The real fast of the AhlulBayt

“O ye who believe” Fasting is prescribed to you that ye
may (learn) self-restraint…”- Qur’an 2:183
The word ‘Ramadhan’ is derived from the root
word ‘R-M-Dh’, which indicates ‘Heat’ and
‘Restlessness’. It is said that the name of the
month indicates the hardships which accompany a
fast like thirst and a comparative restlessness. But
the best explanation was given by the Holy
Prophet (saw) himself, who said: the Month of
Ramadhan “burns the sins and faults as fire burns the
wood”.

Imam Baqir (as) told one of his companions:
“O Jabir! Whoever, during the Month of Ramadhan,
fasts in days, stands for prayers in parts of nights,
controls his sexual desires and emotions, puts rein on
his tongue, keeps his eyes down, and does not injure
the feelings of others, will become as free from sin as
he was the day he was born”. Jabir said: “How tough
are these conditions!”

The month of Ramadhan gives us a chance to start
life afresh. Muslims should make resolutions during
this month, to act upon during the year. This is the
month when emotions remain under the control
of reason. Thoughts, in this month are not wiled,
feelings not hard. Forgiveness, generosity and love
of God through the love of His creatures are infused
in our soul. Naturally, it is the best time to
decide how we are going to live in the coming
year. We should know what do we want to
achieve and how.

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (as) has said your days of fasting
should not be like other ordinary days. When you fast,
all your senses; eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet
must fast with you.” How?

Eyes: Keep your eyes off unlawful things and objects;
spend this most precious gift of God in good
cause and pious acts and read Qur’an and Du’as.

Ears: Abstain from hearing unlawful gossip, lies,
false statements, music and obscene topics. Pay
attention towards sermons and topics of learning.

Tongue: Do not tell lies or useless tales; do not
spread rumours or, damaging gossips about other
persons. Use the power of speech in spreading the
word of God; in creating goodwill in the society.

Hand: Do not injure others by your actions; instead
strive to help them as far as you can.

Feet: Do not go towards forbidden places. Do
not run between people creating strife. Go to
those places where God is remembered; your
movements should be to bring people together.

And above all, your heart and mind must be with
you in fasting. Because fast in its real sense, will
not be complete unless your thoughts, your emotions,
your actions – in short, all aspects of our life
– become pure, clean and free from blemish. Fasting
cleans our body from impurities. Likewise, it
must purify our hearts and minds from all impure
thoughts improper desires and undisciplined sensations.

Remember fasting and not implementing
these words of advice is not fasting but hunger.

“Many persons get nothing out of their fasts but hunger
and thirst, many more get nothing out of their
night prayers but exertions and sleepless nights. Wise
and sagacious persons are praiseworthy even if they do
not fast and sleep during the nights” – Imam Ali (as)