Why Allah Commanded Fasting: Meaning, Purpose, and the Path to Taqwa

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Final success belongs to the righteous, and there is no transgression except against the wrongdoers. As-Salaamualaikum Wa Rah’matullahi Wa Barakaat’u! Salah is the first pillar we stand upon, and fasting is the next. But what is fasting truly? Why is it commanded? And how does it shape the believer’s life? Meaning of Fasting: Language and Sharia In Language (Lugha) : Fasting, or Sawm, literally means “to abstain or restrain.” It is a deliberate avoidance of something. Allah says in the Qur'an 19:26. Say: Surely I have vowed a fast to the Beneficent Allah, and I will not speak to any man today. (Surah Maryam). This shows she abstained from talking. In Sharia ( Islamic Law ) : Fasting is an act of worship for Allah with deliberate abstention from specific lawful things like food, drink, and sexual relations, from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), with the intention of worshiping Allah alone. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fasting is made compulsory on  you as it was made compulsory on those before you, so that you may attain piety.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183) The essence of fasting lies in self-discipline, consciousness of Allah, and control over one's desires. The Importance of Fasting Spiritual Purification: Fasting is a shield that protects the heart from sins. The Prophet ﷺ said in the Hadith: “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'All the good deeds of Adam's sons are for them, except fasting, it is for Me, and I will reward him/her for it.' Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting. 'By Him in Whose Hands my soul is.' The unpleasant smell coming out of the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the person that's fasting, one when he's breaking his fast, and the other is when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because he fasts." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904)  Strengthening Taqwa (God-Consciousness): Fasting teaches restraint and mindfulness, making us constantly aware of Allah, not just in worship but in every action. That Hadith covers it as evidence.  Empathy and Social Awareness: Experiencing hunger and thirst fosters compassion for the poor and the needy, thereby reinforcing social responsibility.  Health and Discipline: Abstaining from food and drink regulates desires, encourages moderation, and strengthens patience, a lesson for both body and soul. The Importance of Fasting in Ramadan Ramadan is an obligatory fast for every adult Muslim with a sound mind and health. Allah says: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) Abu Huraira narrated that His Messenger ﷺ also said: "Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith, and hoping to attain rewards from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 38) Fasting during Ramadan is unique because it combines: Obedience to Allah’s command Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ Spiritual renewal through the Quran, prayer, and charity It is the annual training of the soul that refines character, strengthens faith, and purifies intentions. Types of Fasting  Obligatory Fasts: Ramadan (Fard Sawm) Make-up fasts for missed Ramadan days (Qada) Fasts as expiation (Kaffara)  Voluntary (Sunnah) Fasts: Six days of Shawwal Mondays and Thursdays Day of Arafah (for non-pilgrims) Day of Ashura  Occasional or Conditional Fasts: Personal vows (Nadhr)  Fasts for specific prayers or forgiveness Each type strengthens the connection with Allah and trains the soul to discipline desires and nurture mindfulness. Pause and Reflect: Do you fast only with your stomach, or also with your heart? Do you understand the wisdom behind abstaining, or is it a habit like brushing teeth? Fasting is more than hunger; it is training for the heart, mind, and soul. What Comes Next In the next article, In Shaa Allah, we will focus entirely on Ramadan fasting, its special rulings, its rewards, and how to maximize the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of this blessed month. If you have any feedback, send us an email (T&Cs apply):   support@nurquest.com May Allah make our fasting a purification of the soul, a discipline for our desires, and a source of His love and mercy.