Benefits of Fasting during Ramadan

Assalamualaikum,

How are you ladies and gentlemen? have you ever heard a term called 'fasting'? I bet you have. In fact, if you happen to live in a Muslim country, you certainly will be familiar with it. I always wonder what benefit we can get from doing this fasting ritual, particularly during Ramadan. As far as I'm concerned, in my point of view, fasting is a form of cleansing oneself from sins and mistakes committed in the past and it will teach us how to control our emotion, attitude and behavior. In Islam, we believe that Ramadan month is a month of blessing. We should do lots of good deeds during Ramadan month to erase all our sins and show our devotion to God.

Furthermore, fasting does not only bring spiritual benefits to our mind and soul. Some experts have this belief that fasting could bring positive impact to our body. Let me post some information that I gather (during my spare time) on the net. This one is from medindia.net written by Thilaka Ravi.

Fasting is especially beneficial in the following situations:-

• Finding relief from a variety of health disorders may no doubt begin my making lifestyle changes. Supervised fasting for a stipulated period helps patients make those required changes in their life that will positively influence their health.

• Fasting is a blessing to overcome addictions - to caffeine, nicotine, drugs, smoking and alcohol. Fasting helps lower withdrawal symptoms, which commonly deter people from overcoming addictions.

• Fasting helps lower cholesterol.

• Fasting works wonders in alleviating disorders of the gastrointestinal system like constipation, bloating, and gastritis.

• A supervised fasting program is a boon to diabetics to make crucial lifestyle and diet changes, sacrosanct to effective treatment of the condition.

• Fasting improves mental alertness - when toxins are cleared out of the lymphatic system and blood stream, it improves mental clarity. Further, eating less results in energy conservation, which can be used by the brain for thinking tasks.

Briefly, a fast could result in:-

• Weight loss

• Improved mental clarity

• Improved breathing

• Improved energy levels

• Good skin

• Rejuvenated digestive system

Very good analysis. Although, I would like to add that fasting in Muslim country does bring lots of excitement and joy, particularly when you find abundant of food served in front of you on the street. I mean, look at these pictures below, aren't you feel hungry right now? I've been experiencing break-fasting ritual in Malaysia and Indonesia. Both countries have various kind of food and unique style in serving them. In Malaysia, you don't need to wait for certain amount of time to get your food while in Indonesia, you need to act like a cave man (if you know what I mean) to get your food. Oh well, there are always positive and negative sides in buying some food for break-fasting preparation but I enjoy them all.

This picture shows a situation on one of the night markets (Pasar Malam) in Malaysia prior to break-fasting ritual. Pasar malam is opened from afternoon until evening during certain period of time in different areas in Malaysia. (I mean different areas have different locations and time)

I'm not sure about this but I assumed this picture shows a market in Malaysia during Ramadan month. (Colorful cakes, aren't they?)

The photo shows variety of food being sold at Benhil area in Jakarta.

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