The fast — outer and inner
Three levels of ṣawm: of the body, of the limbs, of the heart.
About 25 minutes of listening
Book 6: The Book of Fasting
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
Al-Ghazali explores the spiritual dimensions of fasting — its outward rules and inner secrets, the three grades of fasting, and how abstinence from food becomes a gateway to divine proximity.
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From The Book of Fasting.
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"His prayer is rejected due to his ignorance. In contrast, one who breaks his fast by eating yet fasts with his limbs from sins is like one who washes his limbs once during ablution. His prayer is accepted, God willing, as he maintains the essential while leaving the preferred. One who combines them is like one who washes each limb three times, combining the essential and the preferred, which is perfection."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 6: The Book of Fasting
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"It may also rely on ijtihad, like someone imprisoned who predominantly believes Ramadan has begun through his ijtihad; his doubt does not prevent him from having intention. As long as one is doubtful on the night of doubt, verbalizing the intention doesn’t benefit him because the heart is the place for intention, and it is inconceivable to decisively intend with doubt. For example, if one said in the middle of Ramadan, "I will fast tomorrow if it is Ramadan," it does not harm him as this is a repetition of words, and the heart is decisive that it is Ramadan."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 6: The Book of Fasting
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"You can choose to be content with the outer shell or strive for the deeper understanding of those with insight. Chapter Three: On Voluntary Fasting and Its Order Know that fasting is highly recommended on certain virtuous days, which occur annually, monthly, and weekly. Annually, after the days of Ramadan, the Day of Arafah, the Day of Ashura, the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the first ten days of Muharram, and the sacred months are all auspicious times for fasting."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 6: The Book of Fasting