Surprising Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan: Spiritual, Psychological and Health.
What is Ramadan in Islam?
Ramadan is the ninth holiest month in the Islamic calendar where fast is strictly observed by millions of Muslims worldwide from sunrise to sunset. Muslims fast to draw closer to God and refrain from pleasure. However, apart from spiritual benefits, it helps to cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.
Significance of the month of Ramadan in Islam?
Ramadan is the month of revelation of the Holy Quran, the angel Gabriel A.S appeared to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and revealed to him a few verses of the Holy Quran in 610, A.D.
The revelation of the very first verse from Surah Al Alaq: “IQRA” (Read) was revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺby Allah in the caves of Hira. Hence, this was the leading ray of the Divine Light that sparkled into the sacred heart of the Prophetﷺ.
Also, Laylatul al Qadr's “The Night of Power” is believed to be a night where the first impression of the Holy Quran was revealed. It is called by various names, including “Night of Measures”, “Night of Decree”, and “Night of Value”. This night is considered to bring the mercy of Allah and blessings. “This night is better than a thousand months’(Al-Qadr 97:3) described by the Quran. Its exact dates are uncertain. However, it is generally accepted as one of the odd-numbered nights in the final 10 days of Ramadan.(21,23,25,27,29)
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan
1. Boost Taqwa
In Islam Taqwa refers to being God's consciousness or “piety and fear of God”. It tolerates the deep sense of being cautious over one’s own life and actions, as the angels are constantly on the watch. Furthermore, fasting boosts the ability to be mindful of Allah and evade unintentional sins against the ways shown by Him.
2. Control over Nafs
Nafs (نَفْس) is an Arabic word occurring in the Quran, literally meaning “self”, and has been translated as “psyche”, “ego” or “soul”.However, all humans have the authority for controlling and overcoming their desires. Nafs leads an individual to oblige their evil and animalistic desires over spirituality. Weakening the nafs would ultimately lead strengthens the soul. Eventually becomes an individual closer to Allah the Almighty and developed a strong bond with its creator.
3. Leads to Jannah
During this Holy month of Ramadan, all devoted Muslims who fast will be allowed to enter Jannah through the gate of Ar-Rayyan on the Day of Resurrection. As it states that Allah repays the fasting, Muslims with greater rewards comparatively other days of the month. According to Muslim scholars, even a single day of fasting takes an individual away from Hellfire towards Jannah.
Health Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan:
1. Protection from obesity and chronic diseases
Fasting throughout Ramadan may help in preventing obesity and other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Hence, it enhances the levels of proteins providing insulin resistance and can reduce the percentage of fat.
2. Lowering cholesterol & improving blood sugar level
Fasting during Ramadan stimulates the lipid profile. It lowers blood cholesterol that prevents heart attacks, strokes, and other disorders. It also helps in reducing weight loss by maintaining blood sugar levels.
3. Improved digestive system
Observing Ramadan and fasting positively impacts one lifestyle and digestive system. Whereas Ramadan cleans the soul spiritually on the contrary fasting detoxifies the body by flushing out toxins. Furthermore, it balances the heat generation and acidity levels in the human stomach.
Psychological Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan:
1. Emotional Healing:
Fasting has a positive psychological impact on someone. It helps in healing an individual emotionally by maintaining the hormones cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. Consequently, it is associated with the reduction of stress levels. Fasting allows a deep, physiological rest of the digestive organs, and the energy saved goes into self-healing and self-repairing.
2. Strengthens Willpower:
Fasting during Ramadan requires mental bravery and the willingness to forego immediate enjoyment for achieving long-term goals. It strengthens the powers of self-control and prevents wrongful desires. It also improves the ability to control actions and emotions.
Most searched 10 FAQs:
- How long does Ramadan last?
Ans: Ramadan lasts for approximately 29 or 30 days.
2. Should all Muslims fast?
Ans: Fasting is mandatory for every Muslim who is sane, adult, and able to fast.
3. Who is prohibited from fasting in Islam?
Ans: If one is sick, pregnant, menstruating, nursing, or travelling, one is considered exempt from fasting.
4. Is it Haram to not fast in Ramadan?
Ans: Intentionally breaking the fast on any day in Ramadan is a major sin in Islam and requires repentance and an “atonement” or “expiation” called kaffarah. An expiation (kaffarah) is a penalty that makes up for a violation.
5. Is it OK not to fast while Travelling?
Ans: Many people continue to fast when on a plane and this is sometimes encouraged for shorter flights, but Muslims do not need to fast when travelling.
6. How much should I pay for not fasting?
Ans: The amount paid in Fidya for each missed fast is equivalent to feeding one person. However, when paying Kaffarah, the payment is the equivalent of feeding 60 people.
7. Is Ramadan fasting good for health?
Ans: Fasting not only uses your fat reserves but also cleanses your body of harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits.
8. What are the side effects of fasting in Ramadan?
Ans: Ramadan, and indeed all types of intermittent fasting include weakness, tiredness, dizziness, hypoglycemia, insomnia, hypotension, nausea, headache/migraines, feeling faint or fainting, indigestion, malnutrition, and excessive hunger.
9. Is not drinking during Ramadan healthy?
Ans: During the Holy Month of Ramadan, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, especially water because of the long period of fasting and high temperatures. Water, juices and soups, as well as vegetables and fruits, are good sources of fluids for the body.
10: What are the health benefits of Ramadan Fasting?
Ans:n Protection from obesity, lowering cholesterol, improved blood sugar level, and improved digestive system are some of the health benefits of Ramadan Fasting.
