Chapter on the Reason for the Obligation of Fasting

Hadith.1766 - Hisham ibn al-Hakam asked Abu Abdullah Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) about the reason for fasting. Imam (as) said: "Allah (swt), the Almighty, prescribed fasting so that the rich and the poor may become equal. This is because the rich would not experience the pain of hunger to have mercy on the poor, as the rich, whenever they desire something, can obtain it. Thus, Allah (swt), the Almighty, willed to make His creation equal and to let the rich taste the pain of hunger and suffering so that they would feel compassion for the weak and have mercy on the hungry."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1767 - Abu al-Hasan Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (as) wrote to Muhammad ibn Sinan in response to his questions: "The reason for fasting is to understand the feeling of hunger and thirst, so that one becomes humble, submissive, rewarded, mindful, and patient. It serves as a reminder of the hardships of the Hereafter. Additionally, it breaks one’s desires and acts as a preacher in this world, guiding toward the Hereafter. Through fasting, one comprehends the severity of the state of the poor and destitute in this world and the Hereafter."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1768 - Hamza ibn Muhammad wrote to Abu Muhammad (as) asking: "Why did Allah (swt) make fasting obligatory?" The response came (from Imam (as)): "So that the rich may feel the pain of hunger and thus show generosity to the poor."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1769 - It is narrated from Imam al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) that he said: "A group of Jews came to the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and the most learned among them asked him about certain matters. Among the questions he asked was: 'Why did Allah (swt), the Almighty, prescribe fasting during the day for your community for thirty days, while He prescribed fasting for more than that for other nations?' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: 'When Adam (as) ate from the tree, the effect of it remained in his stomach for thirty days. Therefore, Allah (swt), the Almighty, prescribed for his progeny thirty days of hunger and thirst. And what they eat at night is a favor from Allah (swt), the Almighty, upon them. The same was the case with Adam (as). Thus, Allah (swt) prescribed it for my Ummah.' Then he recited this verse: "Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa. [It is for] a fixed number of days." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183) The Jewish man said: 'You have spoken the truth, O Muhammad (sw). What is the reward for one who fasts them?' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) replied: 'No believer fasts the Month of Ramadan sincerely, seeking its reward, except that Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted, grants him seven virtues: 1. The first is that the forbidden (haram) in his body melts away. 2. He will draw closer to the mercy of Allah (swt), the Almighty. 3. He will have atoned for the sin of his father, Adam (as). 4. Allah (swt) will ease for him the throes of death. 5. He will have security from hunger and thirst on the Day of Resurrection. 6. Allah (swt) will grant him immunity from the Fire. 7. Allah (swt), the Almighty, will feed him from the pure delights of Paradise.' The Jewish man said: 'You have spoken the truth, O Muhammad (sw).'"

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.