There’s never a burdening physical state like that of full stomach, and the opposite when it’s half empty, and this is how the whole physical body settles, and thus the mind settles …
Fasting has long proved to be a 3d detox system that purifies the physical, spiritual, and mental being of a person, and with Ramadan drawing near, it could be a great opportunity to refresh our understanding of this meritorious act so that it may help pursuers of success in this Dunya and the Other InshaAllah.
There’s never a burdening physical state like that of full stomach, and the opposite when it’s half empty or reasonably empty, and this is how the whole physical body settles, and thus the mind settles– isn’t that what we’re all looking for? We sure need settling minds in order to have clear thinking and know how to go about our optimum goals in life.
Speaking of the reward in the Hereafter, another aid for fulfillment in this life, listen to what Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said about that.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said;
“Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”
– Sahih Bukhari Chapter No: 31, Fasting
– Hadith no: 118
But make sure you do not exaggerate that. Just fast as the Messenger of Allah has guided us to fast, lest fasting impacts you negatively, and lose it merits.
Abdullah bin Amr bin Al Aas , may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, told him;
“You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?” I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet said, “If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the tasting of the whole year.” I replied, “I have the power for more than this.” The Prophet said, “Then fast like the fasting of David who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy.”
– Sahih Bukhari Chapter No: 31, Fasting
– Hadith no: 200
Fast, do consider fasting and make it part of your life routine, but be reasonable and wise. It can be quite a change that would bring forth immense blessings to your life, making a healthy you on all levels and in all ways.
By: Maha Youssuf
Posted on: May 27, 2012