Fasting in Islam

"Keep fasting and you will remain healthy"

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

 

Keep Fasting

 

Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab - two full months before Ramadan - the Prophet Muhammad, (SAW), used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)."

Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said, Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven. --(Bukhari)

During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities.

Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that Muhammad (SAW) said: "Keep fasting and you will remain healthy."--(Tibrani). Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that Muhammad (SAW) said: "Every person has a zakaat (to pay) and the zakaat of the body is fasting." -- (Ibn Majah).

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."—(Bukhari) 

Ramadan saves us from Hell Fire and saves from sins by leading to forgiveness. Ramadan leads the fasting believer to al-Jannah (Paradise). Muhammad (SAW) said: "Fasting is a shield and a powerful fortress." -- (Ahmad, Baihaqi).

Hadhrat Ibn Umar (RA) narrates, in a lengthy hadith,that Muhammad (SAW) said: "Fasting is exclusively for Allah Ta'ala. The thawaab of it (being limitless) no one knows besides Allah Ta'ala." -- (Tibrani, Baihaqi).

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RA) in a lengthy hadith, narrates that Muhammad (SAW) said: "I swear by That Being in Whose possession is the life of Muhammad! The odour of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah Ta'ala than the fragrance of musk." -- (Bukhari).

Allah has also described about Fasting in many places in the Qur’an, so let us now take alook at what He has in store for the believers.

Fasting is very much important in Islam—from the view of The Al-Qur’an:

In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no.   183 –187, 189 and 196 Allah says:

2.183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-

2.184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

2.185. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

2.186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he called on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

2.187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.

2.189. They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah. That ye may prosper.

2.196. And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 92 Allah mentions:

4:92. Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah. for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom.

In Surah Al-Maidah verses no. 89, 95 Allah states:

5.89. Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful.

5.95. O ye who believe! Kill not game while in the sacred precincts or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka'ba, of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: that he may taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: for repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty. For Allah is Exalted, and Lord of Retribution.

In Surah At- Tauba verses no. 112 Allah notices:

9.112. Those that turn (to Allah. in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah.- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers. 

In Surah Al-Ahzab verses no. 35 Allah tells:

33.35. For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.

In Surah Ad- Dukhan verses no. 3- 5 Allah announces:

44.3. We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil).

44.4. In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom,

44.5. By command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations),

In Surah Al- Mujadila verses no. 3, 4 Allah explains:
58.3. But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered,- (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. 
58.4. And if any has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger. Those are limits (set by) Allah. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous Penalty. 

In Surah Al- Qadr verses no. 1- 5 Allah mentions:

97.1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:

97.2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?

97.3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

97.4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah.s permission, on every errand:

97.5. Peace!...This until the rise of morn!

More Hadeeth about Ramadan:

1. Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar (RA): Allâh's Messenger (SAW) said, The month can be 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not observe Sawm (fast) till you see the crescent, and if the sky is overcast, then complete the month of Sha`bân as 30 days. -- (Bukhari)

2. Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allâh's Messenger (SAW) said, Sawm (fasting) is a shield (or a screen or a shelter from the Hellfire). So, the person observing Sawm (fast) should avoid sexual relations with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, `I am observing Sawm (fast).' The Prophet (SAW) added, By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a person observing Sawm (fast) is better with Allâh than the smell of musk. (Allâh says about the fasting person), `He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Sawm (fast) is for Me, So I will reward the fasting person for it …… (Al Bukhari)

3. Sufyaan ibn `Abdillaah (RA) said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He said: "Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim (38)]

4. Narrated Abû Huraira (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said, Whoever does not give up telling lies (false statements) and acting on those lies, and evil actions etc., Allâh is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allâh will not accept his Sawm (fasting)). -- (Al Bukhari)

5. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Any servant of Allah who observes one day of Fast for Allah's sake, Allah would remove his face away from the Fire of Hell a distance equivalent to seventy years. -- (Muslim)

6. Ibn 'Abbas (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was even more generous in the month of Ramadan. Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) used to meet him every year during the month of Ramadan until it ended, so that Allah's Messenger (SAW) could recite the Qur'an to him; and when Gabriel met Allah's Messenger (SAW) he was more generous in giving charity than the blowing wind. -- (Muslim)

7. Abu Huraira said: I heard the Messenger of Allah,(SAW), saying, "Anybody who spends a pair of something in Allah's Cause will be called from all the gates of Paradise, "O Allah's slave! This is good.' He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad, and he who is from those' who give in charity (i.e. Zakat) will be called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan." Abu Bakr said, "He who is called from all those gates will need nothing," He added, "Will anyone be called from all those gates, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Yes, and I hope you will be among those, O Abu Bakr." [Bukhari] 

8. Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d (RA): Allâh's Messenger (SAW) said, The people (Muslim Ummah) will remain on the right path as long as they hasten to break their fast. (Break the fast on time, without delay) -- (Al Bukhari)

9. Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "There is a gate toParadise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

