At the heart of a true understanding of fasting lies the idea that this ritual is never an end in itself, but rather a powerful tool for humbling the flesh and purifying the spirit.

Spiritual Renewal Through Fasting

At the heart of a true understanding of fasting lies the idea that this ritual is never an end in itself, but rather a powerful tool for humbling the flesh and purifying the spirit. When believers enter the fasting period, they do not simply restrict themselves from food or other pleasures; they embark on a deep inner quest in which prayer, repentance, and inner renewal play key roles. This approach helps to overcome a superficial adherence to tradition, transforming fasting from a routine compliance with norms into a living communion with God and a search for spiritual harmony. The organic combination of external abstinence with active spiritual practice creates a foundation for true transformation, where limiting passions and mistakes becomes a real step toward the salvation of the soul. In conclusion, it is worth noting that without sincere prayer and profound inner reflection, fasting risks becoming just a physical diet devoid of the power that can provide energy and hope for the soul.

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Can fasting be considered a complete religious practice if it is performed without the obligatory prayer (namaz)?

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According to the cited sources, none of the aspects of fasting is considered an end in itself, and the true meaning of fasting is expressed in a comprehensive approach that necessarily includes spiritual elements—prayer, repentance, and inner cleansing of the soul. For example, one source notes:
"Fasting is not an end, but a means—a way to humble one’s flesh and cleanse oneself of sins. Without prayer and repentance, fasting becomes nothing more than a diet." (source: link txt)

A similar view is expressed in the following excerpt:
"True fasting is not an end, but a means—to humble one’s flesh and cleanse oneself of sins. Fasting of the body without spiritual fasting brings nothing for the salvation of the soul. Without prayer and repentance, without refraining from passions and vices... fasting becomes nothing more than a diet." (source: link txt)

Thus, if fasting is observed without the obligatory prayer (namaz), it loses its main spiritual orientation, becoming merely a ritual observance of external norms, devoid of inner spiritual renewal. This demonstrates that for a complete religious practice, there must be a combination not only of adherence to external rules of abstinence but also of active engagement in prayer that awakens an inner turning to God.

Supporting citation(s):
"Fasting is not an end, but a means—a way to humble one’s flesh and cleanse oneself of sins. Without prayer and repentance, fasting becomes nothing more than a diet." (source: link txt)
"True fasting is not an end, but a means—to humble one’s flesh and cleanse oneself of sins. Fasting of the body without spiritual fasting brings nothing for the salvation of the soul. Without prayer and repentance, without refraining from passions and vices, without the eradication of evil deeds, forgiveness of offenses, refraining from marital relations, exclusion of entertaining and spectacle events, watching television, fasting becomes nothing more than a diet." (source: link txt)