shows that giving up food and drink in Ramadan is a symbolic act. The temporary fasting from food trains a person for another, more permanent kind of fasting. Through this small physical restraint, a person is being prepared for a much broader form of self-restraint.
An Islamic life is essentially a fasting-style life. Islam teaches that a person should not live without limits. He must know the difference between halal and haram. He should speak kind and gentle words and avoid rude or harsh speech. He should deal with others justly and stay away from injustice. He should fulfill people’s rights and avoid violating them. Fasting acts as a yearly course that trains a person to live in society with moral discipline.
A life of moral discipline demands unilateral patience. It is only possible when a person remains calm even after facing unpleasant behaviour from others. He forgives their wrongs and continues to treat them justly. This is a difficult test. That’s why, in Ramadan, a person is made to practice patience with something as basic as eating and drinking. Because when someone learns to bear a big hardship, smaller ones become easier to handle.
It is mentioned in a Hadith that a believer and his faith are like a horse tied to a post with a rope. The horse roams around but eventually returns to the post. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 11335) Fasting is like such a restraint. You are fasting. Someone says something rude to you. You feel angry. But your dry throat reminds you that you are fasting. You control your anger. Instead of reacting, you respond gently and move on.
Someone causes you physical pain. You feel like hurting them back. But your weak and hungry body reminds you that you are fasting for God. Your hands and feet stop. The one you wanted to take revenge on—you forgive instead. You pray for him, and the matter ends there.
Satan attempts to mislead a person at various times. During these moments, fasting becomes a helpful aid. The discipline and worship of fasting soften the heart and purifies his soul. This serves as a shield, guarding against falling into Satan’s traps.
All India Radio (National Channel),
New Delhi, 4 March 1994.