10. Abu Salamah bin 'Abdul-Rahman reported that he asked 'A'ishah (RA) about the night Prayer (Taraweeh) of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) during the month of Ramadan. She said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) did not observe – either in Ramadan or in any other month more than eleven rak'ahs (units of prayer) of the night Prayer (Taraweeh). He in the first instance observed four rak'ahs. Ask not about their excellence and their length (i.e. these were matchless in perfection and length). He again observed four rak'ahs, and ask not about their excellence and length. He would then observe three rak'ahs (of the Witr Prayer). 'A'ishah again reported: I asked: Messenger of Allah, do you sleep before observing the Witr Prayer? He said: O 'A'ishah, my eyes sleep but my heart does not. --(Muslim)

11. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: When anyone of you gets up in the morning in a state of Fasting, he should neither have sexual relations with his wife, nor use obscene language or do any act of ignorance. And if anyone slanders him or quarrels with him, he should say: "I am fasting, I am fasting." -- (Muslim)

12. Anas (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Take Suhur (small meal before dawn); for in the Suhur there is a blessing. -- (Muslim)

13. Zaid Bin Thabit (RA) narrated: We took Sahur (light meal before the break of dawn) with the Messenger of Allah (SAW), we then stood up for prayer. I said, how much time was there between the two acts, he said, the time it takes to recite fifty verses of the Qur’an. -- (Muslim)

14. Jabir bin 'Abdullah (RA) reported: In the course of a journey, Allah's Messenger (SAW) saw a man whom the people were crowding around and providing some shade. Upon this, he (the Prophet) asked: What is the matter with him? They said: He is a person-observing Fast. Whereupon the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) said: It is not righteousness that you fast while you are travelling. -- (Muslim)

15. 'A'ishah (RA) reported: Hamzah bin 'Amr Al-Aslami asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW) about Fasting on a journey, and he (the Prophet) said: If you wish to fast do so, and if you prefer to break your fast you may do so. -- (Muslim)

16. Narrated `Aisha (RA): With the start of the last ten days of Ramadân, the Prophet (SAW) used to tighten his waist-belt (i.e. work hard) and used to offer Salât (prayer) all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the Salât (prayers). -- (Al Bukhari)

17. Narrated Abû Sa`id (RA) about the Night of Qadr, he said: We practised I`tikâf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadân with the Prophet (SAW). In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet(SAW) came and addressed us and said, I was informed of the date of the Night of Qadr but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadân. -- (Al Bukhari)

18. Narrated Ibn `Abbâs (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said, Look for the lailat of Qadr (the night of power) in the last ten nights of Ramadân - on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadân (i.e. 21, 23, 25, (27, 29,) respectively). -- (Bukhari)

19. Narrated `Aisha (RA) the wife of the Prophet (SAW): The Prophet (SAW)used to practise I`tikâf (seclusion in the mosque) in the last ten days of Ramadân till he died and then his wives used to practise I`tikâf after him. -- (Al Bukhari)

20. Narrated `Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (SAW): While Allâh's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was in I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque) he used to put his head in the house (their house was right next to the Prophet’s mosque) so that I could comb and oil his hair. Whenever he was in I`tikâf he never used to enter the house except for an urgent need. -- (Bukhari)

21. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his Fast (i.e. don’t stop fasting) for it was Allah Who fed him and gave him drink. -- (Muslim)

22. Narrated ‘Amir Bin Rabi’a (RA): I saw the Prophet (SAW) cleaning his teeth with Siwak (small branch of a tree) while he was fasting so many times as I cannot count. -- (Bukhari)

23. 'A'ishah (RA) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) kissed one of his wives while he was fasting, and then she ('A'ishah) smiled as she was narrating. -- (Muslim)

24. 'A'ishah and Umm Salamah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) woke up in the morning in a state of janabah (major impurity, i.e. after sexual relations with his wife) which was not due to the wet dream and then observed the Fast. -- (Muslim)

25. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and said: Messenger of Allah, I am ruined. He (the Prophet) asked: What has brought about your ruin? He said: I have had intercourse with my wife during the month of Ramadan. Upon this he (the Prophet) asked: Can you set a slave free? He said: No. He (the Prophet) again asked: Can you fast for two consecutive months? He said: No. He (the Prophet) asked: Can you provide food to sixty poor people? He said: No. He then sat down and (in the meanwhile) there was brought to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) a basket which contained dates. He (the Prophet) said: Give these dates in Charity. He (the man) asked: Am I to give to one who is poorer than me? There is no family poorer than mine between the two lava plains ofMedina. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) laughed till his molar teeth became visible and said: Go and give it to your family to eat. -- (Muslim)

26. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: If any one of you is invited to a meal when he is fasting, he should say: I am fasting. -- (Muslim)

27. Ibn 'Umar (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) forbade uninterrupted fasting (Sawm Wisal – fasting for more than one day in a row). They (some of the Companions) said: You yourself fast uninterruptedly, whereupon he said: I am not like you. I am fed and supplied drink by Allah. -- (Muslim)

