The virtues found in Sawm (fasting)

 

Ṣawm, (Arabic: “fasting”) in Islam, any religious fast, but especially the fast of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims abstain from food or drink each day from sunrise (fajr) until sunset (maghrib). The purpose of the fast is to practice self-restraint, piety, and generosity. Ṣawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

عن أبي عبد الرحمن عبد الله بن عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنهما قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: ” بني الإسلام على خمس: شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمدا رسول الله، وإقام الصلاة، وإيتاء الزكاة، وحج البيت، وصوم رمضان ” رواه البخاري و مسلم

On the authority of Abdullah, the son of Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra), who said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, "Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakat (obligatory charity), making the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadhan. " [Bukhari & Muslim]

The virtues found in Sawm (fasting) are;

1. Sabr (patience and forbearance)

From fasting, all of us learn how to be patient in restraining ourselves in eating and drinking as it already revealed by Almighty God. As we can see, we fasting for a long day from dawn until dark, and plus Muslims fasting for a month, and then we continue with Solat Tarawih at night of each day in the month of Ramadhan. All such things are represented patience in worshipping Allah SWT in order to get his blessing and soon will enter heaven together. InsyaAllah.

2. Takrim (respect and deference)

From fasting also, we can learn how to be more respectful towards others who do not have enough food for eaten by them. As we can see, how great Prophet Muhammad and his sahabah involve in Perang Badar which happen in the second year of hijrah. Rasulullah directly led the attack which only involved about 313 Muslims, 8 swords, 6 armor, 70 camels, and 2 horses. Meanwhile, the Quraish had 1,000 people, 600 fully armed, 700 camels, and 300 horses. However, the spirit of jihad that raged in Ramadan made the Islamic forces successfully kill three warlords of the Quraish, namely Utbah, Shaybah, and Walid bin Utbah. Therefore, we cannot be weak in the month of Ramadhan. In contrast, we have to become more energetic and effective during fasting. We have to make Rasulullah our role model.

3. Rahmah (friendliness)

In the month of Ramadhan, we were encouraged to prepare or serve foods for those who are fasting. It is because, from Zaid bin Khalid, that the Prophet SAW said:

Meaning: "Whoever feeds a person who is fasting, then for him is a similar reward without the slightest lack of reward for a person who is fasting.". Based on these actions, we will become more loving, respectful, friendly, grateful, and generous.

References:-

• https://yushaevans.com/2011/08/20/fiqh-sawm-or-siyaam-fasting-part-1-the-virtues-and-benefits-of-fasting/
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/sawm
• https://muftiwp.gov.my/artikel/irsyad-fatwa/edisi-ramadhan/2040-fadhilat-memberi-makan-kepada-orang-yang-berbuka-puasa