Fasting is a holy practice observed by Muslims all around the world during the month of Ramadan i.e. the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. The basic procedure for fasting is to refrain from food and drinks from Dawn to Dusk. Before and after these times people fulfill their hunger needs.
For Muslims fasting is not just a means of testing how we control our hunger or thirst in fact it is very much the opposite of that. For us Muslims the purpose of fasting can never be fulfilled if all we achieve from our fast is hunger and thirst. Our God the Almighty have masterminded every plan with a reason behind each one He commands us to do. Below are a few attributes that fasting helps inculcate in a person:
Patience– knowing you have the necessary supplies but you just cannot use them because of that promise you made to God at the breaking of Dawn. That way one develops self-control.
Obedience– Since the very reason we fast is obeying the commands of our Lord.
Empathy– Starving oneself lets them see what the people who live in poverty go through at times of need, knowing what it feels like to be hungry/thirsty encourages people to help others to alleviate their hunger and distress.
Purification– Fasting purifies the soul from all sorts of adversaries and brings about the goodness in man. For a Muslim the key purpose of fasting is developing Taqwa (can be described as fear of God)
However, these are just the benefits that cannot be interpreted physically, there’s more to it.
Ever wondered why so many Non-Muslims fast?
What the innumerous studies found about fasting?
Well here’s your answer
- First and foremost, this is the easiest known ways to lose body fat. No special diet plans, no specific exercises just break from food and there you go. Also it is known from studies that when the stored glucose has been used up it is only then the body starts burning calories, which aids weight loss.
- A boost of the Immune System- A study, conducted by Dr. Valter Longo and colleagues from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles ( As posted by Medical News Today), found longer periods of fasting – 2-4 days – may restart the immune system, by replacing old immune cells with newer ones.
- Detoxification- within a few days of fasting the body detoxifies itself by getting rid of all the stored fats and toxins.
- It was also noted that within a few days of fasting the body produces endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that trigger a positive feeling in the body that is accompanied by a positive and a lively stance on life. Also known as Happy hormones.
- Recent studies have shown improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels also in insulin sensitivities, due to Fasting.
Looking upon the several benefits fasting can bring about it is up to each individual, to fast or not to fast. Also it may vary from person to person with what it is that we desire from our fast, a healthy Body, A clean Soul, or simply the chance to please GOD.
Mechanical Express 