Fasting in Ramadan
Fasting is the third important pillar of Islam. During Umrah in Ramadan, it is an obligation to every adult and healthy Muslim men and women to fast from dawn to dusk. During fast, they are not allowed to eat, drink, get close to their spouses, and misbehave.
In Western countries, we are often asked why do Muslims observe fasting, and what are the benefits of fasting in Ramadan? There are countless reasons that couldn’t be compiled in one blog. But we have gathered the influential reasons for fasting so that you can get the most out of the divine Islamic ritual and progress in your health, personal and spiritual growth. Not only on a personal note but also the advantages of fasting in Ramadan be obtained collectively and causes greater long-term impacts on society.
Uniting the Muslim Nation with Solidarity
Being the 3rd pillar of Islam, the fasting in Ramadan forms the foundation for a religious culture designed specifically to create an ideal environment for personal and spiritual progress. For the whole month, Muslims residing at all corners of the earth follow the Ramadan routine and help each other to attain the rewards of this sacred month.
Helped to overcome self and exceed above the ego
This once in a year practice helps humans to overcome all the toxic thoughts and negativities created due to self-induced satanic traps. The ego of a human is the only thing that creates a veil that blurs all the true meanings of his existence.
Spiritual Purification
During fast, a person gets a constant reminder from his hunger and thirst that he is being watched. This holds him from involving in negativities bad deeds. Eventually, the mind, body and spirit cleanse out of all the toxins and he attains spiritual purification which is the primary benefit of fasting in Ramadan.
Health and Physical Maintenance
If done on the true Islamic basis, Ramadan fasting not only cleanses spiritually but also helps to gain countless health benefits. It relaxes the organs by freeing up them from accumulated toxins, purifies blood and allowing tissue repair. It’s like annual maintenance of the body system where the body organs are freed from the excessive workload and thus improves functionality and boost metabolism. There is an overall positive effect on the whole body system. These health benefits could be obtained by following the true Islamic directions for fasting and not the cultural or traditional heavy feasts of Iftar and Suhoor.
Creates Socially Interactive Behavior
Having family time in suhoor and iftar creates positive relationships between families which is rare during normal days. This is the greatest benefit and the best reason of Ramadan fasting as the people socially responsive through praying tarawih and salat in mosques. The aura of Ramadan has its own unique celebration that is missed in the remaining months of the year.
Personal Development
Fasting in Ramadan helps in improving positive behavior in a person. By observing fast, a person becomes acutely aware of the unlimited abundance of divine blessings, sustenance and countless favors he has been rewarded by the Almighty ﷻ. This realization cultivates gratitude, humility, and selflessness which are the core behavior elements of a true Muslim.
Develop a Highly Productive Routine
Starting the day with sahoor and Fajr, the person gets a full lapse to prove his/her productivity. The program of Ramadan helps a person design a timely schedule where he can manage all his work without any hassle and still get enough time to pray and recite the Holy Quran
By fasting in Ramadan, a Muslim deliberately restrains himself from materialism, instant consumption, and gratifications of desires which result in developing a habit of self-discipline and finally sustaining the planetary environment with low carbon footprints.
