Doing good deeds is the main purpose of the human creation in the world, ever since the first human, Prophet Adam (AS) was created. Other than doing good deeds, worshiping Allah SWT is also obligatory. There are many kind of worshiping that people can do, one of them being fasting. Beside the Ramadan fasting, which is a must for every Muslims, they can also seek Allah SWT blessing through the voluntary fasting, since there are many benefits of voluntary fasting in Islam. Also read: Types of Fasting in Islam
“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. ” (Muslim)
Here are some of the benefits of voluntary fasting in Islam:
- Protected by Allah SWT
Without asking, Allah SWT will protect those who do the voluntary fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Allah said: “I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of Mine. And the dearest things, with which My servant seeks proximity to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My servant keeps on coming closer to Me through supererogatory deeds till I love him. So I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, his sense of sight with which he sees, his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him (i.e. give him My Refuge).” (Bukhari)
- Brought Oneself Closer to Allah SWT
Among many deed there are in the world, fasting is a deed that Allah SWT loves most. So that whoever doing additional, voluntary fasting, Allah will grant him proximity, bring him closer to Him, as well as answering his supplication. It is the voluntary act that proves that someone really wants to get closer to Allah SWT. Also read: Law of Vomit When Fasting While Pregnant
- Be Granted Paradise
The greatest benefits of voluntary fasting in Islam is probably that someone will granted Jannah at the End of Day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Those (good merits) never gather in a Muslim but he would enter Paradise for it.” (Muslim)
- The Best Kind of Deed
As mentioned above, fasting is a deed that Allah SWT loves the most, in terms of reward and the goodness in the deed itself.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Observe fasting, for there is nothing like it.” (An-Nasaa’i)
- Purifying One’s Heart
Behind fasting, there are many more benefits that a Muslim may gain. It purifies the heart since the key of fasting is to hold all the bad and unwanted desire that can lead him to commit sins. Worshiping Allah SWT by fasting could erase any bad thing from one’s heart. Also read: Importance of Faith in Islam
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- To Hold Sexual Desire
There are only two solution for those who are unable to hold their sexual desire: getting married or doing fast.
Ibn Al-Qayyim (RA)said, “Fasting is better for those who have strong sexual desire.”
- A Deed That Not Equal to Gold
The virtues of fasting is said to be unfathomable in Islam. The rewards and the goodness in fasting are so great that golds are not even equal to the deed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Even if an earthful of gold were given to a person who observes voluntary fasting for a day, it still would not be the requital of that fast.)” (Ibn Najjar)
- Following the Prophet’s Sunnah
Fasting is a Sunnah from our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). He used to fast on so many days when he lived, showing his commitment of faith to Allah SWT as well as gaining the virtues out of it.
Allah mentions in the Qur’an: “…Obey Allah and the Messenger…” (3:32)
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- Good for the Health
Our body, especially the digestion system works almost nonstop, even when we are asleep. However, it also needs rest so that the cells can regenerate. Fasting gives our body a chance to relax and rest, which resulted in a healthier body and mind. Also read: How to Improve Health in Islam
- Opportunity to Erase the Sins
Another benefits of voluntary fasting in Islam is that it erases the sin of a Muslim. It’s a rare opportunity to purify the heart and erasing the sins, since we commit sins every other day in life. Also read: Importance Of Forgiveness In Islam
Kind of Voluntary Fasting
There are many kind of voluntary fasting in Islam, among them are:
- Prophet Daud’s Fasting
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“(Concerning fasting) he used to fast a day and give up fasting for a day (i.e. fast on alternate days).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
- Fast Three Days per Month
Fasting for three days in the middle of the month is also a kind of voluntary fasting that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do and he said,
“Whoever fasts three days every month is as if he fasted all his life.” (Muslim)
- Fast on Dzulhijjah Month
There are a month in which if we do the voluntary fast, the reward will be equal with fasting for the whole year.
“Fasting on the initial days of Dhul-Hijjah equals one year’s fasting. Spending one night of it doing righteous deeds [such as busying oneself with acts of worship, knowledge…] equals spending the Night of Qadr doing righteous deeds.” (Ibn Maja)
Those are all the benefits of voluntary fasting in Islam. May all of us can be the best Muslim who worship Allah SWT with all of our hearts.