With the arrival of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world prepare their mind and bodies for the month of abstinence. From dawn to dusk they go without sustenance and shun earthly desires. This act of sacrifice and self control strengthens their body, mind and spirit.
Fasting Helps Detox the Body
Islam encourages believers to treat their bodies with respect. Harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are taboo. God reiterates at various instances in the Quran that people should eat nutritious food: "Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth.” (Quran 2:168)
In Ramadan, a Muslim fasts during daylight hours. Breakfast is consumed before dawn and the fast is broken at dusk, traditionally by partaking of dates. One of the rules of the fast is to avoid gluttony and to eat healthy.
The extended gap between meals rests the digestive system. Fasting helps the body in the process of detoxification since after a while, fat reserves are acted upon for energy.
In Fasting and Eating for Health, Joel Fuhrman, M.D., states that an important element of fasting detoxification is mobilizing the toxins from their storage areas. He notes that superfluous tissue such as fat, abnormal cells and tumors are broken down and these toxic materials are released into the circulation for elimination.
Some physicians argue that that fasting can cause serious negative effects such as drop in blood sugar, hypokalemia leading to cardiac arrhythmia and others. These are usually associated with prolonged fasting diets such as water and juice fasts.
Fasting as practiced in Ramadan is different since there is no restriction on the calorie intake before and after the fasts. There is no malnutrition especially if the faster eats lots of fruits and vegetables.
Also in Islam only able bodied adults are obligated to fasts. In fact the Quran specifies those people who are exempt from fasting
- Children
- The old and feeble
- Travellers
- The insane
- Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Women during menstruation
- The ill whose health may be adversely effected by fasting
Fasting Strengthens Self-Control
In Ramadan Muslims conquer their craving for food, water and worldly pleasures. They also strive to eliminate negative thoughts and emotions such as anger, jealousy and hatred. Instead they seek to bond with their kin and help the needy.
The ritual of iftar or breaking of the fast with family and friends is increases the spirit of brotherhood and negates any ill feeling between them.
Ramadan Brings Peace and Heightens Spiritual Awareness
During a fast. Muslims are freed from many worldly worries such as of food and drink. The time saved is spent in prayer and meditation. This delving into the inner self not only increase the spiritual connection with God but also decreases stress and fatigue.
Throughout history fasting has been advocated by the greatest men, including Socrates, Plato, Buddha and Gandhi. Paracelsus, one of the fathers of western medicine declared fasting "the greatest remedy, the physician within." All the religions of the world have a tradition of fasting albeit of various types. In Islam fasting is elevated to one of its five pillars, mandatory for all able-bodied believers. If the rules of fasting as ordained by the Quran and the Prophet are followed, the benefits are many.
For a detailed study on the Medical Aspects of Fasting read the article by Dr. Shahid Athar,M.D.
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