In Islam, fasting is a practice that involves abstaining, usually from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset, in the hopes that it will lead to greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Sawm (fasting) is observed between dawn and nightfall when the adhan of the Maghrib prayer is sounded.
The fast is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required for all Muslims, though exceptions are made for young children and the sick, as well as women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
Muslims were commanded by almighty ALLAH in the holy Qur’an to fast during Ramadan more than 1,400 years ago.
The ancient Greeks also recommended fasting to heal the body, and today some scientists are advocating a modified fast for its mental and physical benefits.
Experts have also found that restricting food intake during the day can help prevent health problems .
Fasting helps regulate cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular functions, boost metabolism and increase immunity. It can also aid in weight loss, and studies have proven that Ramadan fasting also causes positive metabolic changes that may be associated with increased lifespan.
Ramadan in the Holy Qur’an
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (2:183-84).
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (2: 185).
“It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of the fasts. They are garments for you and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the nightfall.
And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in Itikaf in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make clear His signs to mankind that they may become Al Muttaqun (the pious)” (2:187).
“Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr.
And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?
The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months
Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees,
Peace! until the appearance of dawn (97:1-5).
THE HADITH ON FASTING
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).
When to start fasting
Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Suhoor meal (which is eaten before dawn)
Anas related that Rasulullah said: Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it (Bukhari, Muslim).
Breaking your fast
Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
Fasting during a journey
Aisha related that Rasulullah was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like (Bukhari, Muslim).
Behavior while fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam (fasting), then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Forgetfully eating or drinking while fasting
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his Siyam, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Providing for those who are breaking the fast
Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni related that the Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
Lailat al-Qadr (Night of Majesty)
Aisha related that the Prophet said: Look for Lailat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
Anas ibn Malik related that Rasulullah said: When Lailat al-Qadr comes Gabriel descends with a company of angels who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing (Baihaqi).
Fasting has been known to improve body composition. This means it can reduce the percentage of body fat a person has while increasing their muscle mass and overall health.
Fasting Reduces Cancer Risk
It’s true! Fasting can help you reduce your risk of cancer. But how? Cancer cells cannot process ketones produced by the liver from fat and fatty acids when in a fasted state. Simply put, fasting helps starve cancer cells and makes them more susceptible to the body’s immune system.
Stimulates Autophagy
Fasting stimulates autophagy, which is the process by which cells and tissues recycle damaged components. It’s what allows your cells to renew themselves and survive without starving. Autophagy promotes longevity and helps prevent conditions associated with aging, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Lowers Inflammation
Fasting lowers inflammation, which is a significant cause of aging. This is because fasting triggers changes in your gut microbiota. After fasting, the gut microbiome becomes richer in bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties.
Regulates Sleep Patterns
Fasting has long been associated with healthy sleep. The first thing to know is that fasting does have an impact on your sleep—it can help regulate your circadian rhythm (your natural sleep cycle) and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Normalizes Ghrelin Levels
Fasting normalizes ghrelin levels, a hormone responsible for hunger and the body’s response to fasting. This is important because fasting helps you lose weight without feeling excessively hungry, unlike many other diets.
In brief, fasting during Ramadan is highly recommended as it helps with many health-related issues and gives numerous people great positive benefits.
References: Soundvision.com/ Burjeel Hospital
