Ramadan is a month of fasting, but is it only about staying hungry and thirsty? Many of us focus on the physical aspect—abstaining from food and drink—but often overlook the deeper purpose of fasting.

The Prophet ﷺ and the Quran remind us that true fasting goes beyond the stomach; it is a state of discipline for the tongue, the mind, and the heart.

More Than Just Hunger and Thirst

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1903)

This hadith is a clear reminder that fasting is not just a physical act—it is a spiritual exercise. If our words and actions remain the same as outside of Ramadan, then we have not truly fasted. Refraining from gossip, lies, arguments, and ill speech is just as crucial as avoiding food and drink.

Allah also emphasizes in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (consciousness of Allah)."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Taqwa is not achieved merely by enduring hunger but by guarding our hearts from corruption. A fast that does not bring a person closer to righteousness is an incomplete fast.

The Fast of the Heart and Actions

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

"Fasting is a shield; so, when one of you is fasting, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice in anger. If someone reviles him or fights with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting.’”
(Sahih Muslim, 1151a)

Fasting acts as a shield—a protection not just from physical needs but from the weaknesses of the soul. It teaches patience, self-restraint, and humility.

Engaging in arguments or responding to provocation diminishes the essence of fasting. Ramadan is a test, and every interaction is an opportunity to pass or fail.

Charity: The Soul of Fasting

While fasting helps cleanse the soul, it must be paired with giving. The Prophet ﷺ was described as the most generous, especially in Ramadan:

"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel would meet him. Jibreel would meet him every night of Ramadan to study the Quran with him, and when Jibreel met him, he was more generous than a swift wind bringing rain."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3554)

Fasting teaches us the pain of hunger, but it should also open our hearts to those who live with that pain every day. True fasting includes generosity—not just through money but also through kindness, forgiveness, and giving from what we love.

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Are You Truly Fasting?

At the end of Ramadan, we must ask ourselves: Did we just stay hungry, or did we fast with our entire being? The Prophet ﷺ warned:

"Perhaps a fasting person will get nothing from his fast except hunger and thirst."
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 1690)

A fast that does not change us, does not soften our hearts, and does not bring us closer to Allah is a wasted opportunity. Ramadan is a time to not just control what enters our body but also what leaves it—our words, actions, and intentions.

Fasting is easy when it’s only about food. The real challenge is in fasting with our hearts, minds, and actions.

If we truly want to benefit from Ramadan, we must go beyond hunger and thirst. We must fast with sincerity, kindness, and self-control. Only then will we experience the true essence of Ramadan.

So ask yourself, Are you truly fasting? Or are you just staying hungry?