Fasting According to Islam

Posted on June 27, 2007 in Spiritual Fasting

In the holy month of Ramadan each year, fasting begins from dawn and goes on till dusk for 30 days, as ordained in the Quran. The need to fast during this month is so that the Muslims learn piety, humility, are aware of God and fear Him. Therefore, during this period, the followers of Prophet Mohammed avoid food, water, sex and vulgar talk.

According to Islam, fasting is one of the five pillars or duties of the religion. All Muslims fast from the age of 12.

In this month, restaurants remain closed during the day. Families wake up early, before dawn and eat a meal called sohur. They break their fast after sunset with a meal called iftar with dates and sweet drinks, and a dessert called konafa or qattayef, made of wheat, sugar, honey, raisins and nuts.

Benefits of Fasting: This is a month of self-regulation and self training, in the hope that this discipline will go beyond the month of Ramadan. It is believed that if the lessons learnt during this month are made a way of life, their effects will be long-lasting. This is also a time to remind Muslims of the suffering of the poor and to help them with alms. It is also a time to develop kinship among fellow Muslims.

This apart, the food eaten during this month does not have to belong to the protein type or fruits or any other class of food. Everything is permissible, in moderation. Ramadan is different from total fasting in its timing of food. Here, the Muslims begin the day with an early breakfast and avoid eating lunch and stay without food or drink until dusk. If they abstain from water for 8-10 hours, it is not bad for health. In fact, it allows all the fluids to concentrate in the body and produce just a little dehydration. Thanks to the body’s own water conservation mechanism; even a little dehydration and water conservation improve one’s longevity.

On the physiological side, fasting helps lower the blood sugar, cholesterol and the systolic blood pressure, and would be ideally suited to those suffering from mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. In this month, hostility between people is minimal and the crime rate decreases. Due to fasting, the blood glucose stabilizes.

During Ramadan, the Muslims say an extra prayer at night which helps them utilize their food better and in the output of energy. Besides, there is a mild movement of the joints while praying which helps as exercise. Besides, people also feel a sense of peace and tranquility.

This month of Ramadan is central to the Muslims as this is a period of cleansing of the mind and body. They believe they are trying to come closer to the Prophet through prayer, and are growing more compassionate by experiencing hunger and coming in contact with the suffering of the poor. This fast therefore is central to Islam.

Comments

2 Responses to “Fasting According to Islam”

  1. Hakim Adams Says:
    September 18th, 2008 at 11:33 am

    i love Islam.continue giving out tips on how to fast.and Allah will bless u all

  2. nakabiri faridha Says:
    August 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am

    am proud of Islam,please continue updating us on how to live a holy life during this holy month.

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