Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship toward Allah. Earthly pleasures, evil intentions and desires are the worst enemies of Muslims, and in Ramadan, Muslims get the chance to get rid of them for the sake of Taqwa.

Ramadan Al Karim is the ninth holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar and is dedicated to fasting for Muslims worldwide. This month is observed explicitly for fasting and many good deeds like big prayers, zakat provision, public Iftar arrangements, and much more. Millions of Muslims worldwide start their fasting according to the time of their region; before dusk, they stop eating, and they break their fast at sunset along with maghrib prayers.

Fasting is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. There are exceptions only for children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or menstruating women and people travelling. But those who are older enough need to complete the count once they are able enough to fast.

Fasting is not just starving yourself from dawn to dusk; it is something more than that. Fasting heals you spiritually, mentally and physically.

How does fasting help us physically?

We are Allah’s creation, and one day, our bodies will return to Allah. This means that our bodies are Allah’s Amanah (trust) on us, and we must take care of this Amanah. Fasting helps us to keep this promise; here is how;

• Fasting keeps obesity in check
• It promotes heart health
• Your immunity increases when you fast
• Fasting also helps prevent certain health conditions like neuro-generative disorders and helps control the body’s cholesterol levels.
• It helps in getting rid of toxins from the body – it’s a form of detox.

So when we fast throughout the year except for Ramadan, we not only follow the Sunnah, but we also receive other health benefits. If you’re looking for healthy recipes and tips for Ramadan, read our blog here.

How does it help us mentally?