Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, millions of people all around the world observe long hours of fasting. But aside from the spiritual significance, the most of them are not aware of the advantages of Ramadan fasting. To go for 12 to 14 hours a day without food or water demands tremendous self-control. Muslim medical experts claim that the practise provides a wide range of physical, spiritual, psychological, and scientific advantages. Additionally, it offers the chance to empathize with needy and disadvantaged individuals all around the world.
The Month of Ramadan
The ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, refrain from enjoying themselves, and pray to get closer to Allah. Families might gather during this time to celebrate Allah’s blessings.
Following the crescent moon’s appearance in the sky to mark the start of a new month, Muslims begin fasting the next day. As a consequence, Ramadan does not officially start in many nations until religious authorities confirm that they have seen the crescent moon firsthand. The world celebrates Eid ul Fitr to mark the completion of the extended fast.
Hadith on Ramadan Fasting
Narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Worship Allah, and worship none along with Him, offer the (five) prescribed compulsory prayers perfectly, pay the compulsory Zakat, and fast the month of Ramadan”.
Benefits of Ramadan fasting
Globally, over one billion Muslims observe a stringent fasting and moral abstaining ritual throughout the month of Ramadan. Fasting has been a practice since the advent of Islam, more than 1,400 years ago. Numerous advantages of fasting during Ramadan are listed below:
Health Benefits of Ramadan Fasting:
1. Defense against chronic illnesses and obesity
Ramadan fasting may help in the prevention of diabetes, obesity, and other chronic disorders. Between dawn and dusk, all food and liquids must be avoided during the Ramadan fast. As a result, it raises the amounts of proteins that contribute to insulin resistance. It also provides a defense against the dangers of a diet high in fat and sugar.
2. Improving blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol
Ramadan fasting lowers blood cholesterol because it stimulates the lipid profile. As a result, it shields against stokes, heart attacks, and other illnesses. Additionally, if a person continues to eat healthily after Ramadan, their cholesterol level will stay lower.
3. Enhanced digestive system
Ramadan observance and fasting have positive effects on a person’s lifestyle and digestive system. After a month of clearing out the toxins, a human being’s body naturally detoxifies. It also maintains a balance between the degrees of heat production and acidity in the human stomach.
Spiritual benefits of fasting in Ramadan
1. Grows Taqwa
Islam uses the term taqwa to describe knowledge of Allah, the truth, and “piety and fear of God.” The Quran, Islam’s holy book, regularly uses this phrase. It conveys a strong sense of exercising caution in one’s own life and deeds because angels are continuously keeping an eye on us. Also, fasting improves one’s capacity to remember Allah and prevent unintended transgressions of the ways that He has demonstrated.
2. Brings in bigger rewards
Ramadan is a time when all Muslims must fast. It is stated that Allah blesses Muslims who observe fasts with significant benefits and rewards. Every hour spent fasting brings one step closer to Allah in the afterlife. Yet instead of fasting for the rewards, one should concentrate on its importance and worth.
3. Avoids Hellfire and leads to heaven
On the Day of Resurrection, only those who observed Ramadan fasts will be permitted entry into paradise through the Ar-Rayyan gate. The virtue encourages individuals to extend their voluntary fasts as they get ready for Ramadan. Muslim scholars claim that even one day of fasting can move a person from Hellfire to Jannah.
Scientific benefits of Ramadan fasting
1. Relieves stress
One of the most important laws of Islam is to fast throughout the sacred month of Ramadan. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast for 12 to 14 hours every day. They rise early to attend prayers, eat before dawn, sleep later, and eat filling meals after dusk to restock their stamina and fluid storage. As a result, eating habits, sleep duration, and sleep pattern all improve. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan enhances mental health by reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness.
Also Read: Duas to Recite Amidst Times of Depression & Stress
2. Reduces cancer risk
In the past few years, a lot of studies have been published that claim Ramadan fasting helps reduce some health risk factors. Also, it can alleviate the signs of serious medical conditions like cancer.
