The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2228

Text of the Hadith

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Fasting is a shield.'"

Commentary

This noble hadith establishes fasting as a spiritual protection for the believer. The shield metaphor indicates that fasting serves as a barrier between the fasting person and sins, evil deeds, and the punishment of the Hereafter.

Fasting protects in two dimensions: it shields one from disobedience to Allah by weakening carnal desires and strengthening self-restraint, and it serves as protection from the Hellfire on the Day of Judgment, as authentically reported in other narrations.

The comprehensive nature of this shield extends to both worldly and spiritual harms, guarding the believer's faith, health, and ultimate destiny. Just as a physical shield protects the warrior in battle, the fast protects the believer in their spiritual struggle.

Practical Implications

When one fasts with proper intention and observance, they should be conscious of this protective quality and utilize it to abstain not only from food and drink but from all forms of sin - whether of the tongue, eyes, ears, or other limbs.

The fasting person should reflect that their fast is actively protecting them from divine displeasure and should therefore be diligent in maintaining the conditions that preserve this shield's effectiveness through sincere worship and avoidance of prohibitions.