All praises to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” - (Quran 2:183)

Fasting can be referred to as the voluntary abstinence from food and drink for a specified period of time. Generally, the degree and period of abstinence differ in the various types of fasting; some people may abstain from food only, others may take only water or fruit juice, some fasts are undergone without food or drink, and even prolonged over several days depending on the individual.

Although fasting may be employed by various individuals at any period for several reasons, the voluntary ritual fast as a human endeavor is observed only in the religious traditions. Many of the great religions of the world; Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and most notably Islam amongst others, have a fasting tradition.

Globally, fasting as a religious ritual is arguably most widely associated with Islam. The annual fast through the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is compulsory for every healthy, sane, non-pregnant adult Muslim. Fasting in Islam is from dawn till sunset and entails not only the abstinence from food, drink, and sexual relations, but also emphasizes the propriety of speech and conduct. In addition, Muslims are exhorted to remember God much in contemplation, to increase worship and prayers, to recite the Quran much, and to carry out many charitable acts during the fast of Ramadan.

We would briefly examine some benefits of fasting on the three dimensions of human existence: the body, mind, and soul, in further recognition of another of the countless blessings Allah has bestowed on us as Muslims with the revelation of the verse in the introduction above, several centuries ago.

Fasting and a healthy body

Medical science has only recently begun to discover the benefits of intermittent fasting in humans following concluded and on-going research on the subject. Some of the noted effects of fasting in humans include:

• Weight loss
Researchers have observed a reduction in body weight in Muslims who observed the fast of Ramadan, particularly in males(1). Another study described an average weight loss of 1kg in Ramadan, though the weight was quickly regained within a few weeks afterwards(2). However a study in some Saudi Arabian families revealed more than half of participants gained weight during Ramadan(3). The lack of dramatic loss of weight in many people in Ramadan is not unusual considering that basal metabolic rate reduces with the progression of the fast, as does physical activity. In addition, a lot of people tend to eat more than is actually required at meal times or eat sweets and other high calorie foods. So even though quantity of food intake daily is reduced overall, the energy intake still outstrips energy requirement in many individuals.
A probable benefit of fasting is the prevention of obesity in predisposed individuals. By helping to cultivate a habit of self restraint, fasting in Ramadan may prevent the development of an overindulgent eating habit.

• Cardio-protective effect
Fasting has been shown to raise blood HDL-cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) while reducing the LDL-cholesterol, and Total cholesterol(4–6). Elevated LDL-cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary artery disease while HDL-cholesterol plays a protective role this heart disease.

• Increased insulin sensitivity
The effect of fasting on insulin sensitivity is arguably the most pronounced. Intermittent fasting has been shown with overwhelming evidence to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin levels(7–9). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables our cells to use glucose as a source of energy. Insulin resistance is associated with type 2 diabetes, and increasing insulin sensitivity may help to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Increased insulin sensitivity is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pre-diabetic condition having insulin resistance as a major component. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of diabetes are however advised to fast only after doctors’ consultation as fasting has been shown to increase the incidence of complications in diabetic patients(10).
A closely associated hormonal effect of fasting is the elevation of growth hormone, one of the physiological insulin counter-regulatory hormones. Increased growth hormone leads to increased lipolysis and a consequent loss of body fat. Growth hormone also causes increased lean muscle and bone mass, and has anti-aging effects.

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects
Inflammation has been implicated in several chronic disease conditions, and cancer. It has been strongly associated with diseases like the metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis to mention a few. Various inflammatory markers, and markers of oxidative stress measured in fasting patients consistently showed a significant decline in several studies(11–13). Fasting has significant anti-inflammatory effects and may help to prevent the incidence of several illnesses or even serve as a therapeutic adjunct in some cases.

Fasting is also noted to provide a period of rest for the digestive system from the constant processing, digesting, and absorption of food, hence allowing the digestive tract to heal as well as reducing intestinal inflammation.

Fasting and the mind

Narrated 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."(14)

Many people have reported increased mental focus during periods of fasting. Others have related the personal tranquility they experience during Ramadan. These experiences stand to reason as Ramadan is a period of relative break from the daily activities within the year when one shifts one’s attention from the usual daily living to meditation and prayers: activities with a proven calming effect. This annual detour from the norm in activities has been suggested to enhance creativity, and to prevent a sort of staleness arising from routine, in our mental faculties. Ramadan could be referred to as a spiritual vacation of sorts. So we find that many people use Ramadan to take stock of their lives: their religion, their family, their work and finances, and so on.

There is medical evidence of the benefits of fasting on mental function as caloric restriction has been proven to increase cognitive function in animal models(15), and memory in elderly humans(16). Intermittent fasting may also have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease(17).
The 28 day long struggle of self restraint offered by Ramadan may be enough time for some individuals struggling with addiction to be rid of harmful habits by forming better ones, as recent research as shown that a habit can be formed from within 18 – 254 days(18).

Fasting and the soul

The concept of the soul has been a contentious topic amongst Islamic scholars for centuries. Imam Al Ghazali referred to the soul as that by which men come to know God and His attributes(190. All further reference to the soul shall be limited to this simple description. We can thus infer that the soul is the immaterial aspect of man that is responsible for his religion, and as such is his most important aspect, his essence.

