"You fast so the sins of your past will be forgiven"

As Muslims, we believe that when we fast, our past sins will be forgiven.

This has been conveyed to us by our beloved Prophet through his noble sayings.

The Prophet peace be upon Him said with regards to fasting on 9th of Dzulhijjah aka day of Arafah:

It (fasting on the day of Arafah) expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year (i.e. those sins will be forgiven).

Hence, those who fast on the day of Arafah will have their sins forgiven. Not only the past year but also the coming year.

Even for fasting in the month of Ramadhan, the Prophet peace be upon Him said:

"Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards,

then all his past sins will be forgiven."

In a narration by Abdul Rahman Bin Awf:

He will be rid of sins like the day he was born from his mother.

Therefore, we Muslims strongly believe that rewards of fasting are linked with forgiveness. This has been instilled in our belief and faith by our scholars, grandparents & parents.

This may also be the main reason why people fast.

Question

However, I am a young man full of curiosity & questions.

My question is are there any other reasons why we fast. Yes, I believe that our sins will be forgiven when we fast but is that the only reason?

Fasting is a challenging act of worship. No food & water for nearly 14 hours or more. If forgiveness of sins is why we fast, there are loads of acts & deeds which Allah & His Prophet also guaranteed forgiveness.

Another perspective

I believe that by performing our obligation as a Muslim, we will develop as a better human. Hence, this will benefit us in this world and not only in the Hereafter.

Rewards (Pahala) & forgiveness are unseen matters that may not benefit our daily life directly. That is why I searched for other reasons for fasting as to strengthen my will & motivation to perform this challenging act of worship.

Hence, allow me to share with you a different perspective on why we fast.

4 main reasons

1) Obedience to Allah & His Prophet.

As a Muslim, when we recited the Shahadah (Allah is our only God & Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God), we promised to submit to Allah & obey the orders of Prophet Muhammad. In obedience, there will be blessings.

Allah said in Surah Ali Imran verse 132:

Obey Allah & the messenger (Prophet Muhammad), So that you are blessed

Fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. We are obliged to perform it during Ramadhan and encouraged to fast in several special days highlighted by our Prophet.

2)Platform to worship Allah

As a humble servant & creation, we will always encounter hardships & face difficulties in life. It is at these moments that we need to pray & ask from the Al-mighty.

Allah & Our Prophet have given us fasting as one of the platforms to worship the All-Mighty.

In Hadith Qudsi, Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him said:

Allah mentioned: All deeds are for the son of Adam except for Fasting.

It is for me & I will reward him for it.

3) Test for patience.

Fasting is an unseen act of abstaining and refrain which cannot be seen. It is unique and different from other acts of worship. Hence, to perform it, you will need a tremendous amount of patience and honesty from one’s self.

Only you yourself know whether you fast or not.

Prophet Muhammad said:

Fasting is half of patience.

4) Control of self.

One of the pillars of fasting is abstaining from food, drink & sexual intercourse. Three necessities for a human.

By controlling the desire to consume these three needs for 13+ hours, we are one step closer to controlling our own self.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said:

Satan circulates in a person like blood (in the bloodstreams).

So tighten its flow with hunger.

Conclusion

When you fast with these four reasons, wouldn't you be a patient & self-controlled person?

Most importantly, wouldn't you be someone who obeys Allah & Prophet Muhammad?

At the end of the day, the result of fasting is YOU becoming a better human.

A human who spreads goodness & brings benefits to the community.

So, if you slack in your fast or are tempted to break your fast, reflect back on these 4 points and understand really why you fast.

If this input is beneficial to you and you understand it well, now it's time to apply.