What is the reward of fasting in Ramadan?
Quick Answer
Fasting is a personal worship between the slave and Allah. Its reward is multiplied without limit. Allah Himself rewards the faster, and a special gate of Paradise (Ar-Rayyan) is reserved for them.
Detailed Answer
Fasting holds a unique place among acts of worship.
Key hadith: Allah says, 'Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting — it is for Me, and I will reward it' (Sahih Bukhari 1894).
Major virtues: 1. Forgiveness of sins: Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins are forgiven (Sahih Bukhari 38). 2. Two joys: One at iftar (breaking fast) and one upon meeting Allah (Sahih Muslim 1151). 3. The smell of the faster's mouth is more beloved to Allah than musk (Sahih Bukhari 1904). 4. A special gate of Jannah called Ar-Rayyan, only fasters enter through it (Sahih Bukhari 1896). 5. Fasting is a shield (junnah) from Hellfire (Sahih Bukhari 1894). 6. The reward is multiplied beyond all other deeds.
Fasting outside Ramadan also has immense reward: - Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays (when deeds are presented to Allah). - 6 days of Shawwal = reward of fasting an entire year. - Day of Arafah = expiates 2 years of sins (one before, one after). - Day of Ashura = expiates the previous year's sins.
Sources
- Sahih Bukhari 38, 1894, 1896, 1904
- Sahih Muslim 1151
Disclaimer: This answer is educational guidance based on authentic sources. For binding rulings on personal matters, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.