Mentally, fasting is beneficial for controlling one’s desires, fostering empathy and sympathy, and practicing honesty. Physically, fasting serves numerous functions. It is a process also observed in nature—for instance, in chickens while they incubate their eggs, in snakes, and in caterpillars as they undergo metamorphosis into butterflies. For Muslims, the ultimate goal of fasting is taqwa (piety)—fulfilling all of God’s commands and abstaining from what He has forbidden. These commands and prohibitions are, of course, to be observed in this life, not in the hereafter.
Fasting
makes us healthier. While our digestive system typically works non-stop for 18
hours a day, fasting allows it to rest for 12–14 hours. This has significant
implications, including a reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, gastric ulcers, and obesity. As noted by Connectique:
First, fasting cleanses the body of metabolic waste, as the body begins to
utilize stored nutrients. Second, blood sugar levels tend to drop during a
fast, giving the pancreas—which produces insulin—a chance to rest. Third, it
promotes a healthier digestive system by allowing the stomach to rest for 12–14
hours.
Fasting
also lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A physiological reduction
in caloric intake leads to lower levels of circulating insulin and blood sugar.
This enhances the body’s insulin sensitivity, making it more effective at
normalizing blood sugar levels and regulating body temperature. Proper blood
sugar control helps prevent type 2 diabetes—a condition that arises when the
body’s insulin becomes less effective at regulating blood sugar.
I
have a personal experience involving my own father. He suffered from acute
gastritis for years; whenever he missed lunch, he would immediately break into
a cold sweat, feel dizzy, and begin to tremble—he suffered greatly. At first
glance, it seemed impossible that he would ever be able to fast for an entire
day. However, once a firm and sincere intention was set, it turned out that he
was able to fast successfully until sunset (maghrib).
Fasting
reduces the risk of stroke by improving blood cholesterol levels. It can
increase HDL (the "good" cholesterol) by 25 points and decrease
triglycerides—fats that contribute to the formation of LDL (the "bad"
cholesterol, which is harmful to health)—by approximately 20 points.
Fasting
strengthens the body's immune system. A reduction in caloric intake lowers the
rate of energy metabolism, which in turn causes body temperature to drop.
Decreased oxygen consumption leads to a reduction in the production of toxic
oxygen compounds known as oxygen free radicals. Approximately three percent of
the oxygen used by cells generates these free radicals—such as superoxide
anions (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)—which occur naturally within the
body. An excess of these free radicals can impair enzyme activity, cause
mutations, and damage cell walls. There are about 50 degenerative diseases,
including heart disease and stroke, that are triggered or exacerbated by these
free radical compounds. Fasting suppresses the production of free radicals by
approximately 90 percent and increases antioxidant levels by about 12 percent.
Thus, fasting enhances the body's resilience rather than weakening it.
Sperm
quality generally improves. Fasting enhances the function of reproductive
organs, balances the body's acid-base levels, and improves overall organ
function. It provides the digestive system with an opportunity to rest, while
ridding the body of toxins, waste, and impurities that could otherwise
compromise health. Through fasting, the body is able to cut off the supply of
nutrients to bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, making it impossible for
these harmful agents to survive.
Once,
a companion asked: "O Messenger of Allah, instruct me to perform an act
through which Allah may grant me benefit." Rasul Muhammad answered: "Fast,
because there is no deed equal to fasting."
Fasting
can prevent cancer. Fasting functions as a “surgeon” that removes damaged and
weak cells in the body. The hunger felt by a person who is fasting will move
the internal organs in the body to destroy or eat the damaged and weak cells to
cover up their hunger. This is a good time for the body to replace its cells
with new cells. On the other hand, fasting also functions to protect the body
from the addition of various dangerous substances, such as excess calcium,
excess meat and fat. Bone joint pain can also be cured by fasting.
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