The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2223

"I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an action (I should do).' He said: 'Take to fasting, for there is nothing equal to it."'

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the supreme status of fasting in Islamic worship. The companion's request for a singular action indicates his desire for the most virtuous deed that brings one closest to Allah.

The Prophet's response, "Take to fasting," employs the imperative form, emphasizing its obligatory nature for every capable Muslim while also highlighting its voluntary excellence. The phrase "there is nothing equal to it" signifies fasting's unique spiritual rank among all acts of worship.

Scholarly Explanations

Imam an-Nawawi explains that fasting has no equal because it is a purely hidden act between the servant and his Lord, free from ostentation. Unlike prayer, charity, or pilgrimage, fasting cannot be observed by others.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali states that fasting encompasses patience in three forms: patience in obeying Allah, patience in avoiding disobedience, and patience in enduring divine decree. Thus, the fasting person combines all types of patience.

Al-Munawi elaborates that nothing equals fasting in its ability to subdue the soul's base desires and weaken the influence of Satan, whose passage flows through the bloodstream - which is diminished during fasting.

Spiritual Benefits

Fasting cultivates taqwa (God-consciousness) by training the soul to abstain from lawful desires for Allah's sake, making it easier to abstain from unlawful matters.

It creates a special connection between the servant and Allah, as mentioned in the sacred hadith: "Every deed of the son of Adam is for himself except fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward it."

The fasting person experiences both worldly benefits (health, self-discipline) and otherworldly rewards, with the promise of entering through the special gate of "Ar-Rayyan" in Paradise reserved exclusively for those who fasted.