‘Why would you torture your body by starving?’
It is a natural question that could come to one’s mind while observing the entire Muslim community fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the month of fasting. Fasting is commonly interpreted as the obligation to refrain from food, drink and conjugal rites from dawn to dusk. However, it goes beyond that, encompassing the whole human body from eyes to limbs, tongue to brain. Thus, hurtful or false words, destructive or immoral deeds, conversations and intentions are considered to be as disruptive of a fast as eating and drinking.
It is crucial to note that fasting is an act of worship — submission to the Creator’s command. It’s worth mentioning that setting the right intention for fasting is the key. However, as with all of the acts of worship in Islam, fasting too has its practical benefits for us humans. Yet again, those benefits are not to be seen as the main purpose for practicing believers but rather as a nice bonus. Hence, a Muslim fasts to please the Almighty, and as a result gets both visible and invisible benefits.
From the biological perspective, huge amounts of biochemical reactions take place in our body during the period of intermittent fasting, by sort of restarting and accelerating metabolic processes. Generally, if we take care of our health and are in tune with our needs, and practice fasting before Ramadan throughout the year, fasting does not and should not cause any problems to our body.
However, there are individual cases with chronic diseases, who may have to prepare themselves for fasting by going for GI tract checkups or other to address certain issues they have before Ramadan or during the month, so their doctors can prescribe necessary intakes for a smooth transition of food timings. From a psychological perspective, fasting is a great chance to develop healthy habits and practice patience in trying to attain the full scope of
fasting range, and tackle anger management problems so common these days. It’s the month when people should avoid any form of waste — time, energy, natural resources or food. The usual practice is that we go without food all day long, and then after the sun sets, rush into eating big amounts and varieties of dishes, not only wasting food as a result but also causing sudden boosts of cortisol or insulin levels, etc in our body. The way we break the fast becomes a big burden on our bodies by stressing it. This surely may lead to a feeling of heaviness rather than freshness and satisfaction later on.
According to the sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH), the breaking of the fast should be as simple as possible, by putting the importance on pre-fasting meals instead. Breaking fast with dates is the sunnah and has great benefits, since dates are one of the best electrolytes, consisting of minerals and glucose. It could be followed by a carefully sipped cup of room temperature water, and only after the body feels refreshed and ready for food, should we have a portion of a well-balanced meal. It is important not to overeat and leave a third of the stomach empty, leaving the table with a feeling of slight hunger which helps the person to stay toned for the rest of the night.
May this month be a period of a nice restart for our bodies, developing healthy habits and improving our character. May all the faithful intentions and prayers be accepted and our sins forgiven.