The Greatness of Fasting and Its Reward

Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) writes:

Among all acts of worship, fasting has also been declared as the root and foundation of piety (Taqwa) because it is a hidden, silent act of worship, which is free from ostentation (Riya) and show-off. Until the human himself expresses it, its secret cannot be revealed to others, and this very thing is the root of all worship and the foundation of morality. It is the effect of this sincerity and lack of ostentation that Allah Almighty stated in relation to it that the fasting person leaves his food, drink, and pleasures for Me. "Fasting is for Me, and I am the One Who rewards for it." Though He gives the reward for every deed, yet solely to manifest its greatness and grandeur, He attributed its reward to Himself. According to some scholars, its indication is in this verse of the Holy Quran: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." (Al-Zumar: 10) And it is obvious that bearing the hardship of fasting is also a type of patience (Sabr), therefore fasting persons, by entering the group of the patient ones (Sabirin), will also become deserving of countless reward.

Seerat-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) / Volume: Fifth / Page: 179/180/