The rewards of fasting according to Hadith

The Rewards of Fasting According to Hadith

Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam, carrying immense spiritual rewards as emphasized in numerous hadiths. It is not only a means of self-discipline and purification but also a way to earn Allah’s immense mercy and forgiveness. Unlike other acts of worship, fasting is uniquely honored by Allah, as He states in a hadith qudsi:

“كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلَّا الصِّيَامَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ”
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904, Muslim 1151)

This hadith highlights the exclusivity of fasting as an act of worship done purely for Allah’s sake, carrying a reward beyond human comprehension. Other hadiths mention its role in expiating sins, serving as a shield from Hellfire, and granting entry into Jannah through the special gate of Ar-Rayyan, reserved only for those who fast.

This article will explore various hadiths on the virtues of fasting, shedding light on the immense blessings and rewards that await those who observe it sincerely for the sake of Allah.

Fasting and Its Connection to Taqwa (God-Consciousness)

Fasting is one of the most powerful tools for enhancing taqwa (God-consciousness). The core aim of fasting is to purify the soul and develop a closer relationship with Allah (SWT). By refraining from physical needs like food, drink, and other desires, a person learns self-discipline, control, and increased mindfulness of Allah. As the Quran says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
سورة البقرة – 2:183

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

This verse underscores that fasting’s primary benefit is the increase in taqwa—an awareness of Allah in all aspects of life.

The Rewards of Fasting in the Hadiths

The Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ offer numerous insights into the spiritual rewards of fasting. These rewards highlight the blessings of fasting and serve as encouragement for Muslims to observe the fast with devotion and sincerity.

Fasting as a Means of Forgiveness of Sins

One of the greatest rewards of fasting is the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
رواه البخاري ومسلم
“من صام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.”

This Hadith shows that fasting, when done with sincerity and faith, leads to the expiation of previous sins. Ramadan is a particularly special time, as Allah (SWT) opens the doors of mercy, making it an opportune time for forgiveness.

The importance of fasting as a means of cleansing the soul is also found in the famous Hadith that states:

“The five daily prayers, and from one Friday prayer to the next, and from one Ramadan to the next, are an expiation for the sins committed in between them, as long as major sins are avoided.”
رواه مسلم
“الصلوات الخمس، والجمعة إلى الجمعة، ورمضان إلى رمضان مكفرات لما بينهن إذا اجتنب الكبائر.”

This Hadith demonstrates how fasting in Ramadan cleanses a Muslim from the sins committed throughout the year, provided they avoid major sins.

The Special Reward for Fasting: A Reward Known Only to Allah

One of the unique aspects of fasting is that its reward is known only to Allah. In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Allah says: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting. It is for Me, and I shall reward it.’”
رواه البخاري
“قال الله تعالى: كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصوم فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به.”

This Hadith highlights that fasting is an act of worship that is exclusively for Allah, and Allah promises to reward the fasting person in a way that no one else can comprehend. The reward for fasting is considered so unique and profound that it surpasses any other act of worship.

Fasting Intercedes for the Believer on the Day of Judgment

Fasting not only provides spiritual benefits in this life but also serves as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned:

“Fasting and the Quran will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ The Quran will say, ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, so let me intercede for him.’ Then their intercession will be accepted.”
رواه أحمد
“الصيام والقرآن يشفعان للعبد يوم القيامة، يقول الصيام: يا رب، إني منعته طعامه وشهوته في النهار، فشفعني فيه، ويقول القرآن: منعته نومه في الليل، فشفعني فيه، فيشفعان.”

This Hadith indicates that fasting, along with the recitation of the Quran, will intercede on behalf of the believer, helping them attain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on the Day of Judgment.

Fasting is a Shield from Hellfire

Another great reward of fasting is that it acts as a shield from the Hellfire. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.”
رواه أحمد
“الصيام جُنّة يتحصن بها العبد من النار.”

This Hadith emphasizes that fasting protects the believer from the torment of Hellfire, a reward that speaks to the spiritual and eternal significance of fasting.

The Joy of Fasting on the Day of Eid al-Fitr

Fasting during Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The fasting person experiences two moments of joy: when he breaks his fast, and when he meets his Lord.”
رواه البخاري
“لِصَائِمٍ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِندَ فِطْرِهِ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِندَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ.”

This Hadith beautifully captures the joy and satisfaction a fasting person experiences at two critical moments: when they break their fast at sunset, and when they are rewarded by Allah on the Day of Judgment.

The Entrance to Paradise Through the Gate of Rayyan

An exclusive reward for those who fast is the entrance to Paradise through a special gate known as Rayyan. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned:

“There is a gate in Paradise called Rayyan, and those who fast will enter it on the Day of Judgment. No one else will enter through it except them. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will stand, and none will enter except them.”
رواه البخاري
“إن في الجنة بابًا يقال له: الريّان، يدخل منه الصائمون يوم القيامة، لا يدخل منه أحد غيرهم، يقال: أين الصائمون؟ فيقومون، فلا يدخل منه أحد غيرهم.”

This Hadith offers a clear reward for fasting, which is entry into Paradise through the exclusive gate of Rayyan. This honor is reserved solely for those who fast, making it a highly coveted reward.

The Rewards of Fasting in this Life

While fasting undoubtedly brings immense rewards in the Hereafter, it also carries blessings in this world. Some of the immediate rewards of fasting include:

• Purification of the Soul: Fasting helps cleanse the heart and mind, reducing distractions and enabling the believer to focus on spiritual growth and worship.
• Increased Empathy: By experiencing hunger, the fasting individual develops a deeper sense of empathy for the less fortunate, encouraging charity and good deeds.
• Physical Health: Fasting has several health benefits, such as detoxification, improved digestion, and weight management, which contribute to overall well-being.
• Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings: The act of fasting reminds the individual of the blessings of food, water, and other necessities, leading to increased gratitude towards Allah.

Conclusion

Fasting is a powerful act of worship that brings countless rewards, both in this life and the Hereafter. The Hadiths provide us with a detailed understanding of the immense blessings that fasting brings, from the forgiveness of sins to the intercession on the Day of Judgment and the exclusive reward of entering Paradise through the gate of Rayyan. These rewards serve as a motivation for Muslims to fast with sincerity, ensuring that they attain the spiritual benefits that come with this noble act of worship.

As we strive to fast with faith and devotion, it is important to remember that the reward for fasting is not limited to the physical act of abstaining from food and drink, but rather in the spiritual benefits that come with it—purification, increased taqwa, and a closer connection to Allah. May Allah (SWT) accept our fasts, forgive our sins, and grant us the rewards that come with this blessed practice. Ameen.