Does Allah Have Needs?
A SWISS learner inquired about the deeper meaning behind the hadith, “Who does not avoid evil speech and actions while fasting; Allah has no need for that person to leave his food and drink.” Specifically, what does “need” mean?
In Islam, a fundamental belief is that Allah is entirely self-sufficient, highlighted by Quranic verses affirming His independence and our need for Him. This premise leads us to understand that Allah’s “need” in any context refers not to a deficiency on His part but to what He deems worthy of acceptance.
Al-Qadi, al-Baydawi, offers profound insight on this matter, stating, “
ليس المقصود من شرعية الصوم نفس الجوع والعطش، بل ما يتبعه من كسر الشهوات وتطويع النفس الأمارة للنفس المطمئنة، فإذا لم يحصل ذلك لا ينظر الله إليه نظر القبول.”
“The intended purpose behind the legislation of fasting is not merely the experience of hunger and thirst, but rather what it leads to in terms of breaking the desires and disciplining the commanding self towards the peaceful self. If this is not achieved, then Allah does not look upon it with acceptance. Thus, when it is said, ‘Allah has no need,’ it is a metaphorical expression for non-acceptance, denying the cause but intending the caused. And Allah knows best.”
This interpretation reminds us that the rituals we observe are pathways to greater self-discipline and spirituality, not ends in themselves, and that fasting layers to its observance.
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