Hadith #5918

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Fasting of the heart from thinking about sins is better than fasting of the stomach from food.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of purifying our hearts and minds from sinful thoughts and desires, which is even more virtuous than abstaining from physical nourishment.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (siyam) "صِيامُ" refers to fasting, which is a well-known act of worship in Islam. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan. However, in this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the term "صِيامُ" metaphorically to refer to the act of restraining the heart from indulging in sinful thoughts and actions.

The word (qalb) "قَلْبِ" means heart, which is not only the physical organ but also the center of our emotions, thoughts, and intentions. It is the spiritual core of our being. Fasting of the heart implies controlling and disciplining our innermost thoughts and desires, ensuring they are in line with the teachings of Islam.

The word (fikr) "فِكْرِ" means thinking or contemplation. In this context, it refers to the act of dwelling upon sinful thoughts and engaging in negative reflections. Fasting of the heart requires us to refrain from entertaining such thoughts and redirect our focus towards righteousness and piety.

The word (atham) "آثامِ" refers to sins or transgressions. It encompasses all actions, thoughts, and intentions that go against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is essential to note that sins are not limited to physical actions but also include the inner workings of our hearts and minds.

To further understand the significance of fasting of the heart, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling our thoughts and assumptions. Negative assumptions can lead to backbiting and slander, which are grave sins in Islam. By fasting the heart from such negative thoughts, we protect ourselves from falling into the trap of sin and maintain the sanctity of our relationships.

Another Quranic verse that supports the concept of fasting of the heart is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in combating the whispers of Satan. By fasting the heart, we develop the ability to recognize and resist the temptations that lead to sinful actions. This heightened awareness allows us to seek refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His guidance in times of difficulty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith reminds us that true piety is not limited to outward acts of worship but also encompasses the purification of our inner selves. By fasting the heart from sinful thoughts and desires, we cultivate a state of constant remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for spiritual excellence.

This practice has profound implications for our daily lives. When we fast the heart, we become more conscious of our actions and intentions. We become more mindful of the impact our words and deeds have on ourselves and others. This heightened awareness leads to a transformation in our character, enabling us to become individuals who embody the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.

Moreover, fasting the heart from sinful thoughts and desires has a ripple effect on our relationships and interactions with others. It allows us to cultivate empathy, forgiveness, and compassion towards our fellow Muslims. By purifying our hearts, we create an environment of love and unity within the Muslim community, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of fasting the heart from sinful thoughts and desires. This act of self-discipline and purification is even more virtuous than abstaining from physical nourishment. By controlling our thoughts and redirecting them towards righteousness, we strive for spiritual excellence and develop a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to fast our hearts and attain His pleasure.