Hadith #5922

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of different types of fasting and their relative merits. The words used in this Hadith are (fasting of the heart) "صَوْمُ القَلْبِ", (fasting of the tongue) "صِيامِ اللِّسانِ", and (fasting of the stomach) "صِيامِ البَطْنِ".

The term "صَوْمُ القَلْبِ" refers to the act of restraining the heart from indulging in sinful thoughts, desires, and intentions. It involves purifying the heart from all forms of spiritual diseases such as envy, hatred, arrogance, and greed. Fasting of the heart is considered superior because it focuses on the innermost core of a person's being, which ultimately shapes their actions and character.

The Quranic support for the concept of fasting of the heart can be found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having faith and obedience ingrained in the hearts of believers. It highlights the significance of purifying the heart from disbelief and disobedience, which can only be achieved through fasting of the heart. By restraining our hearts from negative emotions and cultivating love for Allah and His commands, we can attain true guidance and righteousness.

On the other hand, "صِيامِ اللِّسانِ" refers to controlling one's speech and refraining from engaging in backbiting, gossip, lying, and any form of harmful or idle talk. Fasting of the tongue is considered better than fasting of the stomach because it involves actively restraining oneself from uttering words that may harm others or violate the principles of Islam.

The Quranic support for the concept of fasting of the tongue can be found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, saying,

And they who turn away from ill speech.

This verse highlights the importance of abstaining from negative and harmful speech, which is an essential aspect of fasting of the tongue. By controlling our tongues and speaking only what is good and beneficial, we can maintain harmony and righteousness in our interactions with others.

Lastly, "صِيامِ البَطْنِ" refers to the physical act of fasting by abstaining from food and drink during the prescribed hours of fasting. While fasting of the stomach is an obligatory act of worship during the month of Ramadan, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that it holds a lower rank compared to fasting of the heart and fasting of the tongue.

The Quranic support for the concept of fasting of the stomach can be found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 of the stomach, although important, is merely a means to achieve this higher goal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true fasting encompasses all three levels: fasting of the heart, fasting of the tongue, and fasting of the stomach. While fasting of the stomach is a physical act, it is incomplete without the purification of the heart and the control of the tongue. By focusing on all aspects of fasting, we can attain a comprehensive and holistic approach to worship, leading to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of different types of fasting and their relative merits. It reminds us that true fasting involves not only abstaining from food and drink but also purifying our hearts from negative emotions and controlling our tongues from harmful speech. By striving to excel in all forms of fasting, we can attain a higher level of spirituality and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice fasting in its true essence and benefit from its blessings.