Virtues of Ramadan Pt 9

The month of Ramadan calls every believer to go beyond merely abstaining from food and drink. While the physical fast is the foundation, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us that whoever does not leave scandalous speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for that person to leave their food or drink. This powerful hadith points us toward a deeper, more transformative dimension of fasting.

The Three Levels of Fasting in Islam

Islamic scholars have identified three dimensions of the fast. The first is the basic physical struggle — staying away from food, drink, and intimacy. The second, known as the fast of the specialized people, involves the fasting of every limb: the tongue refrains from lying, backbiting, and slander; the eyes lower from forbidden sights; the ears turn away from gossip and scandal; the hands cease from dishonesty and oppression; and the feet avoid walking toward places of sin.

“Whoever does not leave scandalous words and acting upon them, then Allah has no need for that person to leave their food or their drink.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Guarding the Tongue During Ramadan

• Avoiding lies — The worst lie is fabricating something about Allah, followed by lying about the Prophet (peace be upon him), then lying about fellow Muslims or anyone else
• Stopping backbiting (gheebah) — Speaking about someone behind their back what you would not say to their face
• Rejecting slander (nameemah) — The Prophet warned that the one who carries scandal will not enter Paradise
• Controlling anger — Avoiding foul language and filthy speech, especially when hunger tests our patience

“The person who carries scandal will not enter Paradise.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

When Every Limb Fasts

One of the greatest trials facing Muslims today is the misuse of technology. Through television and the internet, both beneficial knowledge and harmful content are readily accessible. In the blessed month, our eyes, ears, hands, and feet should all be in a state of abstinence from the impermissible. When we raise our fasting to this higher dimension — where the entire body participates — we move closer to the mercy and elevated station that Allah promises those who truly honor Ramadan.