Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord, and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
The Excellence of Fasting
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim 1151e establishes the unique status of fasting among all acts of worship. While other deeds receive multiplied rewards from ten to seven hundred times, fasting stands apart as being performed solely for Allah's sake, with its reward being beyond measure and known only to Him.
Divine Attribution
The statement "fasting is for Me and I reward it" signifies Allah's special connection to this act of worship. Unlike other deeds that may be seen by others or performed with mixed intentions, fasting is purely between the servant and his Lord, making it immune to ostentation.
Dual Abandonment
"One abandons his passion and food for My sake" highlights the comprehensive nature of fasting. The believer forsakes both lawful physical desires (food, drink) and unlawful passions, demonstrating complete submission to Allah's command.
Two Joys of the Fasting Person
The first joy occurs at iftar (breaking fast), which is a natural happiness after enduring hunger and thirst. The second, greater joy will be in the Hereafter when the believer meets his Lord and receives the immense reward promised for fasting.
The Sweetness of the Fasting Breath
Allah's declaration that the breath of the fasting person is sweeter than musk demonstrates how He transforms even the natural discomforts of fasting into something beloved to Him. This illustrates Allah's immense appreciation for the believer's sacrifice.