By Imaam ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee
Translated by Ismaa’eel ibn al-Arkaan
Edited by Abu Khaliyl

There are three levels of fasting: The general fast, the specific fast, and
the more specific fast.

As for the general fast, then it is the refraining of the stomach and the
private parts from fulfilling their desires.

The specific fast is the refraining of ones gaze, tongue, hands, feet,
hearing and eyes, as well as the rest of his body parts from committing
sinful acts.

As for the more specific fast, then it is the heart's abstention from its
yearning after the worldly affairs and the thoughts which distance one away
from Allaah, as well as its (the heart's) abstention from all the things
that Allaah has placed on the same level.

From the characteristics of the specific fast is that one lowers his gaze
and safeguards his tongue from the repulsive speech that is forbidden,
disliked, or which has no benefit, as well as controlling the rest of his
body parts.

In a hadeeth reported by Imaam al-Bukhaaree:

“Whosoever does not abandon false speech and the acting upon it, Allaah is
not in need of him leaving off his food and drink.” (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree,
Aboo Daawood, at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Maajah)

Another characteristic of the specific fast is that one does not overfill
himself with food during the night. Instead, he eats in due measure, for
indeed, the son of Aadam does not fill a vessel more evil than his stomach.

If he were to eat his fill during the first part of the night, he would not
make good use of himself for the remainder of the night. In the same way, if
he eats to his fill for suhoor, he does not make good use of himself until
the afternoon. This is because excessive eating breeds laziness and
lethargy. Therefore, the objective of fasting disappears due to one's
excessiveness in eating, for what is intended by the fast, is that one
savors the taste of hunger and becomes an abandoner of desires.

A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For
indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die
before they reach it, or because they are not capable of observing it or
because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give
praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with joy
and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for
performing obedience is welcomed. He should exert himself deeply in doing
good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him fasting and standing in
night prayer and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength,
and energy in that month. And that He awakens him from heedless oversleeping
so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good.

It is unfortunate to find that many people do not know the value of this
virtuous occasion, nor do they consider it to be sacred. So the month of
Ramadan no longer becomes a significant time for obedience, worship,
reciting the Qur'aan, giving in charity and making remembrance of Allaah.

Rather, to some people, it becomes a significant time to diversify their
foods and drinks and to prepare different types of meals before the month
begins. Some other people do not know Ramadan except as a month of
sleeplessness and constant recurring gatherings, while sleeping by day. This
is to the point that some among them sleep past the time of the obligatory
prayers, thus not praying them in congregation or in their proper times.
Other people do not know Ramadan except as a significant time for conducting
worldly affairs, not as a significant time for conducting affairs for the
Hereafter. Thus, they work busily in it, buying and selling, and they stay
in the market areas, consequently abandoning the Masjid’s. And when they
pray with the people, they do so in such a hurried manner. This is because
they find their pleasure in the market places. This is the extent that the
notions and views (of Ramadan) have been changed.

thx for the info

that sounded sarcastic? maybe its jus me never mind..... but the thread is gr8! learn something! ramadan does really test u 2 the fullest which is good ............ !

salam
great post madeenahsh
jazakallah
sis am sure sayedmohammed was grateful for the post
wasalam

I never knew there were 3 levels of fasting, u only think there is one and thats not to eat!

Salaams....

subhaanallah great post.......jazaakallah for sharing.... i also never knew there were three levels like that, but now thinking of it makes sense......fasting goes much deeper than just the stomach rite...?!

Wslms...

Jazkaa Allahu Khairh....