The History of Fasting in Islam

Fasting (Ṣawm – صَوْم) is one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship that strengthens a believer’s relationship with Allah ﷻ. It is an obligation upon every adult, healthy Muslim during the blessed month of Ramadan, as commanded in the Quran. However, fasting is not a new practice introduced by Islam; it has been observed by previous nations and prophets, including Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام and Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام.

The history of fasting in Islam is deeply rooted in divine legislation and evolved in stages. Initially, fasting was voluntary, and Muslims had the option to either fast or feed a poor person. Later, in 2 AH (624 CE), fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory for all capable Muslims, with specific rules regarding its timings, exemptions, and benefits.

Beyond its spiritual significance, fasting cultivates self-discipline, patience, and gratitude, helping Muslims develop taqwa (God-consciousness). The rewards of fasting are immense, including forgiveness of sins and entry into Paradise. In this article, we will explore the historical evolution of fasting in Islam, its roots in earlier traditions, and the wisdom behind this sacred practice.

Fasting in Previous Nations

The Quran explicitly states that fasting was not unique to Muslims but was practiced by earlier religious communities as well:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ﴾

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (piety).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse indicates that fasting was a known practice among past nations. Different religious traditions had their own forms of fasting, some of which have similarities with Islamic fasting:

Fasting in Judaism

• The Torah mentions fasting on significant occasions, such as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when Jews refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical pleasures.

• Fasting was also observed by Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام before receiving divine revelation:

  وَكَانَ هُنَاكَ عِنْدَ ٱلرَّبِّ أَرْبَعِينَ نَهَارًا وَأَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً لَمْ يَأْكُلْ خُبْزًا وَلَمْ يَشْرَبْ مَاءً
  “And he remained there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water.”
  (Exodus 34:28)

Fasting in Christianity

• Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, as mentioned in the Bible:

  ثُمَّ صَامَ أَرْبَعِينَ نَهَارًا وَأَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً
  “Then he fasted forty days and forty nights.”
  (Matthew 4:2)

• Christian fasting traditions evolved over time, with practices such as Lent, where Christians abstain from certain foods and pleasures for spiritual purification.

Fasting in Other Traditions

• Many ancient religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, also practice fasting as a means of spiritual discipline and purification.

This shows that fasting was a universal religious practice before Islam, demonstrating its importance in developing self-control and devotion to God.

The Evolution of Fasting in Islam

Fasting in Islam went through three major stages before reaching its final form.

Voluntary Fasting in Makkah

Before the obligation of Ramadan fasting in Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers observed voluntary fasts in Makkah. Some historians suggest that the Prophet ﷺ used to fast on Ashura (10th of Muharram) in line with the Jewish tradition, as well as other optional fasts.

When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on Ashura in commemoration of Prophet Musa’s (Moses) salvation from Pharaoh. Upon learning this, he encouraged Muslims to fast on this day:

النبي ﷺ قال: «نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ وَأَوْلَىٰ بِمُوسَىٰ مِنْكُمْ» فَصَامَهُ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ

“We are closer to Musa than you (the Jews).” So he fasted on that day and commanded others to fast.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2004, Sahih Muslim 1130)

The Initial Obligation of Fasting in Madinah (2 AH)

In 2 AH (624 CE), fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory, but with some flexibility. Initially, Muslims were given a choice between fasting or feeding a poor person:

﴿وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ﴾

“And upon those who are able (to fast, but with hardship) – a ransom (as substitute) of feeding a poor person.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

At this stage, fasting was not strictly enforced, and those who found it difficult could opt out by giving charity.

The Final Obligation and Rules of Fasting

Soon after, fasting was made compulsory for all able Muslims without the option of paying a ransom, except for those who were ill, traveling, or unable to fast. The final ruling was revealed in:

﴿فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ﴾

“So whoever among you witnesses the month (of Ramadan), let him fast it.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

This verse finalized the obligation of fasting for every Muslim who meets the conditions.

The Sunnah and Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Fasting as a Shield from Sin

The Prophet ﷺ said:

الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ

“Fasting is a shield (from sin and Hell).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151)

Fasting and the Reward from Allah

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned that fasting is uniquely rewarded by Allah:

النبي ﷺ قال: «كُلُّ عَمَلِ ٱبْنِ آدَمَ يُضَاعَفُ، ٱلْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا، إِلَىٰ سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ، قَالَ ٱللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: إِلَّا ٱلصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ»

“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times, except fasting, for it is for Me, and I will reward it Myself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1904, Sahih Muslim 1151)

Fasting Leads to Paradise

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«إِنَّ فِي ٱلْجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ ٱلرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ ٱلصَّائِمُونَ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَامَةِ، لَا يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ»

“In Paradise, there is a gate called Al-Rayyan through which only those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1896, Sahih Muslim 1152)

Conclusion

Fasting in Islam is a sacred and time-honored practice that has been observed by prophets and righteous communities throughout history. It was initially practiced in various forms before being perfected and obligated in Ramadan during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the spiritual, physical, and moral benefits of fasting, making it an essential act of worship for every able Muslim.

Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink—it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), self-discipline, and nearness to Allah ﷻ. It serves as a shield from sin, trains the believer in patience and gratitude, and strengthens the bond between servant and Creator. Additionally, the rewards of fasting are immense, with Paradise promised to those who observe it sincerely.

The history of fasting in Islam reflects Allah’s wisdom in gradually establishing this obligation, making it easier for Muslims to accept and practice. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting remains a cornerstone of faith, reminding believers of their spiritual purpose and the eternal rewards that await in the Hereafter. May Allah accept our fasts and grant us steadfastness. Ameen.