The discussion regarding the spiritual fast, which is taqwa (mindfulness of Allah).

The Shaykh : But we mentioned that there is a spiritual fast, which is the essence of the physical fast. What is it? It is taqwa (mindfulness of Allah), which is the mindfulness of Allah by fulfilling the obligatory duties and avoiding the forbidden. For this reason, we say that there is a defect in the fast of some of those who fast. You find that he does not pray with the congregation, or perhaps he delays the prayer until after its time. He sleeps after the pre-dawn meal and does not wake up until breaking the fast. Is this a person who is fasting? He is fasting physically, but not spiritually. Now, we find some of those who fast, but he backbites people while fasting. This is a person who is fasting physically, but not spiritually. We find some of those who fast, but he lies and reports things contrary to reality. We say this is a person who is fasting physically, but not spiritually. We find some of those who fast, but he deals in riba (usury or interest), either openly or through a scheme. This is also a person who is fasting physically, but not spiritually. We find some of those who fast, but he cheats in buying and selling. This is a person who is fasting physically, but not spiritually. And so on. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: