The link between fasting and supplication

Society Religion & Philosophy
1

Assalamu 'Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.

Consider the following consecutive verses in which Allah obligates the Muslims to fast:

[2.185] The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.

[2:186] And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.

[2:187] It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).

We see that fasting is described in v.185 & v.187, however, between these two there appears what seems to be an unconnected verse that has nothing directly to do with the rules of fasting. This verse speaks about Allah’s nearness and the fact that He answers our prayers when we call on Him. What has this to do with fasting? One of the benefits drawn out by the scholars regarding this particular verse order is that supplications whilst one is fasting are more likely to be answered and accepted. Allah tells us about His promise to answer our prayers right between the verses in which He has obligated fasting on us. And Allah knows best.

Iqbal

2

Thank you for bringing up the verses! :)

Another connection between fasting & supplication is that during fasting a person is humbled due to abstaining himself from the lawful things he would otherwise do and eat, and in such a state Dua' is more likely to have the intensity & desperation that it requires.

Also, in the month of Ramadan everyone is in a spirit of righteousness that in turn creates an atmosphere of spirituality & nearness to Allah and in such times supplications are bound to be heard.

Many people complain that they pray but never see anything happening. IMO, they fail to understand the beautiful verse above, which has two parts to it: "[2:186] And when MY servants ask thee about ME, say `I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to ME. but it goes on to point out that "MY servants" should ... : "So they should hearken to ME and believe in ME that they may follow the right way."

In other words, Tawaq'al is crucial for supplication! Believing that the words will be heard and an unshaken belief in the Almighty are virtues that make supplications dynamic.

3

Thank you, Iqbal Brother :)

4

JazaakAllaah khair for posting that.

&peace