"Fasting is a shield against the Fire. Whoever starts the day of fasting, let him not act in an ignorant manner during that day. If anyone treats him in an ignorant maner, let him not insult him or curse him, rather let him say: "I am fasting.' By the One in whole hand is the soul of Muhammad, the smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk."
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2234
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual dimensions of fasting. The scholars of Islam have extracted numerous lessons from this comprehensive tradition that encompasses both the outer and inner aspects of fasting.
Fasting as Spiritual Protection
The Prophet described fasting as a "shield against the Fire," meaning it protects the believer from sins that lead to punishment in the Hereafter. Just as a physical shield protects a warrior in battle, the fast protects the soul from spiritual harm. The great scholar Imam al-Nawawi explained that this protection operates on two levels: it safeguards the fasting person from disobedience in this world and shields them from the Hellfire in the next.
Ethical Conduct During Fasting
The instruction to "not act in an ignorant manner" encompasses all forms of improper speech and behavior. Classical commentators like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani emphasized that true fasting requires restraining not only from food and drink but from all immoral conduct. When provoked, the fasting person is commanded to respond with dignity, stating "I am fasting" as a reminder to themselves and others of their spiritual state.
The Divine Esteem for the Fasting Person
The concluding portion of the hadith highlights Allah's special regard for those who fast. Scholars such as Imam al-Qurtubi noted that the "smell from the mouth" - which in ordinary circumstances might be considered unpleasant - is transformed in Allah's estimation to something more fragrant than musk. This illustrates how Allah elevates the struggles of His servants and transforms their hardships into means of drawing closer to Him.