Hazrat Shaqiq narrates that Hazrat Abdullah was asked why he fasts so little. He replied, "Because fasting prevents me from reciting (the Qur'an), and reciting is more beloved to me than fasting."

Hazrat Sufyan bin Muhajir states that the elders believed that fasting is among those deeds whose reward seems less in perception.

Hazrat Maymoon says that a man asked Hazrat Abu Dharr, "I have not heard you mention fasting; what is the reason for this?" He replied, "Fasting is certainly a meritorious act, but not here." That is, in some situations, other deeds have greater reward than fasting, such as jihad, etc. Similarly, sometimes not fasting during travel becomes more virtuous.

Hazrat Hakam states that among the deeds performed less by the predecessors was fasting.