The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims worldwide observe a daily fast from dawn to dusk.
This year, Ramadan is expected to commence on either Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan holds significant spiritual importance.
During fasting hours, Muslims abstain from all forms of sustenance, including water, as well as intimate relations with their spouses. According to a TikTok video by Islamic scholar Omar Suleiman on the inquireoneummah page, Ramadan is not merely about fasting, but a period for heightened focus on prayer and spiritual growth.
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Why Muslims fast during Ramadan
Explaining the purpose of fasting during Ramadan, Omar said: "During that time you restrict the intake to the body so that you can focus on the intake of the soul so instead of being focused on consumption, constant consumption, you are consuming words of remembrance, words of prayer.
"You're to be hyper conscious of not doing anything that would spiritually invalidate your fast just as you would physically so just like you won't eat or drink you certainly won't engage in sin, though you shouldn't engage in sins throughout the year but you're not going to speak words of evil. You're not going to gossip or slander.
"You try to fast with your eyes, not look at things that are not praiseworthy so you try to engage in a wholesome act of disciplining yourself with a conscience of God but then channel that into engaging the soul instead, exercising the soul instead and what you'll find with Muslims and this act of God consciousness where they reduce the consumption is they become far more grateful for the blessings of God because throughout our lives we just take sips of water, we eat what we can, we snack."
He said that Muslims develop profound gratitude during fasting and are "so much more grateful for that sip of water", "so much more grateful for that bite of food" and become "so much more aware of the one who provided those blessings to you". Fasting heightens the awareness of those less fortunate as Muslims during Ramadan become "so much more aware of those that don't have the same access to those blessings that you have."
It cultivates empathy for the poor and those compelled to fast by circumstance since they lack essentials like food and water. The Islamic scholar also noted the increase in religious activities during Ramadan, including lectures, devotional acts, and charity, stating: "Muslims are most charitable in the month of Ramadan so you just feel great."
Omar's TikTok video has reached a massive 5.5 million views, obtaining 351,100 likes and gathering over 5,000 comments so far. Reflecting on the content, one user commented: "I wish I could, but I am diabetic and wouldn't be able to do this without putting my health in danger. I love this for everyone who can."
Certain groups are exempt from fasting due to health risks, including individuals with illnesses that could worsen by fasting, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and children who haven't yet reached puberty. Echoing an inclusive sentiment, another user stated: "I'm not Muslim but I love this so much. I wish I had more will power to do this."
What are the health benefits of fasting?
Farwah Sheikh, a nutritionist, highlighted several health advantages of fasting in an April 2022 TikTok video shared on WebMD's page. The nutritionist listed eight significant benefits, which include decreased inflammation, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, weight loss, improved blood sugar control and less insulin resistance, DNA and cell repair assistance, strengthened immune system, and protection against Alzheimer's disease and cancer; additionally, it allows organs to heal and detoxify, flushing out toxins from the body.
Farwah noted: "Fasting can decrease inflammation in the entire body, which is really good for arthritis patients." The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has observed that while scientists acknowledge fasting or limiting food consumption can lessen inflammation, the exact mechanisms remain "are unclear".
Health website verywellhealth reports that different forms of fasting "have been shown to lower blood pressure" and calorie reduction. Due to its nature, fasting typically results in a reduced calorie intake, which can also contribute to weight management.
However, we recommend speaking to a doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle or diet.
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English (United States) ·