(223) Chapter: Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink."

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of Allah. To save himself from Allah's Wrath and to get the reward of the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that their Saum will go waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.