This publication is being circulated among English-speaking Muslims under the title:

Major Objectives of Fasting

The major (or large) purposes or objectives of fasting.

It lists the following objectives:

  • Become a better Muslim.
  • Sympathy (compassion) for those who are less fortunate (the poor and needy).
  • Stay away from bad habits.
  • Appreciate blessings (recognise the value of God’s blessings).
  • Social relationships.
  • Health benefits (advantages).

Comment

This publication may be intended to explain the merits of Islam in relation to fasting. In reality, however, it embodies a mistaken understanding of religion and adversely affects the reader’s understanding of the true nature of Islam and the objectives of acts of worship, for the following reasons.

First, these objectives omit “the objective of worshipping God”, although this is the primary and original purpose of fasting according to the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the consensus of Muslim scholars. Failing to mention this original purpose indicates its absence from the author’s mind and reveals the serious deviation beginning to spread within the Muslim community.

Second, had the author stated that the primary and original purpose of fasting is “worshipping God”, the other objectives mentioned could have been understood as secondary and subordinate purposes, or as “benefits, fruits and results” rather than objectives. The psychological, health and social benefits mentioned are undoubtedly among the possible, though not inevitable, benefits and fruits of fasting.

Third, we must not be misled by the first objective, “Become a better Muslim”. This does not explicitly mean becoming a better Muslim through worship, in worship and by drawing closer to God. Under the utilitarian interpretation of religion, rather, the better Muslim is the person with better behaviour and morals.

To conclude, this publication radically distorts the objectives of the fourth pillar of Islam. Scholars and those who call people to God must warn against it and similar publications circulating widely on the internet and social media.