Fasting during Ramadhan is a private act of devotion to Allah

Zubeir Noor, KISHESO Chairman and volunteers deliver iftar donations in Kibokoni, Mombasa, on March 20, 2025. [Ishaq Jumbe, Standard]

Islam is built upon five pillars of which fasting is the fourth coming right behind making the pilgrimage to the holy land. The first three being the shahada which is the declaration of faith, the five daily prayers and alms giving.

These feature in the famous Hadith in which the prophet was being taught about the essentials of religion by Arch Angel Jibril. During the lesson, articles of faith prominently featured; six of them to be precise.

These are the belief in the oneness of Allah, angels, divine revelations, prophets, the day of judgement and divine decree.

Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is special being the only pillar of Islam that is a worship practice which cannot be performed with the sole aim of showing off and seeking praise rather than for the sake of Allah.

And it is for this reason that Allah declares, “Fasting is for me and it is I who will give reward for it.” This particular saying encapsulates the spiritual depth, significance, and intrinsic value of fasting in Islam, says Sheikh Rishad Rajab, a Muslim scholar and Imam of Masjid Jibran, Mombasa.

“Fasting serves as a means of attaining closeness to Allah, a way to cultivate gratitude for one’s blessings, and a method to develop empathy for the less fortunate. The Hadith emphasises that fasting is an act performed exclusively for Allah, underscoring the personal nature of the relationship between the believer and their creator, “says the Sheikh.

Fasting is a unique form of worship that transcends mere physical abstention. Unlike other acts of worship, such as prayer or charity, which are visible and can be externally validated, fasting is private and shared secret between Allah and the individual. Otherwise, it shouldn’t be difficult to eat in private while pretending to be fasting in public, and we would be none the wiser except for Allah who sees everything.

This aspect of fasting elevates its status, making it a deeply spiritual act of devotion.

“Therefore, the rewards for fasting are beyond human comprehension with the promise of divine reward as its ultimate goal,” says Sheikh Rishad.

“Experiencing hunger and thirst allows individuals to empathise with those who are less fortunate. This empathetic understanding serves as a reminder of the social responsibility that comes with wealth and privilege, fostering a sense of community and charity,” teaches the Sheikh.

Fasting also cultivates a sense of gratitude as individuals recognise the blessings they often take for granted, such as food and drink. This recognition fosters an increased appreciation for the bounties provided by Allah.

Allah says in the Quran, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favour.”

The promise of a special reward specifically for fasting distinguishes it from other forms of worship. While all good deeds in Islam are rewarded, the Hadith emphasises that Allah himself will reward fasting. This exclusivity highlights the esteem in which this act is held in the sight of Allah.

With other acts of worship earning reward between 10 and 700 times according to authentic Hadith, fasting is a sacrifice whose remuneration is beyond measure and human comprehension.

 “Although fasting during Ramadan is the most recognised practice, the principle of fasting as a devotion to Allah stretches beyond this holy month. Muslims are encouraged to observe additional fasts throughout the year, such as the fast of Ashura and the fasts of Mondays and Thursdays.

Each of these additional fasts holds significance and contributes to the overall spiritual development of the individual,” says Sheikh Rishad.