Virtues of Ramadhaan
HADITH - 8
Abu,Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) relates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said: "Many of those who
fast obtain nothing through such fasting except hunger, and many
a one performs "Salaat" by' night but obtains nothing
by it, except the discomfort of staying awake."
COMMENTARY
With regard to this Hadith, the "Ulama" have mentioned
three different interpretations: First, this Hadith may refer to
those who fast during the day and then for "Iftaar" eat
food that is "Haraam"; all the reward for fasting is lost
because of the greater sin of eating 'Haraam' and nothing is
gained
except remaining hungry. Secondly, it may mean those who fast duly
but, during fasting, engage themselves in backbiting and
slandering
others (see later). Thirdly, the person referred to may be one
who,
while fasting, did not stay away from evil and sin. In this Hadith
all such possibilities are included. Similar is the case of the
person performing 'Salaat' all night voluntarily; because of
backbiting
or any other sinful act (e.g. missing, Fajr salaat or keeping
Awake
for show), his night of devotion goes unrewarded.