28. Narrated Ibn `Abbâs (RA): The Prophet (SAW) was cupped (process of removing bad blood with a vacuum and a cup) while he was in the state of Ihrâm, and also while he was observing a Sawm (fast). -- (Al Bukhari)

29. Narrated Ibn `Umar (RA): I heard Allâh's Messenger (SAW) saying, When you see the crescent (of the moon) for the month of Ramadân, start observing Sawm (fast), and when you see the crescent (of the moon) for the month of Shawwâl, stop observing Sawm (fast); and if the sky is overcast and you can't see it (the crescent) then regard the month as having 30 days. -- (Bukhari)

30. Narrated `Aisha (RA): Allâh's Messenger (SAW) said, Whoever died while leaving missed sawm (fasts) from Ramadân, then his guardians must observe sawm (fast) on his behalf. -- (Bukhari)

31. "Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," said Prophet Muhammad, (SAW). "Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward will have his previous sins forgiven." As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan. 

32. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet, (SAW) cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy. 

33. The Prophet, (SAW), warned us: "There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep."

34. Ibn Hibban narrated that the Prophet said, what translated means, "If a woman prayed the five prayers, fasted in Ramadan, protected her honour and obeyed her husband; then she will be told (on the Day of Judgment): enter Paradise from any of its (eight) doors.”

35. Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' (Ibn Hibban, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim: Sahih). 
36. `Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhanee (RA) said: A man came to the Prophet, (SAW), and said:"O Messenger of Allah, what if I testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah, and I observe the five daily prayer, and I pay the Zakaah, and I fast and stand in prayer (at night ie Qiyam) in Ramadan, the amongst who shall I be?" He said: "amongst the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs" -- (Ibn Hibban in az-Zawa'id: Its Isnad is Sahih) 
37. In the famous hadith of Mu`ath ... “I said O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an act which will take me into Paradise and keep me away from Hell-Fire. He said: you have asked me about a major matter, yet it easy for him for whom Allah Almighty makes it easy. You should ..., You should fast in Ramadan .... Then he (S) said: shall I not show you the gates of goodness? Fasting is a shield ... (at-Tirmithi) 

38. Hadhrat Abu bin Umar (RA) narrates that Muhammad (SAW) said: "Fasting and the Qu'ran will intercede on behalf of one on the Day of Qiyaamah. The Fast will proclaim: 'O Allah! I prevented him from eating at carnal desire. Therefore for my sake accept my intercession on his behalf.' The Qu'ran will proclaim: 'I prevented him from sleep. Therefore accept my intercession on his behalf.' The intercession of both will be accepted."--(Ahmad, Tibrani, Hakim.)

39. Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) narrates that Muhammad (SAW) said: "The doors of the Heavens are opened up on the first night of Ramadhan. Not a single Door (among the Doors of Heaven) is then closed until the last night of Ramadhan. For every Salaat performed (this refers to Taraweeh Salaat) during the nights of Ramadhan, Allah Ta'ala records one and a half thousand good deeds for every Sajdah (of the Salaat). And, for the fasting person, Allah Ta'ala creates in Jannat a mansion of red Ya'koot (a precious stone in Jannat). This mansion will have seven thousand entrances. (So huge will these entrances be that in each entrance will be located) a palace of gold adorned with red Ya'koot. When the Muslims fast the first day if Ramadhan, Allah Ta'ala forgives all his sins committed from the first of the previous Ramadhan. Daily (i.e. during Ramadhan) from the time of Fajr Salat until sunset, seventy thousand Malaaikah supplicate for his forgiveness. In return for every Sajdah which he (the fasting person) makes, of any Salat, whether during the day or night, he will obtain (such a wonderful) tree (so huge) that a horseman will take five hundred years to pass under its shade." --(Baihaqi).

40.Muhammad (SAW) said: "Allah Ta'Ala has ordained fasting in Ramadhan compulsory, and I have decreed (by the command of Allah) wakefulness at night (i.e. Taraweeh, etc.) Sunnat. Whoever in the state of Imaan and the belief of thawaab fasts in Ramadhan and stays awake at night (i.e. for taraweeh), emerges from sin, purified as the day when his mother gave birth to him." --(Nisai).

41. Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Apostle offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allah to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allah’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet (SAW) ) said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Should we not inform the people of that?” He said, “There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth, so if you ask Allah for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” -- Volume 9, Book 93, Number 519:

42. Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (SAW) said, “Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.” (See Hadith No. 128, Vol. 3). -- Volume 9, Book 93, Number 584:

43. Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said, "Whoever establishes the prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off) all his past sins will be forgiven." --(Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol 1).

44. Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (SAW) said that your Lord said, “Every (sinful) deed can be expiated; and the fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it; and the smell which comes out of the mouth of a fasting person, is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.” (See Hadith No. 584) -- Volume 9, Book 93, Number 629:

 (This article have published in the weekend magazine ‘Escapade’ of ‘The News

Today’ on September 29, 2006)