Reward for Fasting

 

REWARD FOR FASTING

Meaning of the Word "Saum" (Fast)

"Siyaam" is the plural for "Saum" (Arabic words), whose literal translation means to "to give up", ""to leave" and "to be straight"
(Tafseer E Kabeer).

The third "pillar"of Islam, fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to Almighty Allaah [God]. 

As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. 

Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.

There are two joys for the person that fasts. The first is when he breaks his fast in the evening and the second is when he shall meet his Lord.

“The smell of the breath of one who is fasting is more liked by Allaah Ta'aala than Musk (fragrance) and fasting is a restriction. When one of you is fasting, do not partake in idle chat and do not cause disturbance. If someone swears at you, tell that person that you are fasting."

(Bukhari and Muslim)