Allah said:
“And by the soul and He Who perfected it,”
“Then inspired it to understand what is wrong and (what is) right for it,”
“Indeed he succeeds who purifies it,”
“And indeed he fails who corrupts it.” – (Quran 91: 7-10)

Islamic scholars have reiterated that the soul is corrupted by sins and improved by purification, and that the means of purification is remembrance of God by being present and deliberate in the various kinds of worship ordained by Him(20).

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” - (Quran 2:183)

The truest essence of Ramadan becomes obvious on inspection of the above verse. Ramadan, in emphasizing a complete focus on worship, presents a special opportunity to tend to this most important aspect of man’s existence; the soul.
Fasting in Ramadan obligates abstinence from fuel for the physical nature of man. By literally enforcing men to suppress their basest selves, attention is shifted to the cultivation of the highest component of our selves. In this capacity, fasting may help to reform even a person that had been careless and ignorant to one having high standard of character. And our greatest model; Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him), was described as having an excellent character, as Allah said:

“And you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence”. - (Quran 68:3)

We are also continuously admonished to allow the lessons and practices of Ramadan remain with us all our lives to sustain these high character ideals and to prevent our souls from slipping back into corruption.

Within Ramadan is the Night of decree, as another of the immense benefits for the soul; an exclusive night within the last odd nights of the month during which rewards for worship are multiplied a thousand fold. Allah is indeed the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

“We sent it down on the Night of Decree.”
“But what will convey to you what the Night of Decree is?”
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
“In it descend the angels and the Spirit, by the leave of their Lord, with every command.”
“Peace it is; until the rise of dawn.” (Quran 97: 1-5)

Indeed Ramadan is a period of examination, rejuvenation, and transformation of our whole selves, gifted us by Allah; the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of this holy month.
May God overlook our misdeeds and accept our sincere and humble service in Ramadan, and always.
And Allah knows best.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be on the prophet Muhammad, and his family, and his companions.



Bibliography

1. Norouzy A, Salehi M, Philippou E, Arabi H, Shiva F, Mehrnoosh S, et al. Effect of fasting in Ramadan on body composition and nutritional intake: a prospective study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul 1;26(s1):97–104.
2. Hajek P, Myers Smith K, Dhanji A-R, West O, Mcrobbie H. Weight change during and after Ramadan fasting. Vol. 34, Journal of public health (Oxford, England). 2011. 377-381 p.
3. Bakhotmah BA. The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia. Nutr J. 2011 Aug 10;10:84.
4. Maislos M, Khamaysi N, Assali A, Abou-Rabiah Y, Zvili I, Shany S. Marked increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol after prolonged fasting during Ramadan. Vol. 57, The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1993. 640-642 p.
5. Ismail WI, Haron N. Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Serum Lipid Profile among Healthy Students in UiTM. 2014;51–3.
6. Shehab A, Abdulle A, El Issa A, Al Suwaidi J, Nagelkerke N. Favorable Changes in Lipid Profile: The Effects of Fasting after Ramadan. PLoS One. 2012 Oct 24;7(10):e47615.
7. Gnanou J V, Caszo BA, Khalil KM, Abdullah SL, Knight VF, Bidin MZ. Effects of Ramadan fasting on glucose homeostasis and adiponectin levels in healthy adult males. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2015 Jul 7;14:55.
8. Ahmed S. EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON SERUM INSULIN AND FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE IN ADULT OBESE AND OVERWEIGHT POPULATION OF Karachi. 2018;8:139–45.
9. Shariatpanahi ZV, Shariatpanahi MV, Shahbazi S, Hossaini A, Abadi A. Effect of Ramadan fasting on some indices of insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in healthy male adults. Br J Nutr. 2008/07/01. 2008;100(1):147–51.
10. Al-Arouj M, Bouguerra R, Buse J, Hafez S, Hassanein M, Ibrahim MA, et al. Recommendations for Management of Diabetes During Ramadan. Diabetes Care. 2005 Sep 1;28(9):2305 LP-2311.
11. Beli E, Yan Y, Moldovan L, Vieira CP, Gao R, Duan Y, et al. Restructuring of the Gut Microbiome by Intermittent Fasting Prevents Retinopathy and Prolongs Survival in <em>db/db</em> Mice. Diabetes. 2018 Sep 1;67(9):1867 LP-1879.
12. Longo VD, Mattson MP. Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Cell Metab. 2014/01/16. 2014 Feb 4;19(2):181–92.
13. Wegman MP, Guo MH, Bennion DM, Shankar MN, Chrzanowski SM, Goldberg LA, et al. Practicality of intermittent fasting in humans and its effect on oxidative stress and genes related to aging and metabolism. Rejuvenation Res. 2015 Apr 1;18(2):162–72.
14. Sahih al-Bukhari: Book 30, Hadith 4.
15. Singh R, Lakhanpal D, Kumar S, Sharma S, Kataria H, Kaur M, et al. Late-onset intermittent fasting dietary restriction as a potential intervention to retard age-associated brain function impairments in male rats. Age (Dordr). 2011/08/23. 2012 Aug;34(4):917–33.
16. Witte A V, Fobker M, Gellner R, Knecht S, Flöel A. Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009/01/26. 2009 Jan 27;106(4):1255–60.
17. Zhang J, Zhan Z, Li X, Xing A, Jiang C, Chen Y, et al. Intermittent Fasting Protects against Alzheimer’s Disease Possible through Restoring Aquaporin-4 Polarity. Front Mol Neurosci. 2017 Nov 29;10:395.
18. Lally P, van Jaarsveld CHM, Potts HWW, Wardle J. How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. Eur J Soc Psychol. 2010 Oct 1;40(6):998–1009.
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Alhamdulillah

