Health benefits of Fasting in Islam

Posted by ady william on July 3rd, 2019

Fasting is an obligatory prayer for Muslims in the month of Ramadan which involves abstaining from eating, drinking, bad words or thoughts as well as having an intimate relation with opposite gender even your spouse. All Muslims get up early in the morning (particularly at dawn) and builds the intention to fast the whole day, take their morning meal called Sehri which followed by Fajar prayer. They observe this state throughout the day when at dusk, they break their fast by offering prayer and taking their meal called Iftaari. The uniform pattern of eating, drinking and prayer are observed by all believers in Islam throughout the world.

The mechanism of fasting is basically the wisdom of Allah Almighty which makes Ramadan a month of blessings for Muslims both in terms improvement of health and spirituality with the increase in Emaan. Apart from spiritual benefits which include Taqwa, the fear of Allah Almighty, abstinence from all sort of bad and evil thoughts as well as actions, fasting in the month of Ramadan also has numerous health benefits as well. These comprise of the following:

1. Rest to Digestive System

A large number of people face the problems related to the digestive tract marked by excessive secretions at an increased rate due to untimely eating in large amounts. This leads to many health issues which primarily constitutes obesity which is the mother to many other diseases. However, fasting gives a chance to rest the stomach and makes the functioning of the digestive tract smooth with less digestive secretions.

2. Promotes healthy eating

The observance of fasting in Ramadan also leads to healthy eating. As Muslims try to follow the Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH) while Sehri and Iftaari, a proper balance is maintained for those who eat wisely. The use of three dates during Sehri and Iftaari is very healthy as dates comprise of a good amount of carbohydrates which are really good energy boost.

3. Lowering cholesterol levels in the body

Those who maintain fasting throughout Ramadan feel a positive change on their lipid profile which results in the reduction of cholesterol levels in the body which in turn boosts cardiovascular health keeping away from heart diseases or a stroke. Maintenance of healthy in taking after Ramadan, the already lowered cholesterol levels in the body are easy to be sustained.

4. Boosting brain cells

The brain focusing power of the brain is manifold in the month of Ramadan according to a study conducted in the USA. With the decrease of the hormone cortisol, the stress levels are also reduced not only within Ramadan but the effects of increased mental focus are even evident after Ramadan.

5. Overcoming Addictions

Fasting also plays a great role to deal with various addictions including not only excessive food cravings but also smoking, alcohol, caffeine or other addictive substances. When a person knows that he cannot consume the things he/she is addicted to out of religious and spiritual reasons, he is able to keep proper control on unavoidable addictions as well.