Virtues of Ramadan Pt 10

Most Muslims think of Ramadan as a time to abstain from food and drink, but the scholars of Islam recognized three distinct dimensions of fasting — each taking the believer to progressively higher levels of spiritual purification. In this profound lecture, the diseases of the heart that undermine our worship are exposed, and the path to achieving the highest level of fasting is laid out with clarity and urgency.

The Three Dimensions of Fasting

The first level is Sawm al-Awam — the fast of the common people, where the struggle is limited to abstaining from food, drink, and physical desires. The second level is Sawm al-Khawas — the fast of the specialized people, where not only the stomach but every limb fasts: the tongue abstains from backbiting, the eyes from looking at what is forbidden, the ears from listening to evil, and the hands and feet from engaging in sin. The highest level is Sawm Khawas al-Khawas — where the very heart and consciousness of the individual are fasting, purified from spiritual diseases.

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: there are some who fast but all they get from their fast is hunger, and there are those who stand in the night but all they get is sleeplessness. He pointed his followers toward a higher stage.”

Diseases of the Heart That Destroy Your Deeds

• Hasad (Jealousy/Envy): The Prophet warned that jealousy eats up good deeds like fire eats firewood — you go to Hajj, fast Ramadan, and pay zakat, but jealousy of another Muslim burns it all away
• Kibr (Pride/Arrogance): Feeling superior because of your race, language, or gender is destroying the unity of the ummah — even Abu Lahab, from the noblest lineage, is burning in the Hellfire
• Riya (Showing Off): Performing acts of worship to be seen by people is what the Prophet called “the silent form of shirk” — it creeps in like a black ant on a dark night
• Ghadab (Uncontrolled Anger): When a companion asked for advice, the Prophet repeatedly said: “Don’t get angry” — especially critical during the hunger of Ramadan

“Beware of jealousy, for it eats up your good deeds like fire eats up firewood. You fast in Ramadan, you give zakat, you go to Hajj — but jealousy of another Muslim burns it all up.”

Let Ramadan Transform Your Heart Permanently

The ultimate purpose of fasting is not temporary restraint but permanent transformation. When a Muslim reaches the level where their heart is purified — free from jealousy, pride, showing off, and anger — the effects of Ramadan extend far beyond the month itself. This is the fasting that changes personalities, rebuilds communities, and brings the ummah together under the banner of sincere devotion to Allah alone.