Fasting and sincerity
Islamic forms of worship are unique practices that bring about profound changes in the Muslim character and conduct. Fasting is not merely meant to help Muslims develop their self-restraint and willpower, but it is also about getting closer to the Almighty through the gate of sincerity. One of the secrets of fasting that makes it one of the greatest forms of worship is sincerity. Let us consider the hadith which Abu Huraira (RA) narrated: “The messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it’.” In another narration: “The fasting person leaves his food and drink for Me; fasting is for Me and I shall reward it.” (Al-Bukhari)
Why is fasting given this lofty status over other forms of worship? The answer lies in the fact that fasting is the ultimate proof of sincerity. The tradition describes fasting as a worship only done for the sake of Allah. In fact, all actions are done for the sake of Allah and are rewarded by Him, based on the soundness of intentions. However, in fasting there is no potential for showing off like other acts of worship as in prayers or giving of charity.
Fasting is a secret bond between the Master and His servants. The fasting person abstains from permissible desires, which are instinctive, for the sake of Allah Alone, at a time when no one sees him. He does so out of sincerity to Allah. Sincerity is required in all acts of worship both outward and inward, but it is most apparent in fasting. Sincerity is one of the main pillars of the faith:
“Even though they were only commanded to worship Allah (alone) with sincere devotion to Him in all uprightness”. (Al-Bayyinah 98:5). They were not only commanded to worship, but to worship sincerely. Doing good deeds is not enough unless they are accompanied by the sincere desire to repent and gratify Allah. True faithful believers do not seek reward or praise from people, nor do they seek a noble position among them, nor do they seek a great status
in their hearts. Sincerity is a prerequisite in all actions and words and they cannot be accepted without sincerity.
No matter how an action is good, if it is not done sincerely for the sake of Allah, it will be of no avail. A famous hadith makes this fact clear: “Allah never accepts any deed except what is done sincerely for His sake.”( Sunan an-Nasa’i)
The life of our righteous predecessors abounds in amazing examples that show their sincerity. Imam Al-Zahabi narrated some examples in his famous book Biographies of Noble Flags. He wrote that Dawud ibn Abu Hind (may Allah have mercy upon him) fasted for 40 years. Neither his family nor people in the market knew about that. He was a seller of
silk and used to carry his lunch with him and give it away. His family would think that he had eaten in the market, and people in the market would think that he had eaten with his family.
Muhammad ibn Ishaq (may Allah have mercy upon him) reported, “A group of people in Madinah used to receive regular stipends without knowing from where it was coming. When ‘Ali ibn Al-Hasan Zayn Al-‘Abidin died, they would no longer find the sustenance and stipend that used to reach them at night. As they washed him, they found marks of the sacks that he used to carry to the poor on his back.”
Fasting is the best training on sincerity through which Muslims can learn sincerity in all the actions of their life. Fasting strengthens the desire to dedicate good deeds to Allah Almighty and to avoid ostentation. Fasting is a practical way to cultivate sincerity and God-consciousness in the heart and implant an inner monitoring consciousness.