The Meaning of Fasting

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used the example of the person with a bag containing musk;

because it is hidden from the eyes, concealed under their clothes, as is usual for the musk carrier,

and so is the fasting person; their fast is hidden from the view of creation, it cannot be perceived by their senses.

The fasting person is the one whose limbs abstain from sins,

and whose tongue refrains from lying, obscenity, and false testimony,

and whose stomach abstains from food and drink,

and whose private parts refrain from sexual activity;

If he speaks, he does not speak with what harms his fast,

and if he acts, he does not act with what invalidates his fast,

so all his speech is beneficial and good,

and likewise his actions,

it is like the fragrance that is sensed by those who sit with the musk carrier,

Similarly, those who sit with the fasting person benefit from his company,

and feels secure therein from falsehood, lying, immorality, and injustice.