The purpose of fasting is to develop taqwa (piety) or mindfulness of Allah. Taqwa entails staying away from sins of mind, body and tongue by visualizing one’s standing for the final judgment before Allah, the Master, and Judge.

Therefore, fasting is not merely abstention from foods and drinks; rather it involves abstention from sins of all mind, major and minor, outward and inward.

Hence, one cannot benefit from fasting unless he or she restrains themselves from indulging in sins.

The Prophet’s words are worth remembering in this context, “Whoever does shun foul speech and indulging in obscene and lewd acts, Allah does not need him to go without food or drinks.” He also said, “Many fast and yet they gain nothing out of their fasts except hunger and thirst!”

Allah Almighty knows best.