The rewards of feeding a fasting person

The Rewards of Feeding a Fasting Person: A Path to Greater Blessings

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam, involving not only abstinence from food, drink, and other physical needs, but also an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with Allah (SWT). Among the numerous ways to earn rewards in Ramadan, one of the most beautiful and rewarding acts is to feed a fasting person. The act of feeding others, particularly those who are observing the fast, holds immense virtue and countless blessings in Islam.

In this blog post, we will explore the rewards of feeding a fasting person, as discussed in the Qur’an and Hadith, and highlight the spiritual, social, and practical benefits of this act.

The Reward of Feeding a Fasting Person in the Qur’an

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) encourages believers to help others, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. While the act of feeding a fasting person may not be explicitly mentioned in one specific verse, there are numerous references to charity and the reward for those who help others during their time of need.

One of the most significant verses is found in Surah Al-Insan, where Allah (SWT) speaks about those who feed the poor and the fasting person:

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَى حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا قَالِينَ إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنْكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا

“And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We do not wish from you reward or gratitude.’”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Insan 76:8-9)

This verse highlights the selflessness involved in feeding those in need, including fasting individuals. It emphasizes that the reward for such an act is not sought from the recipients but from Allah (SWT). When a person feeds a fasting individual, they do so purely for the sake of Allah, and in return, Allah promises great rewards.

Furthermore, Allah (SWT) has stated that fasting itself is a means of attaining closeness to Him:

الصَّوْمُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ

“Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1904)

Thus, by feeding someone who is fasting, you are directly participating in the fulfillment of an act that brings great reward from Allah.

The Reward of Feeding a Fasting Person in the Hadith

The Hadith literature contains numerous narrations that emphasize the immense rewards for feeding a fasting person, particularly during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself often praised this act and provided guidance on its significance.

Feeding a Fasting Person as a Reward Equivalent to the Fasting Person

One of the most famous and rewarding Hadiths regarding feeding a fasting person is:

مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ، غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لَا يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ شَيْئًا

“Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without decreasing the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1746)

This powerful Hadith reveals that when you feed a fasting person, you receive a reward equal to that of their fast. Not only do you earn the reward for providing nourishment and sustenance, but Allah (SWT) grants you the same reward as if you were fasting yourself. The beauty of this reward is that it does not diminish the reward of the person who is fasting. It is an act of generosity that multiplies the blessings for both the one who feeds and the one who fasts.

A Way to Earn Unmeasurable Rewards

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was also reported to have said:

مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا فُغِرَ لَهُ مَا مَضَى مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ وَيُجَارُ مِنَ النَّارِ وَيُعْطَى مِثْلَ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ دُونَ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أَجْرِهِ شَيْئًا

“Whoever gives iftar (breaks the fast) to a fasting person will have his sins forgiven and he will be saved from the Hellfire, and he will be given the same reward as the fasting person without decreasing the reward of the fasting person.”
(Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 807)

This Hadith further emphasizes the idea that by feeding someone who is fasting, you not only share in the reward of their fasting but also earn forgiveness for your own sins. The act of feeding a fasting person is so highly regarded that it is said to be a means of salvation from Hellfire. Thus, the benefits of feeding others during Ramadan go beyond mere material rewards; they lead to spiritual purification and eternal success.

A Sign of Generosity and Compassion

The act of feeding a fasting person is also a sign of compassion, generosity, and empathy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

مَن يَجُودُ عَلَى النَّاسِ يَجُودُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ

“The one who is generous to others will be generous to himself and will be rewarded by Allah.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2314)

In this context, feeding a fasting person is an expression of kindness and concern for the well-being of others, particularly those in need. By sharing a meal with someone who is fasting, you demonstrate care and love for your fellow Muslims and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in the community.

The Social and Spiritual Benefits of Feeding a Fasting Person

While the spiritual rewards of feeding a fasting person are immense, there are also social and personal benefits associated with this act of kindness.

Strengthening the Bonds of Brotherhood and Unity

Feeding a fasting person during Ramadan fosters a sense of unity and community. It is an act that brings people together, whether it is within a family, among neighbors, or within the wider Muslim ummah. When a person shares their meal with someone fasting, it enhances the spirit of mutual support and compassion. It also helps to bridge gaps between different socio-economic backgrounds, as everyone is equally encouraged to participate in this act of kindness.

This is why the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often invited others to share meals and emphasized the importance of supporting each other during Ramadan:

إِذَا أَكَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِمِيلَتِهِ وَإِذَا شَرِبَ فَلْيَشْرَبْ بِمِيلَتِهِ وَإِذَا صَامَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَى التَّمْرِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَالْمَاءُ فَإِنَّهُ طَهُورٌ

“When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him drink with his right hand. When a Muslim fasts, he should break his fast with dates, or if none is available, with water, for indeed water is purifying.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2059)

This sense of sharing and caring is central to the success of Ramadan as a month of not only personal devotion but also collective unity.

Developing the Quality of Gratitude

Feeding others also encourages the development of gratitude. By feeding those who are fasting, you yourself begin to appreciate the blessings that Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon you. It serves as a reminder of how fortunate you are to have the ability to provide sustenance and take care of others. This reflection leads to greater contentment and thankfulness for what you have.

Practical Ways to Feed a Fasting Person

Feeding a fasting person can take many forms, and it does not necessarily require great wealth. It can be as simple as offering water, dates, or a meal. Below are a few practical ways to feed others during Ramadan:

• Prepare Iftar for Family and Friends: One of the most straightforward ways is by preparing iftar meals for your family, friends, and neighbors. Even small gestures like serving dates and water to break the fast carry immense rewards.

• Support Charity Initiatives: Numerous organizations around the world provide iftar meals to the poor and those in need. Donating to these efforts can have a profound impact, especially for those who may not have the means to break their fast.

• Invite Others to Share a Meal: Hosting an iftar gathering is another great way to share in the blessings of feeding others. Invite fellow Muslims to share in the spiritual experience of breaking the fast together.

• Provide for the Less Fortunate: If you know of any local masjids or community centers distributing iftar meals to the less fortunate, consider donating food items or funds to assist in these efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeding a fasting person is a simple yet profound act of kindness that brings immense spiritual, social, and personal rewards. Through the Qur’an and Hadith, we learn that providing sustenance to someone who is fasting during Ramadan is not only a means of supporting others but also a pathway to increasing our own rewards and gaining Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us that by feeding others, we share in the blessings of their fast without diminishing their reward, and we also gain forgiveness and protection from the Hellfire. The act of feeding others during Ramadan fosters unity, compassion, and gratitude while helping to purify our hearts and strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT).

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to feed those in need, to participate in acts of kindness, and to attain His forgiveness and pleasure. Ameen.