The role of dua and dhikr during fasting

The Role of Dua and Dhikr During Fasting: A Comprehensive Guide

Fasting, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, is a deeply spiritual act of worship in Islam. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting not only involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset, but it also serves as a means of purifying the soul, increasing taqwa (God-consciousness), and drawing closer to Allah (SWT). During this period, a Muslim’s devotion can be enhanced through dua (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), which hold significant roles in improving both the internal and external aspects of fasting.

In this blog post, we will explore the essential roles of dua and dhikr during fasting, their benefits, how they amplify the reward of fasting, and how they contribute to the spiritual and mental growth of a Muslim. By diving into the Quranic teachings and Hadith (Prophetic traditions), we will understand how these practices serve as powerful tools to elevate one’s worship during Ramadan and beyond.

The power of dua and dhikr cannot be overstated, as these acts of worship directly connect a Muslim with their Creator, providing peace, tranquility, and spiritual nourishment, particularly during the challenging moments of fasting.

The Importance of Dua During Fasting

Dua is a form of supplication in Islam, and it is the act of calling upon Allah, asking for His mercy, forgiveness, and guidance. It is a way of establishing a direct connection with Allah, and it holds immense significance in the life of every Muslim. During the month of Ramadan, fasting is not just a physical act of restraint; it is a spiritual journey where dua can elevate the fasting experience.

Quranic Reference to Dua

The Quran emphasizes the importance of dua in multiple verses, highlighting its significance during all acts of worship, including fasting. One key verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
سورة غافر – 40:60

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell in humiliation.'”

In this verse, Allah (SWT) commands His believers to call upon Him (make dua), promising a response. This is a universal command that is not limited to any specific act of worship, yet it becomes more prominent during fasting, as fasting itself is a means to seek Allah’s closeness.

When a person fasts, their heart becomes more receptive to supplication. The absence of worldly distractions allows for a deeper connection with Allah. For this reason, dua during fasting—whether before breaking the fast, after Taraweeh, or during the night of Qadr—becomes a vital means of strengthening one’s faith and attaining Allah’s mercy.

The Role of Dua in the Context of Fasting

• Dua Before Breaking the Fast (Dua Iftaar)

The moment of breaking the fast is a time of immense reward. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us a specific dua to recite before breaking the fast, and it is a moment when Allah is most likely to grant the supplications of the fasting person.

The dua before breaking the fast is as follows:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّيْتُ وَبِكَ فَتَحْتُ
رواه أبو داود

“O Allah, I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast.”

This beautiful supplication serves as a reminder of the purpose of fasting, which is to gain closeness to Allah. It reinforces the reliance on Allah’s mercy, and breaking the fast with this dua brings a sense of fulfillment in the worship.

• Dua During the Last Part of the Day (Taraweeh and Night Prayers)

During the last part of the day, especially in the final moments before Isha and the night prayer, a fasting person is encouraged to make dua in the hopes that their supplications will be answered. Ramadan is a special time for seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and fasting makes the person spiritually more attuned to their Creator.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ: الصَّائِمُ حِينَ يُفْطِرُ، وَالإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ

“Three people’s du’as are not rejected: a fasting person when he breaks his fast, a just ruler, and the du’a of the oppressed.”
رواه ابن ماجه

This Hadith indicates that the dua of a fasting person is particularly potent, especially when it coincides with the moment of breaking the fast. As a result, fasting provides an ideal opportunity to make dua for oneself, one’s family, the ummah, and the entire world.

The Importance of Dhikr During Fasting

Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah, is a form of worship that involves repeating praises of Allah through phrases such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and others. Just as dua strengthens one’s connection with Allah, dhikr is a way to remain spiritually engaged and to earn reward throughout the day.

Quranic Reference to Dhikr

The Quran repeatedly encourages dhikr and speaks of its spiritual benefits. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Ahzab:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ذُكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا
سورة الأحزاب – 33:41

“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.”

This verse commands believers to engage in dhikr frequently, and fasting provides an excellent opportunity for such remembrance. The act of fasting itself is a form of dhikr because, by abstaining from food and drink, one is continuously aware of Allah’s presence, following His command and seeking His pleasure.

During Ramadan, the reward for dhikr is multiplied. Each act of remembrance brings the fasting person closer to Allah and serves as a means of spiritual purification.

The Role of Dhikr in Fasting

• Increasing the Power of Fasting

Fasting naturally involves self-restraint, but adding dhikr during the day amplifies this self-restraint. When a fasting person engages in dhikr, they reinforce their connection to Allah, making the fast more meaningful and spiritually enriching. Instead of being distracted by hunger or thirst, the person redirects their focus to Allah’s greatness, which strengthens the sincerity of the fast.

• Dhikr During the Day and Night

Fasting does not simply mean abstaining from food and drink; it is also an opportunity to distance oneself from harmful thoughts, actions, and words. By engaging in dhikr throughout the day, whether while working, during breaks, or in quiet moments, a fasting person can keep their heart and mind focused on the worship of Allah. Dhikr allows the individual to remain spiritually active even as they are engaged in mundane tasks, ensuring their day remains blessed and centered on Allah.

Benefits of Dua and Dhikr During Fasting

The act of engaging in dua and dhikr during fasting has many spiritual, psychological, and emotional benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Closer Connection with Allah: Both dua and dhikr bring the servant closer to Allah, fostering a relationship that is built on trust and love. Fasting, along with supplication and remembrance, strengthens this relationship.

• Peace of Heart: Ramadan, with its fasting and acts of worship, can be a time of emotional and spiritual purification. Through dua and dhikr, a fasting person can experience peace and tranquility, knowing that they are seeking Allah’s pleasure.

• Forgiveness and Mercy: Ramadan is the time for seeking forgiveness, and both dua and dhikr are powerful means of obtaining Allah’s mercy. Fasting serves as an avenue for sincere repentance and a fresh start.

• Mental Clarity: Regular dhikr helps remove distractions and brings mental clarity. This is especially beneficial during fasting when the body may be physically weak, and mental strength is required to maintain focus on worship.

Conclusion

The month of Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to engage in acts of worship that purify the soul, increase devotion, and strengthen the bond with Allah. Among these acts, dua and dhikr stand out as two of the most powerful practices that elevate the experience of fasting. The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on the significance of these practices, showing that they enhance the reward of fasting, offer peace to the heart, and serve as a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

As we fast, we should remember to not only abstain from food and drink but also use this blessed time to immerse ourselves in supplication and remembrance of Allah. By doing so, we fulfill the spiritual objectives of fasting and draw nearer to our Creator, receiving the immense rewards that He has promised to His devoted servants. May Allah accept our fasts, our prayers, and our remembrance, and may He grant us the strength to continue worshiping Him with sincerity.