Authored by: Sheikh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (May Allah preserve him)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for them to abandon their food and drink."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting: Chapter on One Who Does Not Abandon Falsehood, Hadith 1903)
Similarly, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"How many fasting people gain nothing from their fast except thirst, and how many people praying at night gain nothing from their prayer except sleeplessness."
(Sunan al-Darimi, Book of Softening the Hearts, Hadith 2723)
Allah knows best!
Question:
If someone observes a fast but lies or acts upon falsehood, is their fast accepted by Allah?Answer:
A person who lies or engages in falsehood during fasting nullifies the essence of their fast.The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for them to abandon their food and drink."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting: Chapter on One Who Does Not Abandon Falsehood, Hadith 1903)
Similarly, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"How many fasting people gain nothing from their fast except thirst, and how many people praying at night gain nothing from their prayer except sleeplessness."
(Sunan al-Darimi, Book of Softening the Hearts, Hadith 2723)
Key Lessons from These Authentic Narrations:
- Avoid Immoral Speech and Actions:
A fasting person must abstain from immoral behaviors such as cursing, slander, fault-finding, lying, and spreading falsehood. - Spiritual Essence of Fasting:
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink but is a means to attain piety by refraining from all prohibited acts. - Consequence of Neglecting Moral Conduct:
If a fasting person engages in sinful acts, their fast holds no value in Allah's sight and is reduced to mere hunger and thirst. - True Acceptance by Allah:
Allah accepts only those fasts that are safeguarded from forbidden acts and reflect complete submission to His commands.
Conclusion:
A fasting person must avoid lying, falsehood, and all prohibited actions. Otherwise, their fast will be devoid of any spiritual benefit, reducing it to mere starvation. True fasting is one that shields a person from sin and earns Allah's pleasure.Allah knows best!