Fasting Benefits

1. THE BENEFIT OF FASTING IN GENERAL

1. THE REWARD OF FASTING IN ISLAM

1. The Benefit of fasting in General

Fasting, the practice of abstaining from food or drink for a certain period, has been practiced for centuries for religious, cultural, and health reasons. Recently, fasting has gained popularity as a weight loss and wellness tool, and research has shown that fasting has a variety of benefits beyond just weight loss. In this Presentation, we’ll explore some of the benefits of fasting.

To fast is a verb that means “to abstain from all food,” or “to eat only sparingly or of certain kinds of food, especially as a religious observance.” Someone can fast for a week, for example, or you could say that someone who isn’t eating for a period of time is fasting. Fast can also be used as a noun in the sense of “a day or period of fasting,” as in the devout followers observed a two-day fast.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. When we fast, our body uses up its glucose stores, and insulin sensitivity improves. This means that when we do eat, our body can use insulin more efficiently to regulate blood sugar levels, which can help prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Boosts Brain Function: Studies have shown that fasting can improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. This may be because fasting increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a role in the growth and maintenance of neurons in the brain.

Promotes Weight Loss: Fasting can help you lose weight by creating a calorie deficit, which is the difference between the number of calories you consume and the number of calories you burn. When you fast, you consume fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. Additionally, fasting can also help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and reducing your appetite.

Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help reduce the risk of these diseases.

Improves Heart Health: Fasting has been shown to improve several risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. This may be because fasting can reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which are important for heart health.

Promotes Longevity: Fasting has been shown to increase lifespan in animals, and some studies suggest that it may also have similar effects in humans. This may be because fasting triggers cellular repair processes and increases the production of antioxidants, which can protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress.

 Fasting has many benefits beyond just weight loss. It can improve insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, boost brain function, reduce inflammation, promote longevity, and improve heart health. However, it is important to remember that fasting is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any fasting program.

2. THE REWARD OF FASTING IN ISLAM

Fasting is an important part of Islamic practice, and it is observed by millions of Muslims around the world during the holy month of Ramadan. In Islam, fasting is not just a physical act of abstaining from food and drink, but it is also a spiritual act of self-discipline, reflection, and devotion to Allah (SWT). Here are some of the benefits of fasting in Islam:

Allah says in the Quran  "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness." (Quran 2:183).

Also the Prophet Muhamad SWS taught us about fasting here we can cite from some of his  Hadith.

This Hadith was Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam. Every Ramadan, let’s take out the time to appreciate fasting and the rewards that Allah SWT promises. Just remember that every second that a person fasts will bring them closer to Allah SWT. Therefore, spend the month repenting for your sins and seeking the blessings and forgiveness of the Creator.

Improving Self-Control and Discipline: Fasting requires self-control and discipline, and it helps Muslims to develop these qualities. Through fasting, Muslims learn to resist their desires and impulses, and to exercise self-control in other areas of their lives as well. This helps to develop a stronger willpower and a greater sense of discipline.

Strengthening Faith and Spirituality: Fasting is a way of demonstrating faith and devotion to Allah (SWT), and it helps Muslims to strengthen their connection with Him. During fasting, Muslims focus on spiritual activities such as reading the Quran, praying, and reflecting on their relationship with Allah (SWT). It is a time for self-discipline, self-reflection, and increased acts of worship.

Developing Empathy and Compassion: Fasting also helps Muslims to develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate. By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims become more aware of the struggles of others who are suffering from poverty and hunger. This encourages them to be more charitable and to help those in need.

Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: Fasting is often observed together as a community, and it helps to strengthen family and community bonds. It is a time for shared meals and communal worship, which encourages social interaction and builds a sense of unity.

Promoting Physical Health: Fasting has many physical health benefits, such as detoxifying the body, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving digestion. Fasting also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for those with diabetes. Additionally, the act of fasting has been shown to improve mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, fasting is an important part of Islamic practice, and it has many benefits for both the physical and spiritual health of Muslims. It helps to strengthen faith and spirituality, improve self-control and discipline, develop empathy and compassion, promote physical health, and strengthen family and community bonds.

1

Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 1894

In-book reference  : Book 30, Hadith 4

USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 118