The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever does not leave evil words and deeds while fasting, Allah does not need him to leave food and drink."

This powerful warning clarifies that fasting is a holistic act of worship, not merely a physical diet. If our character does not improve and we continue to engage in lying, backbiting, or harm, the outward ritual loses its spiritual value. The purpose of hunger is to cultivate God-consciousness (Taqwa). Without disciplining our tongue and actions, the physical hardship of thirst and hunger remains an empty exercise rather than a means of divine pleasure.