Why fasting is an act of gratitude to Allah

Why Fasting is an Act of Gratitude to Allah

Fasting in Islam, particularly during the month of Ramadan, is one of the most profound acts of worship that carries immense spiritual significance. It is not just an act of abstaining from food and drink but a practice deeply rooted in expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His endless blessings.

In this blog post, we will delve into why fasting is seen as an act of gratitude, exploring its deeper connection with the concept of shukr (thankfulness) in Islam. We will also look at Quranic verses and Hadiths in both Arabic and English that elucidate the importance of fasting as an expression of thankfulness to Allah.

The Purpose of Fasting in Islam

Fasting, as prescribed in the Quran and Hadith, is an act that is intended to bring the believer closer to Allah, purify the soul, and train the mind and body to be disciplined. The main objective of fasting is to achieve taqwa (God-consciousness) as Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:

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 emphasizes that fasting is not just about abstaining from physical nourishment but about achieving taqwa, which is being aware of and grateful to Allah for all His provisions and guidance. As fasting helps the individual gain this consciousness, it becomes an act of deep gratitude to Allah.

Gratitude (Shukr) in Islam

Gratitude, or shukr, is a fundamental principle in Islam. Allah (SWT) repeatedly commands His servants to be grateful for His countless blessings. Shukr is a way to acknowledge Allah’s favors and blessings and to express thankfulness by being obedient to His commands.

The Quran tells us:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْجَحُودَ
سورة النساء – 4:36

“Indeed, Allah does not like the one who is ungrateful.”

This verse reminds us that showing gratitude to Allah is not just an act of devotion but a means of earning Allah’s love. Fasting is one of the best ways to show gratitude, as it helps the believer acknowledge Allah’s provisions and mercy while experiencing the deprivation of those very provisions.

Fasting as a Means of Gratitude to Allah

Fasting, particularly during Ramadan, is an embodiment of gratitude. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours, and in doing so, they acknowledge the vast blessings Allah has provided in their lives. Fasting allows a person to experience hunger and thirst, which in turn makes them more appreciative of the many bounties that Allah (SWT) has granted them. It helps to remove the distractions of worldly desires and shifts focus to the spiritual and inner aspects of worship, thus fostering a greater sense of shukr.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in his guidance on fasting, mentioned that fasting is not just a physical act but a way to purify the soul and develop a stronger relationship with Allah. In a Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“When you fast, your eyes, ears, and tongue should also fast.”
رواه الطبراني
“إذا صمت فليصم سمعك وبصرك ولسانك.”

This Hadith shows that fasting is a holistic experience that encourages gratitude for all of Allah’s blessings, not just the food and drink. It teaches the believer to be grateful for their physical health, the ability to see, speak, and hear, and to reflect on the bounty of Allah.

The Concept of Gratitude Through Abstinence

Fasting is also an act of gratitude because it teaches abstinence and self-control. In a world where materialism and excess are prevalent, fasting reminds Muslims to focus on their spiritual needs and to avoid indulging in unnecessary luxuries. By refraining from food, drink, and other desires, the fasting person learns to prioritize what truly matters, which is their relationship with Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best of you are those who are the most grateful to Allah.”
رواه البخاري
“خيركم من أكثركم شكرًا لله.”

This Hadith emphasizes that gratitude is a key element of being a good Muslim. Fasting cultivates this gratitude by helping the believer focus on the essentials and appreciate the simple blessings in life.

Fasting as a Reminder of Allah’s Sustenance

One of the main benefits of fasting is that it makes believers more mindful of Allah’s mercy and sustenance. In the absence of food and drink, a person becomes more aware of the vital role that these provisions play in sustaining life. It also reminds the believer of those who are less fortunate and may not have access to such basic needs, increasing their empathy and desire to give to charity.

وَمَا بِكُم مِّن نِّعْمَةٍ فَمِنَ اللَّهِ
سورة النحل – 16:53

“And whatever you have of favor—it is from Allah.”

This verse highlights that every favor, including food, water, and sustenance, is a gift from Allah. Fasting helps remind the individual of these blessings and fosters an attitude of gratitude, where the fasting person appreciates Allah’s provisions and shows thankfulness through their actions.

The Link Between Fasting and Charity

Fasting cultivates not just gratitude towards Allah but also encourages acts of kindness and charity. When fasting, Muslims often give extra charity (sadaqah) during Ramadan and feed the poor and needy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to be particularly generous during Ramadan, as he understood the deeper connection between fasting and charity:

“Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the one who fasted, without decreasing the reward of the fasting person.”
رواه الترمذي
“من فطر صائمًا كان له مثل أجره غير أنه لا ينقص من أجر الصائم شيء.”

This Hadith demonstrates the strong relationship between fasting and charity. When a person fasts and gives charity, they are not only fulfilling their religious duties but also expressing gratitude to Allah for the wealth they have been given. By sharing with others, they acknowledge Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Fasting as a Source of Inner Peace and Gratitude

Fasting provides an opportunity for the believer to experience inner peace, as it removes the distractions of food and physical desires. It brings the mind and body into a state of harmony, allowing the individual to focus on worship and reflection. This inner peace is a form of shukr to Allah, as the believer realizes that true contentment comes from Allah alone, not from material possessions or worldly desires.

In the famous Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, he said:

“There are three people who are guaranteed to have their supplications answered: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed person.”
رواه الترمذي
“ثلاث دعوات مستجابات: دعوة الصائم حين يفطر، ودعوة الإمام العادل، ودعوة المظلوم.”

The Hadith illustrates that fasting opens the door to powerful supplications, bringing the believer closer to Allah and allowing them to experience the deep peace that comes from sincere devotion and gratitude.

The Benefits of Gratitude in This World and the Hereafter

The benefits of gratitude are not limited to this world; they extend to the Hereafter as well. Allah (SWT) promises abundant rewards for those who show gratitude for His blessings. In the Quran, He says:

لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ
سورة إبراهيم – 14:7

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor upon you.”

This verse highlights that gratitude leads to increased blessings from Allah. Fasting, as an act of gratitude, becomes a means of receiving Allah’s mercy and rewards. The more one shows gratitude through fasting, the greater the blessings and rewards they will receive from Allah, both in this life and in the Hereafter.

Conclusion

Fasting is undoubtedly one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam, and its connection to gratitude is both deep and profound. By abstaining from food, drink, and desires, the fasting person not only acknowledges Allah’s provision but also expresses sincere gratitude for the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them. Through fasting, Muslims develop taqwa, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and learn to appreciate the simple gifts of life that are often taken for granted.

In addition to purifying the soul and increasing spiritual awareness, fasting encourages empathy, charity, and a greater appreciation for the blessings of sustenance. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is about purifying the soul, controlling one’s desires, and fostering a deep sense of gratitude toward Allah.

Ultimately, fasting is a reflection of the ultimate gratitude that Muslims must express to Allah for His mercy, forgiveness, and endless provisions. May Allah accept our fasts and grant us the ability to be truly grateful for His many blessings. Ameen.