Why Muslims fast during Ramadan?

19/04/2021

Fasting during Ramadan is an Islamic rule and, therefore, Muslims fast a 29-30-day consecutive period per year. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint and self-reflection. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. Although millions around the world have successfully observed the spiritual cleansing of Ramadan for more than a thousand years, some people fear that fasting over such a long period time will have detrimental effects on their health. Maulana Muhammad Ali said "The real purpose of fasting is to attain righteousness. A person who undergoes hunger and thirst, but does not behave righteously, has done nothing. If someone is told the aim and object of doing a certain duty, and he does that duty but does not attain the required aim and object, it is as if he has not done that duty."The act of fasting is meant to remind Muslims of the less fortunate and to reinforce the need to be thankful. Fasting is self-restraint. A Muslim must abstain from food, drink and sexual relations and restrain from negative thoughts during their fast in the month of Ramadan. Fasting is not only beneficial for your physical well-being; it benefits your mental and spiritual health too. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, "Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal (Syawal) will be rewarded as if he had fasted the entire year".
Abu Huraira, Sahih al-Bukhari has narrated that "There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord, then he will be pleased because of his fasting."A study carried out by scientists in the USA found that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function.
It is said that observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.By not eating throughout the day during Ramadan you'll find that your metabolism becomes more efficient, meaning the amount of nutrients you absorb from food improves.
Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars, or duties, form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion. According to Islam Guide, the Pillars of Islam are: Shahada: faith in the Islam religion, Salat: pray five times per day facing the direction of Mecca, Zakat: give support to the needy, Sawm: fast during Ramadan, and Hajj: make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during one's lifetime.
Fasting in Islam does not just consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire and wrong-doing. The fast is not merely of the body, but essentially that of the spirit as well. The physical fast is a symbol and outward expression of the real, inner fast.Fasting is a spiritual practice to be found in all religions. The great Founders of various faiths (Buddha, Moses, Jesus, etc.) practised quite rigorous fasting as a preliminary to attaining their first experience of spiritual enlightenment and communion with God. This kind of communion is indicated in.Charity and generosity is especially urged during Ramadan. We learn to give, and not to take. The deprivation of fasting makes us sympathise with the suffering of others, and desirous of alleviating it; and it makes us remember the blessings of life which we normally take for granted.
(Views expressed are personal.)

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