The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2232

Commentary on the Prophetic Narration

The noble hadith transmitted through Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) wherein the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared "Fasting is a shield" carries profound spiritual wisdom. As classical scholars have elucidated, this shield protects the believer on two fronts: it serves as a protection from Hellfire in the Hereafter and as a protection from sins in this worldly life.

Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy upon him) explains in his commentary that fasting acts as a barrier between the fasting person and sinful acts, for when one is fasting, they become more conscious of Allah and thus restrain their limbs from disobedience. The stomach is shielded from food and drink, the tongue from false speech, the eyes from unlawful sights, and all bodily faculties from indulging in prohibitions.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (may Allah have mercy upon him) further expounds that just as a physical shield protects the warrior in battle, the fast protects the believer in their spiritual struggle. This protection is most effective when accompanied by proper observance of the fast's etiquettes - guarding one's tongue from falsehood, limbs from sins, and heart from worldly attachments.

Juridical Implications

The scholars of jurisprudence have derived from this hadith that fasting is not merely abstention from food and drink, but encompasses comprehensive self-restraint. This understanding forms the basis for the ruling that invalidates the fast through not only eating and drinking but also through major sins such as backbiting, slander, and false speech.

The Mursal narration mentioned, while having a broken chain, is substantiated by other authentic transmissions and is accepted by the majority of scholars in its meaning, as it aligns with the established principles of Islamic spirituality and jurisprudence regarding the comprehensive nature of fasting.