Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 223

Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

باب أمر الصائم بحفظ لسانه وجوارحه عن المخالفات والمشاتمة ونحوها‏:

This chapter reminds us that fasting is not only about the stomach but about the whole self. Holding back from food while indulging in harmful speech and behavior misses the deeper purpose of the fast.

The two hadith teach the fasting person to guard the tongue, avoid obscene words and arguments, and answer provocation calmly by recalling that they are fasting. The sobering conclusion is that if someone does not leave off lying and bad conduct, their abstaining from food gains them little before Allah.

Hadith 1240

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏ "‏إذا كان يوم صوم أحدكم فلا يرفث ولا يصخب، فإن سابه أحد أو قاتله، فليقل‏:‏ إني صائم‏" ‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: 'I am observing fast."' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

While fasting, a person should avoid foul speech and quarrels, and if someone provokes them, simply answer that they are fasting. The fast trains character, not just appetite.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1240 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 250

Hadith 1241

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏ "‏ من لم يدع قول الزور والعمل به فليس لله حاجة في أن يدع طعامه وشرابه‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink." [Al-Bukhari].

In plain words

If a fasting person does not give up lying and wrongful behavior, then merely going without food and drink holds no value to Allah. The point of fasting is inner change.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1241 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 251