17/02/2026
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF FASTING IN RAMADAN
BY: GANIY OLAJORI TAWVIC
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is not merely abstaining from food and drink. Its ultimate goal is the purification of the soul, development of righteousness (taqwā), and attainment of Allah’s pleasure.
Allah clearly states the purpose of fasting in the Qur’an:
Arabic:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
English:
“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwā (piety).”
(Qur’an 2:183)
This verse establishes that fasting is a spiritual training designed to produce righteousness, self-restraint, and consciousness of Allah.
Actions That Waste the Spiritual Reward of Ramadan.
A person may fast physically, yet lose the spiritual benefits due to sinful behavior. Among such destructive actions are:
- Showing off (riyā’)
- Arrogance and pride
- Jealousy and envy
- Backbiting and slander
- Telling lies
- Stealing
- Keeping bad company
- Engaging in useless or meaningless arguments
- Seclusion with the opposite s*x (non-mahram) without a third person present
- Abusive speech and immoral conduct.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
Arabic:
مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ، فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ
English:
“Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him abandoning his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1903)
This means fasting without abandoning sins defeats its purpose.
In another hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:
Arabic:
رُبَّ صَائِمٍ لَيْسَ لَهُ مِنْ صِيَامِهِ إِلَّا الْجُوعُ
English:
“Perhaps a fasting person gains nothing from his fast except hunger.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 1690 — authentic)
_The Parable of Two People Digging a Well__
Consider the example of two people digging a well in search of water.
The first person, who is sincere and righteous,
