Know the health, psychological, and spiritual rewards of observing fasting in the holy month
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training. Muslims fast in accordance with religious requirements, but there are medical benefits as well. Generally, fasting has been used by patients for weight management, to rest the digestive tract, and for lowering lipids. However, there can be adverse effects of both total fasting and crash diets.
Islamic fasting is different from these diet plans because, in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The calorie intake of Muslims during Ramadan is typically at or slightly below the nutritional requirement guidelines. In addition, fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily undertaken and is not a prescribed imposition from a physician. There is also hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan.
The difference between Ramadan fasting and total fasting is the timing of food consumption. During Ramadan, we have an early pre-dawn breakfast and do not eat until dusk. The fast includes abstinence from both food and liquid intake. Abstinence from water for eight to ten hours is not necessarily bad for health. In fact, it causes a concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism. It has even been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve longevity.
The physiological effects of fasting include lowering blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and lowering systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting could be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, and essential hypertension. However, it is important to note that patients suffering from severe diseases, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not be allowed to fast.
There are psychological effects of fasting as well. Those who fast during Ramadan experience peace and tranquillity. Personal hostility is minimized, and in areas where Muslims live in large numbers, the crime rate decreases. This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose while fasting; hypoglycemia after eating can aggravate behavioural changes.
There is also a spiritually beneficial effect of extra prayer at night. This not only helps with better utilization of food but also increases energy output. It has been calculated that there is an extra calorie expenditure of 10 calories for each unit of prayer. This is particularly relevant during the last ten nights of Ramadan when believers seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is said to be worth a thousand months of worship.
It is important to emphasize that Muslims do not perform prayers for exercise, but the mild movement of the joints, combined with extra calorie utilization, can serve as a beneficial form of physical activity. Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only brings tranquillity to the heart and mind but has also been shown to improve memory.
Fasting is a special act of worship that is ultimately between the believer and the Creator, as no one else knows for sure if a person is truly fasting. In a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah says, “Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” In another hadith, the Prophet reminds us, “If one does not give up falsehood in words and actions, Allah has no need for him to give up food and drink.”
Fasting not only purifies a Muslim’s soul but also his body. It helps reduce weight and rejuvenates the body as food consumption is modified, allowing the body to cleanse itself of unwanted impurities and toxins.
Ramadan brings countless blessings and benefits. Observing fasting in Ramadan ensures rewards in both this world and the Hereafter.
Fasting may also improve memory and brain function. It can reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response. The mild stress induced by fasting can enhance resilience to psychological stressors, similar to how exercise strengthens muscles.
Fasting helps regulate stress hormones, improves focus, and promotes emotional stability, making it a tool for overall psychological well-being. Additionally, it helps in gaining mastery over habits and routines.
During the holy month of Ramadan, skin glows as well, reflecting the internal purification that fasting brings.
Aejaz Iqbal
ai********@***il.com