Epilogue

Chapter 68:
Al-Qalam — The Pen:
Revealed at Makkah: 2 sections; 52 verses
English Translation of the Holy Quran by Maulana Muhammad Ali
________________________________________
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
68:1 (By) the inkstand and the pen and that which they write!
68:2 By the grace of thy Lord thou art not mad.
68:3 And surely thine is a reward never to be cut off.
68:4 And surely thou hast sublime morals.
68:5 So thou wilt see, and they (too) will see,
68:6 Which of you is mad.
68:7 Surely thy Lord knows best who is erring from His way, and He knows best those who go aright.
68:8 So obey not the rejectors.
68:9 They wish that thou shouldst be pliant, so they (too) would be pliant.
68:10 And obey not any mean swearer,
68:11 Defamer, going about with slander,
68:12 Hinderer of good, outstepping the limits, sinful,
68:13 Ignoble, besides all that, notoriously mischievous —
68:14 Because he possesses wealth and sons.
68:15 When Our messages are recited to him, he says: Stories of those of yore!
68:16 We shall brand him on the snout.
68:17 We shall try them as We tried the owners of the garden, when they swore to pluck its fruits in the morning,
68:18 And would not set aside a portion (for the poor).
68:19 But a visitation from thy Lord came on it, while they slept.
68:20 So it became as black, barren land —
68:21 Then they called out one to another in the morning,
68:22 Saying: Go early to your tilth, if you would pluck (the fruit).
68:23 So they went, while they said one to another in low tones:
68:24 No poor man shall enter it today upon you.
68:25 And in the morning they went, having the power to prevent.
68:26 But when they saw it, they said: Surely we are in error;
68:27 Nay, we are made to suffer privation.
68:28 The best of them said: Said I not to you, Why do you not glorify (Allah)?
68:29 They said: Glory be to our Lord! surely we were unjust.
68:30 Then some of them advanced against others, blaming each other.
68:31 Said they: O woe to us! Surely we were inordinate —
68:32 Maybe, our Lord will give us instead one better than it — surely to our Lord we make petition.
68:33 Such is the chastisement. And certainly the chastisement of the Hereafter is greater, did they but know!
68:34 Surely the dutiful have with their Lord Gardens of bliss.
68:35 Shall We then make those who submit as the guilty?
68:36 What is the matter with you? How do you judge?
68:37 Or have you a book wherein you read
68:38 That you shall surely have therein what you choose?
68:39 Or have you covenants from Us on oath, extending to the day of Resurrection, that yours is surely what you judge?
68:40 Ask them which of them will vouch for that.
68:41 Or have they associate-gods? Then let them bring their associates, if they are truthful.
68:42 On the day when there is a severe affliction, and they are called upon to prostrate themselves, but they are not able —
68:43 Their looks cast down, abasement will cover them. And they were indeed called upon to prostrate themselves, while yet they were safe.
68:44 So leave Me alone with him who rejects this announcement. We shall overtake them by degrees, from whence they know not.
68:45 And I bear with them, surely My plan is firm.
68:46 Or dost thou ask from them a reward, so that they are burdened with debt?
68:47 Or is the unseen with them so that they write (it) down?
68:48 So wait patiently for the judgment of thy Lord, and be not like the Companion of the fish, when he cried while he was in distress.
68:49 Had not favour from his Lord reached him, he would certainly have been cast down on naked ground, while he was blamed.
68:50 Then his Lord chose him, and He made him of the righteous.
68:51 And those who disbelieve would almost smite thee with their eyes when they hear the Reminder, and they say: Surely he is mad!
68:52 And it is naught but a Reminder for the nations.

Alhamdulillah

Alhamdulillah

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/doctor-note-fasting-ramadan-boost-immunity-200423151647666.html

Alhamdulillah, Islam has the best rituals. May God accept our fast this Ramadan, Amin.

Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah rabbilalamin.

The only true spiritual phenomenon I have personally observed as an adult is the holy month of Ramadan and it's fasting....

Somethings are just quite unexplainable about the peace and feelings you get during this month

Jazakumllah Khoiron Ya Aahki, May we be bless in this holy month & Beyond.

JAZAAKALLAH

Allahu akbar a very rich findings jazakallahu khairan..

Masha Allah.
Ramadan always brings me peace of mind... It makes me abstain from my wrong doings.
Alhamdulilah!!!