Hadith #5924

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَمْ مِنْ صائِم لَيْسَ لَهُ مِنْ صِيامِهِ إلاّ الظِّماءُ۔

This Hadith highlights an important aspect of fasting, which is the need to abstain not only from food and drink but also from any actions or behaviors that may nullify the spiritual benefits of fasting.

The word (thamaa) "ظِّماءُ" in this Hadith refers to thirst. It signifies a state of deprivation and discomfort caused by the absence of water. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses this word metaphorically to emphasize that there are individuals who observe the physical aspects of fasting, such as refraining from eating and drinking, but fail to attain the true essence and spiritual benefits of fasting.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 highlights the purpose of fasting, which is to attain righteousness and piety.

Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink; it is a comprehensive act of worship that encompasses the purification of the soul, the cultivation of self-discipline, and the development of empathy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate. It is a means to attain taqwa (God-consciousness) and to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

However, if one's fasting is limited to the physical aspect only, without incorporating the spiritual dimensions, then they are like a person who experiences nothing from their fast except thirst. They may feel the physical discomfort of hunger and thirst, but they fail to experience the true essence of fasting, which is the spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of sincerity and intention in fasting in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where He says, (Quran 5:89)

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 reminds us that our intention should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not for any worldly gains or show of piety.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the true purpose of fasting and to ensure that our actions align with the teachings of the Quran. It urges us to go beyond the physical aspects of fasting and to strive for the spiritual growth and transformation that fasting offers.

When we fast with sincerity and consciousness, we become more aware of our actions and their consequences. We become more mindful of our speech, our thoughts, and our interactions with others. Fasting helps us develop self-discipline, patience, and empathy, as we experience hunger and thirst ourselves and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those who are less fortunate.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It encourages us to evaluate our own fasting and to assess whether we are truly benefiting from it or if we are merely going through the motions without any real change in our behavior or character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for the true essence of fasting. It urges us to go beyond the physical aspects and to focus on the spiritual dimensions of fasting, such as developing taqwa, cultivating self-discipline, and fostering empathy and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to observe fasting in its true spirit and to attain its immense rewards.