treat his wife with kindness. The rich man’s wife grew jealous, for her husband was heedless of her. She said to him, “Can’t you see how our neighbour treats his wife honourably and enjoys her company?”

The wealthy man took note. He called the poor neighbour and said, “You are a man of limited means and in need of money. I will give you capital to trade with.” He handed him the money, and the poor man became absorbed in his new business; he no longer spent time with his family, neglecting their company and comfort, and thus became like any other merchant.

When a person is engrossed in something he loves, it makes him forget everything else. Hence the Prophet ﷺ said, “Throughout the night I remain with my Lord, who feeds me and gives me drink; I am not like you.” Some scholars have claimed that this feeding and giving drink refers to physical food and drink from Paradise, but that view is unsound. Had he actually eaten or drunk tangible sustenance, his fast would not have counted as continuous fasting. What is meant by the food and drink is his absorption in remembering Allah with his heart, tongue, and limbs.

In short, the Prophet ﷺ himself practised continuous fasting yet forbade his community from it out of mercy for them. May blessings and peace be upon him, his family, his Companions, and all who follow them with excellence until the Day of Judgement.

231 – Abu Qatadah al-Harith ibn Rib‘i, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “I rise for prayer intending to prolong it, but when I hear a child crying, I shorten my prayer, disliking to cause hardship to his mother.” Recorded by al-Bukhari.