Hadith #5916

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Fasting is one of the two means to good health.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fasting as a means to attain physical and spiritual well-being. To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their implications.

The word (siyam) "صِيَام" in Arabic refers to the act of fasting, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is not only a religious obligation but also a means of self-discipline and self-control. It purifies the soul, strengthens one's faith, and fosters empathy towards the less fortunate.

The phrase (ahadu as-sihtayn) "أحَدُ الصِّحَّتَيْنِ" translates to

one of the two means to good health.

This indicates that fasting is one of the two paths leading to physical and spiritual well-being. It implies that fasting has a profound impact on our overall health, both in this world and the hereafter.

To further understand the significance of fasting, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (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 helps us develop self-restraint, patience, and gratitude, which are essential qualities for leading a righteous life.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.

This verse establishes the connection between fasting and the revelation of the Quran. Fasting during Ramadan allows us to immerse ourselves in the recitation and contemplation of the Quran, deepening our understanding of its teachings and guidance.

Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187),

It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within the bounds of marriage, even during the period of fasting. It emphasizes the holistic nature of Islam, which encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that fasting is not only a means of attaining physical health but also a path towards spiritual well-being. By abstaining from worldly desires and focusing on the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we cleanse our hearts and strengthen our connection with the Divine. Fasting teaches us self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude, enabling us to lead a more righteous and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of fasting as one of the two means to good health. Through fasting, we not only improve our physical well-being but also nurture our spiritual growth. It is a time of self-reflection, self-control, and increased devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to observe fasting with sincerity and reap its manifold benefits.