There have probably been so many people out there who have read about Ramadan or have written about Ramadan. But there are always some facts which not everyone knows about. This might be difficult to believe, but fasting has been concluded as a very healthy act.
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims use the blessed month of Ramadan as a chance to live their lives in the light of Islamic guidance. It is said that Muslims are to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, and stay away from bad habits. All these things are done to essentially clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings.
Many people usually fast just because it is recommended but unfortunately, they aren’t aware of what these recommended fasts ask us to do. During Ramadan, every part of our body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain from looking at unlawful things. The hands must not touch or take anything that does not belong there. The ears must restrain from listening to inoperative talk or obscene words [curses]. And lastly, the feet must restrain from going to sinful places.
If one can not keep a fast due to an illness, he/she can keep an Iftar [the time when you can eat] for a poor person. That will be considered as one fast. If a person is traveling, he/she does not have to fast during the day and can make up that fast later on. Children under the age of 12 are not required to fast but some children still do as a practice for the future and merely because their older siblings or parents do. Along with fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. That is done by means of special prayers called Tarawih, which are held in Masjids every night of the month. During these gatherings, a whole section of the Quran is recited. Thus, the entire Quran is completed by the end of the month.
Now moving on to how fasting has been concluded as an extremely healthy act. Many researchers have reported that fasting helps keep many infections out of our stomachs. During the entire year, we are left with 11 months excluding the month Ramadan. Throughout those 11 months, we eat all day long and our stomach doesn’t get any rest. Think of it this way: Our stomach is like a machine. If a machine keeps on functioning without a break, it will start to slow down and essentially stop working. Therefore, during the month of Ramadan, our stomach is made used to eating in the morning [Sehri time] and then in the evening [Iftar time]. This way, our stomach gets to take some time off from functioning for so long and thus it develops the capability of keeping away many infections that may attack us.
So remember that fasting is not only physical, but it is the total commitment of the person’s body and the soul to the spirit of the fast. Therefore, take this blessed chance to practice self restraint, cleanse your body, and pray. Stay purified, keep others happy, and remember that Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Ramadan Mubarik to all of you!
