Sins of the Body to Refrain from in Ramadan
Sections in this guide
1. Sins of the Tongue
The tongue is one of the most significant sources of sin, and its misuse can severely diminish the rewards of fasting.
- Backbiting (Ghibah): The Prophet ﷺ likened backbiting to eating the flesh of a dead brother. A narration recounts an incident where two fasting women were close to death due to extreme hunger. When they vomited, they expelled pieces of flesh and blood, a consequence of their backbiting while fasting.
- Backbiting (Ghibah): Lying and falsely accusing others are grave sins that invalidate the spiritual rewards of fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink.” (Bukhari 1903)
- Vulgar Speech: Engaging in obscene or abusive language contradicts the essence of fasting. The Prophet ﷺ instructed that if someone provokes a fasting person, they should simply say,
“I am fasting.”
2. Sins of the Ears
The ears, like the tongue, can lead to sin if not guarded properly.
- Listening to Gossip and Slander: Listening to backbiting or slander makes one complicit in the sin. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that the one who listens to backbiting is equally sinful as the one who speaks it.
- Listening to Immoral Content: This includes music with haram lyrics or any speech that promotes immorality. Such actions contradict the purity of fasting and distance one from Allah.
3. Sins of the Eyes
The eyes are a gateway to the heart, and what they see can either purify or corrupt it.
- Looking at Haram: Gazing at non-mahram individuals with lust or watching inappropriate content violates the sanctity of fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“The glance is a poisoned arrow from Shaytan.”
- Watching Inappropriate Content: This includes movies, shows, or images that promote immorality or distract from the spiritual focus of Ramadan.
4. Sins of the Hands
The hands are tools for action, and using them for sinful purposes negates the purpose of fasting.
- Theft and Deceit: Engaging in theft, fraud, or harming others physically contradicts the spirit of Ramadan.
- Touching Non-Mahram Individuals: Physical contact with non-mahram individuals, especially with lustful intent, is a grave sin that affects the purity of the fast.
5. Sins of the Feet
The feet carry us to places, and their direction determines our spiritual state.
- Walking Towards Sinful Gatherings: This includes places of immorality, entertainment with haram activities, or locations where injustice is committed. The Prophet ﷺ warned against attending gatherings where Allah is disobeyed.
6. Sins of the Stomach
The stomach is central to fasting, but its misuse can invalidate the fast’s spiritual benefits.
- Consuming Haram Food: Eating haram food or food obtained through haram means (e.g., theft or deception) corrupts the fast and removes its barakah (blessing).
- Overeating at Suhoor and xIftar: Overindulgence contradicts the spirit of fasting, which is meant to train self-discipline and gratitude.
7. Sins of the Private Parts
The private parts are a trust from Allah, and their misuse is a major sin.
- Zina (Adultery and Fornication): Engaging in zina is a grave sin that invalidates the fast and requires sincere repentance.
- Masturbation: This act nullifies the fast and necessitates both repentance and making up for the broken fast.
- Passionate Kissing: Kissing that leads to ejaculation invalidates the fast and requires the same measures as above.
General Principle
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“There are many who fast but gain nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst.”
(Ibn Majah)
This means that if one does not refrain from sins, the fast loses its true purpose of spiritual purification. Fasting is not just about physical abstinence but about cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness) and self-restraint in all aspects of life.
Conclusion
Fasting in Ramadan is a training ground for self-restraint and spiritual purification. By guarding all the senses and limbs from sinful actions, one can attain the true rewards of Ramadan and experience a deeper connection with Allah. Let this Ramadan be a time of reflection, repentance, and transformation.
Dua:
“O Allah, help us fast in a manner that is pleasing to You. Purify our hearts, guard our limbs from sin, and grant us the strength to uphold the sanctity of this blessed month. Ameen.”
This guide serves as a reminder to guard every part of the body from sin during Ramadan, ensuring that our fasts are not just physical but also spiritual acts of worship. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us His mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.
