Arabic: اَلصَّوْمُ لِىْ وَأَنَا أَجْزِىْ بِهٖ
Transliteration: As-Sawm li wa ana ajzi bihi
Translation: “Fasting is for Me, and I Myself will reward it.”
Among all the acts of worship in Islam, fasting holds a unique and elevated position. Prayer connects us to ALLAH daily. Charity purifies our wealth. Hajj symbolizes complete submission. But fasting “Sawm “ is singled out by ALLAH in a way no other act of worship is.
The powerful statement “As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi” reveals the extraordinary status of fasting in Islam. In this sacred declaration, ALLAH announces that fasting belongs exclusively to Him and that He Himself will grant its reward. This divine promise invites deep reflection. Why did ALLAH attribute fasting specifically to Himself in As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi? What makes fasting so unique? And what does this promise mean for believers today?
In this detailed guide, we explore the meaning of As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi, its scholarly explanations, spiritual wisdom, and the immense rewards connected to this profound Hadith.
Authentic Source of the Hadith
This statement is part of a Hadith Qudsi, meaning the words are from ALLAH, conveyed through Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It is recorded in,
- Sahih al-Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
The complete narration states
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward it. He leaves his food, drink, and desires for My sake…”
This narration establishes fasting as an act of worship distinguished from all others.
Understanding the Meaning of “As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi”
Islamic scholars have offered several profound explanations for why ALLAH attributed fasting specifically to Himself.
1. Fasting Is the Purest Form of Sincerity
Fasting is a hidden act. A person can pray publicly. Charity can be witnessed. Hajj is performed among crowds. But fasting is known only to ALLAH.
A believer may be alone in a room with food and drink within reach. No one would know if they broke their fast except ALLAH. Yet they refrain.
This demonstrates true Ikhlas (sincerity).
It reflects a deep awareness that ALLAH sees what no one else can see.
ALLAH says in the Quran:
“O you who believe, Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain righteousness.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
The purpose of fasting is not hunger. It is the cultivation of Taqwa a conscious awareness of ALLAH in public and in private.
2. The Reward Is Beyond Measure
For most deeds, ALLAH mentions a clear multiplication of reward. Good deeds are rewarded tenfold, up to seven hundred times.
But for fasting, ALLAH does not specify a number.
Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that the unspecified reward indicates something vast and immeasurable. ALLAH Himself will grant the reward in a manner befitting His Majesty and Generosity.
This suggests,
- The reward is unlimited
- It surpasses human understanding
- It is given directly by ALLAH
Such a promise fills the believer with hope and motivation.
3. Fasting Is Free from Association with Idols
Some scholars explained that historically, acts like prayer or sacrifice were sometimes performed for idols by other nations. However, fasting was never associated with idol worship in the same way.
Thus, fasting remained a pure act directed solely to ALLAH.
This further emphasizes why ALLAH attributed it to Himself.
The Spiritual Wisdom Behind As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi
Fasting is more than physical abstinence. It is a complete spiritual training program.
Strengthening the Soul Over the Body
Human beings are naturally inclined toward comfort food, drink, and desires. Fasting disciplines these natural urges.
By voluntarily giving up lawful pleasures for a set time, a believer proves that obedience to ALLAH comes before personal comfort.
This builds spiritual strength and self control.
Developing Patience (Sabr)
Hunger and thirst can be uncomfortable. Long hours of fasting test endurance. But through this struggle, believers learn patience.
Patience in hunger leads to patience in hardship.
Patience in thirst leads to patience in trials.
And ALLAH promises great reward for the patient.
Cultivating Gratitude
When we eat daily without restriction, we rarely reflect on the blessing of food and water. Fasting changes that.
At the moment of iftar, even a simple sip of water feels extraordinary.
Fasting teaches appreciation. It softens the heart and awakens gratitude.
Purifying the Heart
The Prophet ﷺ taught that fasting is a shield. It protects from sin and weakens desires.
