"The Messenger of Allah came to me one day and said: 'Do you have anything (to eat)?' I said: 'No.' he said: 'Then I am fasting.' Then he came to me after that day, and I had been given some Hais. I had kept some for him as he liked Hais. She said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we have been given some Hais and I kept some for you.' He said: 'Bring it here. I started the day fasting.' Then he ate some of it, then he said: 'The likeness of a voluntary fast is that of a man who allocated some of his wealth to give in charity; if he wishes he may go ahead and give it, and if he wishes he may keep it."'
Narrated by It was narrated that 'Aishah said:
Context
In this narration by 'Aishah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrates the nature of voluntary fasting. After initially stating he was fasting, he later accepted food when it was offered to him, explaining that voluntary fasting is like charity—one may choose to continue or stop. This highlights the importance of intention and choice in acts of worship.
Modern Application
This principle is relevant today as it encourages individuals to engage in voluntary acts of worship, like fasting, based on personal circumstances. It reminds us that flexibility exists in our spiritual practices, allowing for personal choice and intention.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Fasting because it illustrates the nature of voluntary fasting and the importance of personal choice in acts of worship.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
He said, "You will not receive food that is provided to you except that I will inform you of its interpretation before it comes to you. That is from what my Lord has taught me. Indeed, I have left the religion of a people who do not believe in Allah, and they, in the Hereafter, are disbelievers.
So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.' "
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.