Fasting is a shield of protection
📖Sunan al-Nasā’ī 2235
Abu ‘Ubaydah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, Fasting is a shield, as long as you do not damage it.
The Prophet ï·º described fasting as a shield (protective barrier). Just as a physical shield protects a warrior in battle, fasting protects a believer from sins, temptations, and the punishment of Allah. It strengthens patience, self-control, and awareness of Allah.
What damages the shield?
The Prophet ï·º warned that the shield of fasting can be weakened if the fasting person engages in sinful behavior. Damaging acts include:
- Gossiping or backbiting
- Lying or deceit
- Cheating or breaking trust
- Using foul or abusive language
- Harboring hatred or anger
- Engaging in lustful actions or immoral thoughts
So, fasting is not only about avoiding food and drink but also about guarding the tongue, eyes, hands, and heart from anything displeasing to Allah.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 2:183
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.
This verse shows that the ultimate goal of fasting is taqwa (God-consciousness), which cannot be achieved if sins damage the shield.
📖Quran 29:45
…Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing. And the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.
Just like prayer prevents sin, fasting should also keep a believer away from wrongdoing. Both are shields against evil if performed sincerely.
📖Quran 5:27
…Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous.
This reminds us that fasting must be protected from sinful actions for it to be accepted.
Lesson for Today:
Fasting is more than hunger and thirst. It is a shield of spiritual protection – but it only remains strong if a believer avoids sins, bad speech, dishonesty, and immoral acts. Guarding the shield means making fasting a true act of purification for both body and soul.