THE LEVELS OF FASTING

THE LEVELS OF FASTING

Hazrat Sahl (May Allah be pleased with him) related that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it.

It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 6).

Hujjatul-Islam (The Proof of Islam), Imam Ghazal (Qaddas Allahu Sirrahu) said that there are three levels of fasting. The first is the ordinary fasting which means abstaining from food, drink and intimate relations.

The second is special fasting which means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet and all other parts free from sin.

The third is extra special fasting which means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts. This fast belongs to the Prophets (Alayhissalam), the true saints and the friends of Allah (Glorified and Exalted). This fast is broken by thinking of anything else other than Allah (Glorified and Exalted) other than worldly thoughts necessary for religious matters.

Dua:

Ishq de Mahboob ka hum ko ya Ilahul Alameen,
Sayyidatina Masooma Hazrat Fatima (Radhy Allahu Anha) ke Wastey

O’Lord of all the worlds, give us sincere love for your Beloved,
for the sake of Sayyidatina Fatima Az-Zahra (RA)

Silsila - E - Aliya Khushhaliya !!

(Ref: Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship of Imam Ghazali translated by Muhtar Holland, page 75)