Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Among the five pillars of Islam, fasting is the fourth. Fasting is observed by Muslims to develop a more compassionate relationship with those who are not as fortunate as themselves—not eating leads to them becoming more appreciative of the gifts Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon them. This leads them to realize that nothing should be taken for granted. Moreover, it is about cultivating better habits and staying away from sins. Knowing the exact date of Ramadan is perhaps the most challenging aspect of it. There is no set date for Ramadan; it is observed when the moon for the 9th lunar month is sighted and lasts continually throughout the month. Due to the lunar calendar’s origin, the Islamic lunar calendar is shifted every year by 10-11 days in accordance with the Gregorian calendar due to the lunar cycle. Fast is observed from sunrise to sunset.

Spiritual benefits of Ramadan fasting

1. Increases Taqwa

Taqwa is an Islamic phrase that refers to being aware of Allah and the truth and “piety and dread of God”. It bears the deep sense of being cautious over one’s own life and actions, as the angels are constantly on the watch. Additionally, fasting enhances the ability to be mindful of Allah and avoid unintentional offenses against the ways shown by Him. As a result, people lead on the path away from sins and wrong deeds.

2. Fetches greater rewards

All able Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan. It is said that Allah repays the fasting Muslims with great rewards and blessings.

3. Leads to paradise and prevents Hellfire

Only those who fast during Ramadan will be allowed to enter paradise through the Ar-Rayyan gate on the Day of Resurrection.

Health benefits of fasting in Ramadan

1. Protection from obesity and chronic diseases

Fasting throughout Ramadan may assist in preventing obesity and other chronic diseases such as diabetes. It enhances the levels of proteins providing insulin resistance. It also offers protection against the hazards of a fat and sugar-rich diet.

2. Lowering cholesterol & improving blood sugar level

As Ramadan Fasting stimulates the lipid profile, it lowers blood cholesterol. Consequently, it prevents heart attacks, strokes, and other disorders. Also, if one maintains a healthy diet after Ramadan, individuals will retain the newly reduced cholesterol level.

3. Improved digestive system

Observing Ramadan and fasting positively impacts one lifestyle and digestive system. A human body naturally detoxifies after a month of flushing out of the toxins in the body. Further, it balances the heat generation and acidity levels in the human stomach.

Scientific benefits of fasting in Ramadan

1. Reduces stress

Fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan is one of Islam’s most essential commandments. Fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan improves mental health by lowering depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

2. Prevents cancer

Many research has been released in the last few years suggesting that Fasting can lower health risk factors. It can also reverse the symptoms of severe health illnesses such as cancer. According to the research, this could be attributed to reduced glucose synthesis in the blood, balanced nutritional intake, and increased generation of tumor-killing cells.

3. Assists in Alzheimer

There are few therapeutic choices for those who develop Alzheimer’s, which causes ever-worsening cognitive and behavioral issues. Fasting is a therapy option that is rapidly gaining traction outside of the domain of pharmaceuticals and treatments. Ramadan Fasting, commonly promoted as a weight-loss approach, has been demonstrated in research to significantly relieve Alzheimer’s symptoms and decline in slow cognitive development in rats.

Psychological Benefits Of Fasting In Ramadan

1. Enhances willpower

Fasting during Ramadan requires mental fortitude and the willingness to forego immediate enjoyment for accomplishing long-term goals. Fasting for a whole month induces a sense of happiness, focus, and self-control.

2. Increases alertness

Individuals who fast appear to have higher levels of vigilance and attention. Food is converted into glucose by the human body, and too much of it causes sluggishness and tiredness. Fasting helps the body regulate glucose levels, reducing sluggishness and increasing alertness.

3. Uplifts the mood

Muslims experience an enhanced sense of achievement, reward, pride, and control after hours of fasting. Fasting can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. At the same time, fasting and the pleasure felt after completing a challenging activity serve as a powerful feel-good stimulant on the brain.