Question:
Assalamu‘alaikum. What is the wisdom of fasting?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wbt,
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the many countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Fasting is a madrasah (school or training) of good character and conduct (akhlak) for a mukmin (believer), in fighting against the influence, whispers and deception of shaytan. Fast also teaches the meaning of trust and muqarabah towards Allah SWT in sir (seclusion) or overtly (evidently). It also helps in practising patience.
Fasting for a mukmin (believer) would lead to nizam and discipline. This is in accordance with the limitation of eating and drinking during the day.
Dr Yusuf al-Qaradhawi said: “Fasting is an effective tarbiyyah (training/lesson/teaching) in terms of controlling or abstaining oneself and nafsu (desires) by accustoming patience in obedience and patience in avoiding sins.”