We have posted a number of posts based on Qur'an and Sunnah about Ramadan. In our effort to educated our readers about the importance of this sacred month, we share today a Hadith Qudsi. Although we have explained what a Hadith Qudsi really is and how does it differ from other hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in our earlier post: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , let us briefly recapitulate the difference between Hadith Qudsi and remaining Hadiths:
The straight difference between Qur'an and Hadith e Qudsi is that the text of Qur'an is verbatim from Allah, which were conveyed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and were conveyed to his companions in the same Divine words without any alteration. That is the words and meaning of the text of Qur'an is UNALTERED and remains unaltered as Allah Himself has taken upon Him the responsibility of conservation of Qur'an from any infiltration of manmade alterations.
As for the text of Hadith Qudsi is concerned, it contains the exact meaning as was intended by Allah Himself, but these were conveyed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in his own words. Thus, while Hadith e Qudsi is from Allah, it cannot be made part of Qur'an for it has been re-worded by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. And it is for this very reason that in Hadith e Qudsi, it is always said that Allah has said this, or promised such a such thing. Hadith a Qudsi, thus cannot be treated or taken at par with Qur'an.
Let us now share a Hadith Qudsi regarding the month of Ramadan, fasting and the rewards it carry. This Hadith is mentioned in Sahih Muslim (Book 13: The Book of Fasting / كتاب الصيام / Chapter 30: The Virtue of Fasting / باب فَضْلِ الصِّيَامِ / as Hadith 115e, given herein under:
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord, and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
Arabic Text:
وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، وَوَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو سَعِيدٍ الأَشَجُّ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُ - حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، - رضى الله عنه - قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ يُضَاعَفُ الْحَسَنَةُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلاَّ الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ يَدَعُ شَهْوَتَهُ وَطَعَامَهُ مِنْ أَجْلِي لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ فَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ فِطْرِهِ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ . وَلَخُلُوفُ فِيهِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ " .
It highlights the unique status of fasting as an act of worship and its unparalleled reward from Allah.
Explanation of the Hadith in Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah:
1. Multiplication of Good Deeds:
- Hadith Details: The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentions that every good deed performed by the son of Adam is multiplied from ten times to seven hundred times, except for fasting. The reward for fasting is uniquely with Allah, and He will directly reward it.
- Qur'anic Reference: The Qur'an mentions the multiplication of rewards in several verses. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah: "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain that grows seven spikes, and in each spike is a hundred grains." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261). This verse emphasizes how Allah multiplies the reward of charitable acts. Similarly, other good deeds like prayer, zakat, and good actions are multiplied by Allah’s mercy. However, fasting is singled out in the hadith as having a reward that only Allah Himself will determine and give.
- Sunnah: While good deeds in general receive a multiplied reward, fasting holds a unique place because it is an act of complete devotion and sincerity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "Allah says: 'All the actions of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.'" (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This illustrates the special status of fasting.
2. Fasting as an Act for Allah Alone:
- Hadith Details: The Prophet (peace be upon him) explains that fasting is done for Allah’s sake alone. The fasting person abandons their desires, food, and drink solely out of devotion to Allah, not for any material or worldly benefit.
- Qur'anic Reference: In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah commands: "And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184). Fasting is a direct, personal connection with Allah. The individual sacrifices their physical needs, seeking only Allah’s pleasure.
- Sunnah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it." (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This indicates that fasting is a unique act that is not just a ritual or physical exercise but a spiritual act of complete submission to Allah.
3. Two Joys of the Fasting Person:
- Hadith Details: The fasting person experiences two occasions of joy: first, when they break their fast at the end of the day, and second, when they meet their Lord in the Hereafter, receiving their reward.
- Qur'anic Reference: In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: "And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread of night, then complete the fast until the night." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187). This verse refers to the moment of joy when one breaks their fast at sunset, which is a time of gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the day’s fast.
- Sunnah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) further elaborates on the two moments of joy. The first joy is when the fasting person eats and drinks after the long day of fasting, and the second is when they meet Allah on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "In Jannah, there is a gate called Ar-Raiyan, through which only those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1896). This signifies the ultimate reward and joy the fasting person will experience in the Hereafter.
4. The Breath of the Fasting Person is Sweeter to Allah than Musk:
- Hadith Details: The hadith highlights that the breath of the fasting person, which may not smell pleasant to human senses, is cherished by Allah and is more beloved to Him than the fragrance of musk, a precious and fragrant substance.
- Qur'anic Reference: There isn’t a specific verse in the Qur'an that directly discusses the smell of the fasting person’s breath. However, the Qur'an often emphasizes that Allah values actions done sincerely for His sake, and He sees beyond worldly appearances. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah: "Indeed, Allah does not look at your bodies or your appearances, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:265). This reflects the idea that Allah values the internal sincerity and devotion of the fasting person over outward appearances.
- Sunnah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) has pointed out that the fasting person's breath is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk, illustrating how Allah appreciates the sacrifice made by His servant. This is a reminder that, in the eyes of Allah, the sincerity and devotion of an act of worship hold far greater value than any outward, worldly considerations.
Key Takeaways from the Hadith:
- Special Reward for Fasting: Fasting is an act done purely for the sake of Allah, and its reward is uniquely determined by Him. Unlike other deeds that are multiplied in reward, fasting's reward is not limited and is promised directly by Allah.
- Two Joys of Fasting: The fasting person experiences joy when breaking the fast, which symbolizes the physical reward, and ultimate joy when meeting Allah in the Hereafter, which signifies the spiritual reward.
- The Unseen Value of Fasting: The fasting person's breath, although considered less pleasant in the worldly sense, is beloved to Allah, symbolizing the purity and sincerity of the fast.
- Spiritual Significance: The act of fasting symbolizes deep devotion, personal sacrifice, and closeness to Allah. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but about purifying oneself spiritually and mentally.
This hadith, in the light of above explanation, emphasizes the unique spiritual significance of fasting. It highlights that fasting is an act of worship that transcends the physical and connects the believer directly to Allah, resulting in a reward that is beyond human comprehension. Let all Muslim brothers and sisters make sure no fast is wasted away in the month of Ramadan and we fast with only intention: To please Allah and no one else. In sha Allah
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
