If we have trouble fasting, we should first find the reason for our troubles, whether it is that we might be too weak to fast so many hours, then we would have to choose a better diet, foods that last longer in our system, like wheat and grains. Make sure we wake up for Sahr (meals before Fajr). But if our reason is something else, like we somehow just don’t feel like or don't fast for our own personal reasons then we must strive harder and ask Allah to help us in our efforts to obey Him and earn the abundant rewards He has promised us. We must also truly understand and internalize the fact that in Islam, there is absolutely nothing prescribed to us unless it benefits us in some way.

 

"…whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, and then all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)[ii]

 

Fasting is unlike any other deed, those who fast, fast only for Allah because this is done in secret. It can’t be done to show off, nor for mere pleasure. This is the reason also why Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said in a hadeeth qudsee: "(…except for fasting, then it is for Me and I will give reward for it; He left off his desires and his food for My sake. For the fasting person there are two pleasures: his pleasure at the time of breaking his fast and his pleasure when he meets his Lord. And the smell emanating from the mouth of the one who is fasting is better in the Sight of Allah than the smell of musk)."

 

Besides the fact that fasting is a command from Allah that we must obey, there are only merits and rewards in store for us.

• The Messenger of Allah (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: (Fasting is protection), i.e. protection from the Fire of Hell. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

• Allah (Subhana Allahu wa Ta'aala) says: {O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwa}, (Surah al-Baqarah: 183).

• Fasting allows the body's digestive system and the stomach to rest allowing the body to recuperate and strengthen. This is beneficial for many ailments.

• Likewise, fasting allows the smoker to take a break from smoking and in doing so assists him in abandoning it.

• Fasting is a purification of the soul, and helps it upon becoming good; worship, patience and sincerity.  

• The fasting person feels a sense of equality with the rest of his fasting brothers and sisters; so he fasts with them allowing for the feeling of sincere  Islamic brotherhood/sisterhood to be nurtured.

 

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The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)[iii]

 

 

 

References  

[i] Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 123

[ii] Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 125

[iii] Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 120

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