Fasting during the month of Ramadan is not merely an act of abstaining from food and drink; it is a comprehensive spiritual training that encompasses the entire being of a person. The goal of fasting is to cultivate self-discipline, enhance spirituality, and develop a closer relationship with Allah to make the fasting person a Muttaqi, a God-fearing person. Due to this, certain acts which are forbidden in general are considered especially harmful, for it has the potential to diminish the rewards of fasting. Some among these acts are lying, gossiping, engaging in disputes, speaking ill of others etc.

 

1. Quarreling

 

One of the most significant teachings regarding the conduct of a fasting person is encapsulated in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), who stated: 

 

الصيام جُنَّةٌ، فإذا كان أحدكم صائمًا فلا يرفث ولا يجهل، فإن امْرُؤٌ شاتمه أو قاتَلَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّي صائم

(Sahih Bukhari: 1894)

"Fasting is a shield. So when one of you is fasting, let him not engage in foul speech or ignorance. If someone insults him or fights him, let him say: 'I am fasting.'”

Fasting serves as a shield, protecting the believer from engaging in inappropriate behavior. If someone insults or fights with a fasting person, the response should be a calm declaration of their state: "I am fasting." He must exercise patience, avoid provocation and refrain from responding to insults or hostility. He should refrain from insulting others, raising his voice in anger or engaging in fights.

 

2. Lying

 

Another important aspect of fasting is the prohibition of false speech and deceitful actions. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) warned:

 

من لم يدع قول الزور والعمل به فليس لله حاجة في أن يدع طعامه وشرابه

(Sahih Bukhari: 1903)

"Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink."

If a person does not abandon falsehood and deceitful actions, Allah does not require him to refrain from eating and drinking. Engaging in dishonest behavior and immoral talk while fasting negates the spiritual benefits intended by this act of worship.

 

3. Backbiting

 

Backbiting is another major sin that corrupts the rewards of fasting. Speaking negatively about someone in their absence, even if what is said is true is Ghibah (backbiting) and is strictly forbidden at all times, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Allah, The Exalted, condemns backbiting in the Quran:

 

وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ

(Surah Hujraat: 49:12)

"And do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it."

 

4. Nonsense and Ignorant Speech 

 

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) explicitly stated that fasting is not limited to abstaining from eating and drinking; it also involves refraining from idle talk. He said:

 

ليس الصيام من الأكل والشرب، إنما الصيام من اللغو والرفث

(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 1996, Mustadrak Hakim: 1570)

"Fasting is not merely from eating and drinking; rather, fasting is from vain speech and indecency."

Fasting is an all-encompassing act of worship, requiring a person to guard their tongue from harmful, frivolous and indecent speech. 

 

5. Wasting the Nights in Idle Acts

 

Staying awake at night for frivolous activities, such as excessive gossip or wandering on the streets diminishes the rewards of Laylatul Qadr (the night of power). Abu Huraira (Radhi Allahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

ربَّ صائمٍ ليسَ لَه من صيامِه إلَّا الجوعُ وربَّ قائمٍ ليسَ لَه من قيامِه إلَّا السَّهرُ

(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1380)

"Many a fasting person gains nothing from their fast except hunger, and many a person who stands in prayer gains nothing from it except sleeplessness."

In essence, Ramadan etiquette fosters a spirit of unity, empathy, and spiritual reflection. By adhering to these practices, we not only deepen our own connection with faith but also strengthen the bonds of community, creating a truly blessed and meaningful Ramadan for all.

May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, and good deeds, and grant us the strength to carry the spirit of Ramadan throughout the year. Ameen.