Levels of Fasting in Islam

Levels of Fasting in Islam

1. The General Fast (صوم العموم)2. The Special Fast (صوم الخصوص) 3. The Most Special Fast (صوم خصوص الخصوص)

Imam Al-Ghazali classified fasting into three levels:

This is the basic level of fasting, which means avoiding food, drink, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. It is the minimum requirement for a valid fast.

1. The General Fast (صوم العموم)

• Lowering the gaze from looking at anything haram. • Controlling the tongue from lying, backbiting, and gossip. • Avoiding listening to sinful speech or entertainment. • Keeping hands and feet from engaging in harmful actions.

This is the fasting of the righteous, where a person not only refrains from eating and drinking but also guards their senses from committing sins. This includes:

2. The Special Fast (صوم الخصوص)

• Thinking excessively about worldly matters unless they serve the religion. • Letting their heart be attached to anything other than Allah. This level of fasting is extremely rare and is practiced by Prophets and those deeply devoted to worship.

This is the fasting of the most pious and close to Allah. It involves purifying the heart from worldly distractions and focusing only on Allah. A person in this state avoids:

3. The Most Special Fast (صوم خصوص الخصوص)

Practical Application:

• Avoid watching inappropriate content on TV, social media, or the internet.

• Be mindful of what you see when outside, such as in malls or public places.

1. Lowering the Gaze

• The eyes are a gateway to the heart. Looking at something haram can corrupt the soul.

• The Prophet ﷺ said:"A glance is a poisoned arrow from the arrows of Shaytan. Whoever avoids it out of fear of Allah will receive faith whose sweetness he will feel in his heart."

The Special Fast: How to Achieve a Higher Level of FastingTo elevate our fasting beyond the general level, we must follow six key principles:

2. Guarding the Tongue

• The tongue can nullify the rewards of fasting if not controlled.
• The Prophet ﷺ said:"Fasting is a shield. If one of you is fasting, let him not speak foul words or act ignorantly. If someone fights him or insults him, let him say: 'I am fasting, I am fasting.'" (Bukhari & Muslim)

Practical Application:

• Avoid gossip, backbiting, and arguments.

• Speak only words that bring benefit.
• Increase dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Quran recitation.

Practical Tips:

3. Protecting the Ears

• Listening to backbiting or sinful speech is just as bad as speaking it.
• The Quran says:"They are avid listeners to falsehood, devourers of unlawful gain." (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:42)

o Fill your time with beneficial reminders and Quran recitation

o Avoid listening to music or inappropriate content.

o Be cautious about the conversations you engage in.

4. Controlling the Hands and Feet

• The hands and feet should not be used for sinful actions.
• Examples of breaking the fast spiritually:Stealing, cheating, or engaging in dishonest business.Going to places where haram activities occur.

Practical Application:

• Engage in acts of charity and helping others.
• Use social media responsibly and avoid spreading false information.

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How NOT to Fast!

• Overeating contradicts the purpose of fasting.

• The Prophet PBUH said:"How many are those who fast but gain nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst?"

• Eat only what is necessary at iftar.
• Avoid eating excessively, which can lead to laziness in worship.
• Choose healthy foods that provide energy for prayers and ibadah.

Practical Application:

5. Moderation in Eating at Iftar

• After fasting, we should not assume our fast was accepted. Instead, we should balance between hope and fear.

• Hasan Al-Basri said:"Allah made Ramadan a racecourse where His servants compete in worship.Some have won, while others have lost. How strange it is to see those who failed still laughing!"

• Make dua that Allah accepts your fasting.
• Continue worshiping after Ramadan to show sincerity.
• Reflect on your spiritual progress during the month.

Practical Application:

6. Balancing Between Hope and Fear

Practical Ways to Improve Fasting in Ramadan

4. Eat Lightly at Iftar

3. Control What You See and Hear

2. Avoid Wasting Time

1. Plan Your Day Around Worship

What should a person do if someone insults them while they are fasting?

Question 5

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Why is overeating at iftar discouraged?

Question 4

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How does backbiting affect fasting?

Question 3

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Why is lowering the gaze important during fasting?

Question 2

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STEP III

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What are the three levels of fasting?

Question 1

Practical Ways to Improve Fasting in Ramadan 1. Plan Your Day Around Worship: Set goals for reading Quran, making dua, and praying extra prayers. 2. Avoid Wasting Time Stay away from social media distractions and unnecessary entertainment. 3. Control What You See and Hear Be mindful of what you watch and listen to, as it affects your heart. 4. Eat Lightly at Iftar Avoid overeating so you can focus on prayer and worship. 5. Reflect on Your Intentions Constantly remind yourself why you are fasting—to seek closeness to Allah.

Fasting is more than just avoiding food and drink—it is an opportunity to purify the heart, develop self-control, and grow closer to Allah. By practicing the higher levels of fasting, we can maximize the spiritual benefits of Ramadan and transform our daily lives beyond the month. By following these principles, fasting becomes not just a physical exercise but a true journey of the soul toward Allah.

Conclusion