The Virtues of Fasting in General and of Ramadan in Particular (2/4)

A means to cut sexual desires

The Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, ordered the one who has strong desires and the need for marriage, but is unable to marry, too fast. Fasting is thus a means of cutting desires, since it reduces the vigor of the limbs of the body, it calms them and bridles them.

Ibn Mas`oud reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: “O Youths! whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it retains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable let him fast because it is a shield for him.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

'Alqama said: While I was walking with 'Abdullah he said, "We were in the company of the Prophet and he said, 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power.’" [Reported by Bukhari]

The prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, also said: "The Khisaa' of my Ummah is Fasting” [Reported by Sahih al-Jami`] and "Medication" [or preventive practice] against sexual desires.”

The supplication of the fasting person is granted

Jabir relates that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: "In every day and every night, during the month of Ramadan, there are people to whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim a supplication which he can make and will be granted". [Reported by al-Bazzaar, Ahmad and Ibn Majah; Sahih]

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "There are three people whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks the fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed". [Reported by Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban]

 ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas also reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected". [Reported by Ibn Majah, al-Hakim and others; Sahih]

The best supplication is the one authentically reported from the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, that he used to say when breaking his fast: "Thahaba adh-Dhama'u wabtallatil-`urooqu wa thabata-l-ajru inshaa'a Allah". Which means: “The thirst is gone, the veins are moisted and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.” [Reported by Abu Dawood, al-Baihaqee and others; Hasan]

A Means of intercession on the Day of Judgment

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Reported by Ahmad]

In Ramadan there is Laylatul Qadr (the night of Decree)

"Indeed We have revealed it (Qur'an) in the night of Decree. And what will explain to you what the night of Decree is? The night of Decree is better than than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah's permission, on every errand: (they say) "peace" (continuously) till the rise of Morning!" (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5)

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great].” [Reported by Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi].

A ‘Umra in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj

‘Ata' said: I heard Ibn 'Abbas saying, "Allah's Apostle asked an Ansari woman (Ibn 'Abbas named her but 'Ata' forgot her name), 'What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?' She replied, 'We have a camel and the father of so-and-so and his son (i.e. her husband and her son) rode it and left one camel for us to use for irrigation.' He said (to her), 'Perform 'Umra when Ramadan comes, for 'Umra in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward),' or said something similar." [Reported by Bukhari].

He (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) also said: "A ‘Umra in Ramadan is equal [in reward] of Hajj with me." [Reported by Sahih al-Jami`]

(Continued)