The study found that this could be attributable to decreased blood glucose synthesis, balanced dietary intake, and increased production of tumor-killing cells.
3. Improves Alzheimer
Alzheimer’s disease, which causes ever-worsening psychological-behavioral problems, has few treatment options. Outside of the realm of medications and therapies, fasting is a therapy alternative that is quickly gaining popularity. Ramadan Research has shown that fasting, which is frequently marketed as a weight-loss strategy, greatly lessens the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and slows cognitive growth.
Psychological Benefits Of Ramadan Fasting
1. Strengthens the will
Ramadan fasting needs perseverance and the ability to put off short-term pleasure in favour of long-term objectives. A full month of fasting results in feelings of joy, focus, and self-control. These qualities are applicable in many facets of life.
2. Makes you more alert
There is evidence that those who fast exhibit increased levels of alertness and focus. The human body turns food into glucose, and too much of it makes you drowsy and exhausted. By assisting the body in controlling its glucose levels, fasting improves energy and alertness.
3. Improves mood
After hours of fasting, Muslims feel more accomplished, rewarded, proud, and in control. Fasting can increase one’s sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Fasting and the joy experienced after completing a difficult task at the same time, both function as potent feel-good stimulants on the brain.
Rules of Fasting in Ramadan
1) Muslims should fast during Ramadan from dawn to dusk and up until evening prayers.
2) They are prohibited from eating or drinking during the fast.
3) If one is fasting throughout Ramadan, they shouldn’t purposefully attempt to vomit.
4) Gum chewing is prohibited while they are fasting.
5) Moreover, one should avoid playing loud music and disturbing people when fasting.
6) Try to avoid taking oral medications while fasting throughout Ramadan.
Ramadan fasting tips
After breaking the fast in Ramadan, you should initially eat less and steer clear of sweet or fatty foods.
Upon beginning the fast for the following day, one should attempt to eat just before the break of dawn.
People should consume enough of sugar-free, decaffeinated water throughout the fast to prevent dehydration.
Ramadan fasting while pregnant
According to Islamic law, women who are expecting are not allowed to fast. Ramadan fasting during pregnancy can result in a number of dangerous pregnancy problems, including a sharp change in blood sugar levels. Nonetheless, neither Islam nor health professionals advise anyone to fast unless they so choose. Moreover, one can make up for missing fasts throughout Ramadan by giving fidya.
During the holy month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims across the globe observe long fasting hours. Although fasting might occasionally be difficult and uncomfortable, there are many advantages. Hence, fasting during Ramadan is not only required but also has positive effects on one’s physical and mental health.
FAQs on Benefits Of Ramadan Fasting
What are the health benefits of Fasting in Ramadan?
Some of the health advantages of Ramadan fasting include protection against obesity, lowered cholesterol, better blood sugar levels, and an enhanced digestive system.
What are the spiritual benefits of Fasting in Ramadan?
The spiritual benefits of Fasting in Ramadan include an increase in taqwa, better rewards, a pathway to paradise, and protection from torment.
What are the psychological benefits of Fasting in Ramadan?
The psychological advantages of Ramadan fasting include improved willpower, enhanced alertness, and improved mood.
What are the scientific benefits of Fasting in Ramadan?
The scientific advantages of Ramadan fasting include less stress, cancer and Alzheimer’s prevention, and Alzheimer’s treatment.
How does fasting during Ramadan prevent cancer?
The risk factors for serious illnesses like cancer can be decreased by fasting during Ramadan, according to numerous studies that have recently been published. This might be caused by a reduction in blood glucose synthesis, a more balanced diet, or a rise in the creation of cells that can destroy tumors.
These were some of the Health, Spiritual, Scientific, and Psychological Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan in Islam. Read more Islamic Blogs or Follow us on social media for daily Islamic reminders.
