What are the Manifold Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

Allah, the Most Wise, has prescribed rites that are good and beneficial to humankind. Since He is Self-Sufficient and free of all needs, Islamic rituals such as prayer and fasting in Ramadan are only advantageous to Muslims. This is why fasting, with its manifold blessings and benefits, was made compulsory on all past nations.

Fasting on all past nations

“O, believers!  Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you become more conscious of God.” (Quran 2:183)

·         In Hinduism fasting is known as ‘upavaasa’ and is observed on special occasions

·         In Judaism fasting is undertaken on ‘Yom Kippur’

·         In Christianity, Catholics fast during the season of Lent

And finally, Muslims are obligated to fast in the Holy month of Ramadan, which is the 9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Manifold Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

On top of this list is the fact that fasting is considered the best of deeds and one that Allah will personally reward believers for. When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was questioned:

“Which is the best deed?”  He replied, “Fasting, for there is nothing equal to it.” (Nasai)

The benefit of fulfilling a religious rite

This is about adhering to the fundamental rules of fasting, which are to stay away from food, drink, and sexual relations between dawn and dusk. This should be for the entire period of Ramadan. It is merely the fulfillment of an obligatory fourth pillar of Islam from which a Muslim stands absolved. There are no additional spiritual, physical, or psychological gains to be had via this aspect of fasting.

The physical benefit of fasting

The physical benefit of fasting becomes apparent when done correctly and in harmony with the Prophetic Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would typically keep his suhoor and iftar light. According to him:

“The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach.  A few morsels of food to keep a person’s back straight are sufficient.  However, if his desire overcomes him, then let him eat a third, drink a third, and leave a third for breathing.” (Ibn Majah)

Hence, by not eating during the fasting hours and eating in moderation during the feasting ones, the physical benefit of fasting is able to shine through. A Muslim is able to feel the pangs of hunger the poor and needy feel daily. This makes him physically aware of their sufferings.

The health/medical benefits of fasting

Medical science has acknowledged the numerous health benefits of fasting. It is also found to prevent health problems and improve mental illness. Some of the vital health benefits studied include:

·         Fasting Helps Weight Loss

·         Fasting Improves Insulin Sensitivity

·         Fasting Speeds Up The Metabolism

·         Fasting Promotes Longevity

·         Fasting Improves Hunger

·         Fasting Improves Your Eating Patterns

·         Fasting Improves Your Brain Function

·         Fasting Improves Your Immune System

The libido-related benefits of fasting

The sexual instinct and drive are curbed through fasting. During fasting hours, Muslims show self-restraint and protect their gaze, ears, tongue, and private parts from falling into haram. They make an extra effort to stay away from obscenity and nudity, knowing it could undermine their fast.

It is an ideal way to lower the libido and control the sexual urge. The Prophet (PBUH) is known to have advised those young men who had no means to marry, to fast instead.

“O youths, whoever among you is able to marry, let him do so, for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts.  He who is unable to marry should fast because it is a shield.” (Bukhari)

This self-control becomes a habit when exercised repeatedly for a period of 29 or 30 days. A Muslim realizes the blessings of adhering to Allah’s command of lowering the gaze and clings on to the acquired habit even after Ramadan. The likelihood of falling prey to pornography and nudity is thus minimized or negated.

The emotional benefits of fasting

Fasting helps in curtailing all kinds of negative emotions. A fasting person is expected to be on his best behavior. Unfavorable emotions like anger, envy, hatred, pride, and arrogance are best avoided. Argumentation, even if one is right, is disapproved of. It is said that fasting shields one from all sins unless one weakens.                                    

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated:

“When one of you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts and unnecessary talk, and if someone begins an obscene conversation or tries to pick an argument, he should simply tell him, ‘I am fasting.’” (Bukhari)

Even when provoked, a fasting Muslim should excuse himself from the invitation to indulge in the impermissible. This is why the month of Ramadan is considered a ‘Training Period’ for Muslims.

The psychological benefits of fasting

While fasting, a person remains consciously aware of his thoughts and actions. He is careful to avoid all that his mind tells him will earn him Allah’s displeasure. This attitude of abstinence, aided by reasoning, makes a Muslim God-conscious in all he says and does. By taming his evil thoughts and working on his character, a fasting person is able to give up grave sins such as lying. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain himself from telling lies and acting on them even while observing the fast.” (Bukhari)

Thus, for his fast to be deemed a fast and not mere starvation, a fasting person must cultivate himself both emotionally and psychologically.

The spiritual benefits of fasting

Spiritual growth and purification is the most compelling and rewarding benefit of fasting if mastered. The primary aim of fasting is to draw closer to Allah SWT. This must begin from the very depths of one’s heart, as actions are judged by intentions.

A fasting Muslim’s spiritual growth and worth are known to Allah alone. No one else knows how sincerely he prayed through-out Ramadan. Only his Lord knows about all the charity he gave away.

The inner struggles that he overcame with Allah’s help during Ramadan are a mystery to his loved ones but known fully by Allah. Thus, it can be safely concluded that an individual’s spiritual growth is Ramadan’s primary objective.

The deeper the sincerity, God-consciousness, and submission to Allah’s guidance, the higher the chance of securing Allah’s pleasure:

“Every act of Adam’s descendants is for themselves, except fasting.  It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it.” (Muslim)