He was fasting. Fasting is special. Throughout the year, when not fasting, a person naturally avoids a number of forbidden things. This is done to express love and reverence for The Divine. When fasting, however, love and gratitude is expressed by giving up even the permissible things.
I love you more than even this or that. I love you more than myself. Only you. Only you.
117- Abi Hazim narrated that when ‘Uthman was besieged inside his house, he said: “I have made a solemn promise to God’s messenger, and I must endure its consequences with patience.”