True fasting is not only abstaining from food but also from
- Lying
- Backbiting
- Anger
- Harsh speech
If a person fasts yet continues sinful behavior, they miss the deeper purpose.
Fasting trains the entire character “not just the stomach.”
The Special Rewards Mentioned in As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi
The promise “I Myself will reward it” is not the only honor given to those who fast.
The Gate of Ar-Rayyan
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari that there is a special gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan.
Only those who fast regularly will enter through it.
After they enter, the gate will be closed.
This special entrance reflects the elevated status of fasting.
The Beloved Fragrance
In the same Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more beloved to ALLAH than the fragrance of musk.
What people may find unpleasant, ALLAH values as a sign of sacrifice and devotion.
This shows that ALLAH appreciates even the smallest hardship endured for His sake.
Forgiveness of Sins
The Prophet ﷺ also taught that whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hope for reward will have their past sins forgiven.
Fasting becomes a means of purification washing away spiritual burdens and granting a fresh start.
Why As-Sawm Li Wa Ana Ajzi Bihi Shows Fasting Is Unique
Let us reflect carefully.
Prayer connects us to ALLAH five times a day.
Charity benefits the needy.
Hajj unites the Ummah.
But fasting transforms the inner self in a way few other acts do.
It is,
- Hidden
- Continuous throughout the day
- A struggle against personal desires
- A secret between servant and Lord
This intimacy makes fasting special.
When ALLAH says, “Fasting is for Me,” it indicates closeness. When He says, “I Myself will reward it,” it indicates honor.
Practical Lessons for Today’s Muslims
This Hadith is not only about Ramadan. It teaches timeless principles.
Fast With Consciousness
Do not treat fasting as routine or culture. Fast with awareness that ALLAH is watching.
Protect Your Character
Guard your speech. Avoid arguments. Control your anger.
The Prophet ﷺ instructed that if someone provokes a fasting person, they should say, “I am fasting.”
Increase Worship
Fasting opens the heart. Use this time to increase
- Quran recitation
- Supplication
- Charity
- Reflection
Remember the Real Goal
Fasting is not dieting. It is not simply abstaining from food. It is spiritual elevation.
When hunger reminds you of ALLAH, the fast is successful.
Reflection on Divine Generosity
The beauty of this Hadith lies in its personal tone.
ALLAH did not say, “Fasting will be rewarded.”
He said, “I Myself will reward it.”
This wording reflects divine generosity and intimacy.
Imagine standing before ALLAH on the Day of Judgment, and your fasting is rewarded directly by Him.
Such a thought fills the heart with hope.
A Final Reflection
As-Sawm li wa ana ajzi bihi is more than a statement. It is a promise from the Creator.
Every moment of hunger is seen.
Every drop of thirst is recorded.
Every silent struggle is valued.
When no one else notices your sacrifice, ALLAH does.
May ALLAH grant us sincere fasting, pure intentions, and entry through Ar-Rayyan. May He make our fasting a source of forgiveness and closeness to Him.
Ameen.
FAQs
1. What does As-Sawm li wa Ana Ajzi Bihi mean?
It means: “Fasting is for Me, and I Myself will reward it.”
This Hadith Qudsi shows that fasting is a unique act of worship dedicated purely to ALLAH.
2. Where is this Hadith mentioned?
This Hadith is authentically recorded in
- Sahih al-Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
It is among the most important narrations about fasting.
3. Why is fasting considered special in Islam?
Fasting is a hidden act of worship. Only ALLAH truly knows if a person is fasting, which makes it a sign of sincerity and deep faith.
4. Does fasting have unlimited reward?
Yes. Unlike other deeds with fixed multiplication, ALLAH did not specify a number for fasting. This indicates an immense and unlimited reward.
5. What is the Gate of Ar-Rayyan?
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari that Ar-Rayyan is a special gate in Paradise reserved only for those who fast.
6. Does fasting forgive sins?
Yes. Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hope for reward will have their past minor sins forgiven.
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