The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2235

Text of the Narration

"Our companions narrated to us that Abu 'Ubaidah said: 'Fasting is a shield, so long as you do not damage it."'

Scholarly Commentary

This profound narration compares fasting to a shield in spiritual warfare. Just as a physical shield protects a warrior from harm, fasting protects the believer from sins and divine punishment.

The shield metaphor indicates that fasting creates a barrier between the servant and disobedience to Allah. It weakens carnal desires and strengthens spiritual resolve.

The condition "so long as you do not damage it" warns that certain actions can nullify this protection. Backbiting, lying, vain speech, and other sins during fasting breach this spiritual shield.

Imam al-Nawawi explains that complete fasting involves restraining all limbs from sin. The tongue from falsehood, the eyes from unlawful sights, the ears from listening to prohibitions.

This teaching emphasizes that fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink, but comprehensive spiritual discipline that protects the soul when properly observed.