The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Allah said), 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk."
Hadith Text and Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Allah said), 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5927)
Divine Attribution of Fasting
Allah specifically attributes fasting to Himself, distinguishing it from other acts of worship. This indicates fasting's unique status as it involves abstaining from lawful desires purely for Allah's sake, unlike other deeds which may involve visible actions.
Scholars explain this divine attribution signifies Allah's special love for fasting and His personal responsibility for rewarding it, without specifying the measure of reward, indicating its boundless nature.
The Scent of the Fasting Person's Mouth
The hadith mentions the unpleasant smell from the fasting person's mouth due to hunger and thirst. Allah declares this scent superior to musk in His estimation, transforming what is ordinarily disliked into something beloved.
This demonstrates how Allah elevates the status of the fasting believer, turning physical discomfort into spiritual merit and showing that what matters in worship is sincerity rather than outward appearance.
Spiritual Significance
Fasting is a hidden act of worship known only to Allah, making it less susceptible to ostentation. This purity of intention is why Allah claims it as His own special worship.
The hadith emphasizes that fasting's essence lies in abandoning desires for Allah's pleasure alone, making it a comprehensive act of devotion that encompasses physical, spiritual, and intentional dimensions of worship.