Fasting in Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink but a spiritual purification that strengthens one’s connection with Allah (SWT). One of the unique aspects of fasting is that the natural odor from the mouth of a fasting person, caused by hunger, is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
This might seem surprising, but as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned in authentic Hadiths, it signifies the sincerity, patience, and devotion of the believer. Let us explore the Islamic perspective on this topic and understand why this natural phenomenon of fasting holds such great virtue in Islam.
The Hadith on the Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"When a fasting person experiences hunger, the smell from their mouth is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk."
This Hadith highlights that fasting is not merely a physical exercise, but a spiritually elevated state, where even something as ordinary as the body’s reaction to hunger becomes a symbol of divine appreciation.
Why is the Breath of a Fasting Person Special?
There are different types of odors that come from a person’s mouth due to various reasons:
✔️ Food Consumption – If someone eats strong-smelling foods, their breath carries the residual scent.
✔️ Poor Oral Hygiene – If someone does not brush or clean their mouth, an unpleasant odor can develop.
✔️ Natural Hunger – When a person does not eat for long hours, the body undergoes metabolic changes, resulting in a distinct odor.
The odor that develops due to fasting is different from all others because it is a result of devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT).
Can the Smell Be Removed?
Some people wonder if the fragrance of a fasting person’s breath can be eliminated through brushing, miswak (tooth-stick), or mouth fresheners.
Islamic teachings clarify:
✔️ Using Miswak while fasting is allowed and encouraged for oral hygiene.
✔️ However, the fragrance mentioned in the Hadith is not the result of poor hygiene but of fasting itself.
✔️ The odor will only disappear when the person breaks their fast, as it originates from an empty stomach rather than external factors.
This explains why Shariah (Islamic Law) has permitted the use of miswak during fasting, but even after using it, the unique fasting breath remains until Iftar (breaking of the fast).
Spiritual Meaning Behind This Virtue
Islam teaches that acts of worship have unseen spiritual benefits, some of which are beyond human understanding.
This Hadith signifies that:
✔️ Fasting is a highly honored act of worship.
✔️ Even the natural physical effects of fasting are valued by Allah.
✔️ The true essence of fasting is sincerity and devotion, not just hunger and thirst.
In essence, Allah (SWT) looks at the sincerity of the fasting believer, rewarding them for every sacrifice they make—even the hunger-induced changes in their body.
The Connection Between Fasting and Divine Love
The fragrance of a fasting person's breath being more beloved to Allah than musk teaches us a profound lesson:
✔️ Worldly standards of beauty and fragrance do not define divine acceptance.
✔️ What matters is the effort and sincerity behind acts of worship.
✔️ A fasting believer is honored even in their most physically weakened state.
This is a reminder that true spirituality is measured not by appearances, but by one’s connection with Allah.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Fasting in Islam
The Hadith about the breath of a fasting person serves as a powerful message:
✔️ Fasting is a deeply spiritual act of devotion.
✔️ Every struggle for the sake of Allah is rewarded, even the changes in one's breath.
✔️ True beauty in Islam lies in sincerity, not just external appearance.
As we fast, let us embrace the deeper spiritual significance of this practice and strive to make our fasting a means of drawing closer to Allah (SWT).
May Allah accept our fasts, our struggles, and our sincere efforts in Ramadan and beyond. Ameen!
