Fasting ”saum” is one of the Pillar of Islam. Muslims are required to fast during the whole month of Ramadhan. ”SAUM” in Arabic means to ”restrain and maintain silence”
The Holy Qur’an defines ”SAUM” as patience which means ”self-control, perseverance and determination.”
In Islam, it is the practice of abstaining usually from food, drinks, and sexual activities from dusk to dawn with sole intention of worship.
ALLAH, the Exalted, says;
”O you who believe! the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you,that you may become AL MUTTAQIN” (2:183)
In narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah said,
”The reward of every good deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times” (Sahih Muslim)
ALLAH (SWT) says;
“The reward of observing saum is different from the reward of other good deeds, Saum is for Me and I alone will give its reward” (Sahih Muslim)
Fasting has been shown to have many benefits, not only on our spiritual health but also our physical health.
Here are few medical benefits of fasting,
1) Fasting helps control blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance.
One of the major silent killers in this world is DIABETES MELLITUS (DM), it’s commonly known as high blood sugar levels.
There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus.
- Type 1: There is decrease secretion of Insulin (a hormone used for sugar uptake) in your body.
- Type 2: There is insulin resistance developed in your body.
Fasting has been found to be very beneficial in people suffering from type 2 DM as it reduces the insulin resistance in body. This results in uptake of sugar into the cells which leads to control level of sugar in your blood.
2) Fasting helps to improve digestive system.
Studies have shown that continuous intake of food stimulates your gut which in turn activates your liver to secrete hormones for digestion thus work load on liver increases.
Fasting makes your gut cells and liver to rest. Thus reducing the workload on liver which eventually helps in proper digestion in your body.
3) Fasting promotes better health by fighting Inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a normal immune process used to help fight off infections but chronic Inflammation can have serious consequences for your health.
Some studies have found that fasting decreases several markers of inflammation and may be helpful in treating inflammatory conditions.
4) Fasting helps in reducing blood cholesterol levels in your body.
Fasting helps to reduce the “bad” cholesterol “LDL” in your blood which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
It lowers down your blood pressure also.
5) It detoxify your blood.
While observing fast, your body gets ribs of all the natural toxins in your blood.
6) Improves brain function.
Brain cells are called neurons. While you are observing fast, when detoxified blood reaches to your brain cells, neurons works effectively and sharpens your mind.
7) It helps in weight loss by reducing the calorie intake in your blood.
8) Fasting increases body metabolism and help the muscle tissue to reduce body weight and body fat.
Your body needs energy to do work and carbohydrates are the main source of energy in your body. When you fast there is less carbohydrates in your body means less energy so eventually it leads burn down your fat cells which is the second most important source of energy in your body.
9) It has found to be effective in increasing the growth hormones secretion .
10) Fasting Improves your Immune system.
Fasting improves the immune system because it reduces free radical damage and regulates the inflammatory conditions in body.
The Holy month of Ramadan is round the corner.
”It is the time to empty your stomach and feed your souls”
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
““Fasting is a shield. So the fasting person should avoid obscene speech and should not behave foolishly and ignorantly, and if somebody fights with him or insults him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the scent of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has given up his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me and I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.’” (Bukhari)
Abu Hurayrah narrated, The Prophet (PBUH) said;
