Sahih al-Bukhari 1904
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.”
- Meaning: This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari highlights the significance of fasting in Islam. It emphasizes that while all deeds of humans are for their own benefit, fasting is an exception as it is solely for Allah, who will reward it accordingly. Fasting is described as a shield or protection from the fire of hell and from committing sins. The hadith also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good behavior and avoiding arguments and sexual relations during fasting. It further mentions that the unpleasant smell from the mouth of a fasting person is considered better in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk. The hadith concludes by mentioning that there are two pleasures for a fasting person: one at the time of breaking the fast and the other when meeting Allah, as the person will be pleased with their fasting.
