Abu Hurairah relates that Allah’s Messenger ﷺsaid, “The reward of each good act may be ten to seven hundred times, but the reward of fasting is an exception as God says, ‘Fasting is for My sake and I will reward for it as much as I like.’ A fasting man gives up food and drink for His sake. He will have two great joys: one, at the time of breaking fast; and the other on meeting his Lord. Smell of the fasting person’s mouth is better than that of musk before God and fasting is a shield against evil. A fasting man should not indulge in obscene talk or noisy demonstrations or rioting. If anyone abuses him, he should excuse himself from retaliation saying that he is fasting.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
The hadith highlights the blessings of Ramadhanfasting. First, Allah keeps the reward of fasting due to Himself. For, one fasts just for the sake of Allah. Second, the fasting person enjoys the pleasure of quenching his thirst and hunger. And, the joy of meeting the Lord is much more. Third, the bad smell in the mouth caused by empty bowels is more pleasing to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
Fast provides shield against the assaults of Satan. If the fast is fully observed, i.e. the mind, heart and tongue join the fast, it will become evident how fast becomes a shield against sins. Even if someone drags a fasting person to sinful acts or abuse or brawl, he should excuse himself, simply saying that he is fasting.