Fatwa ID: 05992

Answered by: Alimah Zakiratul Hoque

Question:

The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: Except fasting. It is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desires and his food for My sake.” So, my question is, is this hadith mentioning fasting of Ramadan or nafl fast as well. Moreover, I wanna know what are the benefits of nafl fasting?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

There is no specification regarding whether this is for Nafl fasts or Ramadhaan fasts. However, the Ulamaa have spoken specifically regarding the quality of the fast rather than the type of fast with regards to the rewards of fasting in similar Hadeeth. As such, it can be referring to both Nafl and Ramadhaan fasts.

When Allah says, “Fasting is for me and I will reward for it”, the meaning of fasting is any fast which is free from sin.

المراد بالصيام هنا صيام من سلم صيامه من المعاصي قولا و فعلا

“What is meant by fasting here is the fasting of one whose fasting is safe from sins in word and deed.” (Fathul Bari, Vol 4, Pg 131)

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Zakiratul Hoque

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham