Paigham-E-Islam Trust Britain

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A person who does not renounce false speech and practicing falsehood while he fasts, Allah cares not for his abstinence from food or drink.” [Bukhari]

Within false speech comes finding fault with others, criticizing others, taunting them, arguing, retorting angrily, backbiting, boasting, lying and deceiving others. 

Within practicing falsehood comes committing sins with any part of the body, such as hitting, walking arrogantly, listening to gossip, doubting someone…

He who cannot control his tongue from false speech and body parts from committing falsehood should not hope for the reward of fasting from Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). 

This is because fasting is not only of the stomach but of the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, feet, private parts and heart and mind too (as much as these latter two can be brought under control).