إِذَا صَامَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَرُدَّ عَلَى الطَّعْنِ وَاللَّغْوِ، وَإِنِ امْرُؤٌ شَاتَمَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ: إِنِّي صَائِمٌ، إِنِّي صَائِمٌ
When one of you is fasting, he should not behave indecently or talk foolishly. If someone insults him or fights with him, he should say: 'I am fasting, I am fasting.'
Idha saama ahadukum fal yarudda 'alat-ta'ni wal-laghwi, wa imru'un shatamahu falyuqul: 'Inni sa'im, inni sa'im'
When to Read
This is not a specific dua to be recited, but rather a profound instruction from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on how to conduct oneself while fasting, especially when faced with provocation. When someone attempts to insult you or engage in arguments while you are fasting during Ramadan or any other voluntary fast, you should verbally declare, 'I am fasting, I am fasting.' This serves as a reminder to yourself and a deterrent to the other person, reinforcing the sanctity of your fast.
How to Read
The instruction is to *say* 'Inni sa'im, inni sa'im' (I am fasting, I am fasting). It is a verbal declaration, not a silent dua. The emphasis is on reminding yourself of the spiritual state you are in and steering clear of the negativity. It's about choosing a response that preserves the essence of your fast.
Virtues & Benefits
Fasting is meant to be a spiritual discipline that refines our character. By reminding ourselves and others that we are fasting, we are encouraged to rise above base instincts like anger and retaliation. This practice cultivates patience, self-control, and a deeper appreciation for the spiritual purpose of abstaining from food and drink. It helps maintain the purity of the fast, ensuring it is not marred by sinful speech or actions. The Prophet ﷺ taught this to help us guard our fast not just from physical things, but from spiritual detriments as well.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, 'Allah said, 'Fasting is for Me and I will reward it accordingly. For the sake of his passion for Me, he gives up his food and drink and desires. The fast is a shield, and he who is fasting should not behave indecently or talk foolishly. If someone tries to fight him or insult him, he should say twice: 'I am fasting.' (Muhammad said this is a shield to protect him from Hellfire).' Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1894. The wording cited in the primary JSON entry is from the version found in Sahih Muslim 1151, which directly addresses responding to insults.