Who is a 'Baal Nefesh' in the context of fasting
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Question
Regarding washing during a fast, what is the meaning of 'Baal Nefesh', and will someone who is not a Baal Nefesh also receive a reward if he is stringent with himself?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
A Baal Nefesh is a person who understands the sorrow of the destruction and wants to be stringent with himself to mourn beyond the obligatory.
Someone who refrains because it is the proper thing to do is a 'Baal Nefesh', and will certainly receive a reward for it.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Siman 550.
Mishnah Berurah, sk 6: And a Baal Nefesh should be stringent in all, as on Tisha B'Av.