The Concept of Fasting.

The Shaykh : As for what the scholars have derived from the rulings inferred from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), we will mention here what is feasible. We say: What is fasting? What is fasting? Linguistically, fasting means abstention. It is said, "So-and-so fasted from speech," meaning he abstained. This is based on the saying of Allah the Exalted: This is abstention from speech, as evidenced by His saying: This is the linguistic meaning of fasting. It is also from the common saying among us, "The earth fasted over it," meaning it held it back and concealed it. So, fasting is abstention. However, fasting in the Shari'ah is worshipping Allah. Pay attention to this qualification: worshipping Allah by abstaining from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and all things that break the fast, from the dawn until the sunset. Pay attention to "worshipping Allah"; this is the point that must be noted in the definitions of the Shari'ah. Many jurists will tell you that fasting is abstaining from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and what breaks the fast, from the dawn until the sunset. This is a definition, but it is deficient. It does not call the spirit to include the word "worship." What is the definition of prayer according to the jurists? It is known words and actions, beginning with the takbir and ending with the taslim. This is also deficient. Say in the definition of prayer: worshipping Allah with known words and actions, beginning with the takbir and ending with the taslim. Associate people with worship.