What is the correct interpretation of the hadith: “Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward it”?
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The questioner : ... they interpret it ... for Me.
The Shaykh : Yes?
The questioner : They interpret it as ... .
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : ... this fasting person, when ... .
The Shaykh : No, no, this is not correct. No, the correct interpretation is what the scholars of knowledge interpreted it as, namely that fasting is specific to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) because it is an intention that no one knows except Allah. For this reason, many scholars said that there is no showing off in it, because it is an intention that no one knows except Allah. Therefore, it is Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) who has the exclusive right to it.
The questioner : ... it is finished, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Is the time up?
The Shaykh : Yes?
The questioner : They interpret it as ... .
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : ... this fasting person, when ... .
The Shaykh : No, no, this is not correct. No, the correct interpretation is what the scholars of knowledge interpreted it as, namely that fasting is specific to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) because it is an intention that no one knows except Allah. For this reason, many scholars said that there is no showing off in it, because it is an intention that no one knows except Allah. Therefore, it is Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) who has the exclusive right to it.
The questioner : ... it is finished, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Is the time up?