Believers observe the fast not because of its spiritual, moral, or material benefits, but rather solely in order to perform perfect and willing obedience to God. They submit themselves to the command of God merely to seek His pleasure and abstain from things that are otherwise lawful in ordinary life at the behest of God. Even if fasting has individual and social benefits, the believer restrains themselves from such desires because the fast has been ordained as a religious duty.

Concerning this issue, Ali ibn Abu Talib states:

It is the worshipper-merchant who expects something in return for their good deeds. Worship stemming from fear is the deed of a slave. Submitting oneself to the commands of God merely in thanks for His blessings is, on the other hand, the worship of a person of freedom.[1]

This most sublime act of worship, as Ali ibn Abu Talib delineates above, is one that is willingly done as a religious duty merely to seek God’s pleasure. Fasting is one of the prescribed acts of worship that act as training to help the believer achieve this aim.

[1] Al-Qaari, Ali, Mirqat al-Mafatih, 2/135.