Importance of Ramadan and Importance of Fasting for Human Body

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Lunar calendar, because it is determined by the moon cycles. Ramadan holds a special place in the Muslims’ hearts, and they celebrate it with full fervor. During this month of 29 to 30 days, Muslims observe fast. During a fast. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, or performing bad deeds from dawn to dusk. In Ramadan, Muslims pray, recite the Quran more, and perform good deeds to get closer to Allah. The importance of Ramadan is greater for Muslims because they believe it to be the month of blessings and that it doubles their reward (sawab) in return for the good deeds. Like every month in the Islamic calendar or lunar calendar, Ramadan starts with the moon’s sighting. The crescent moon marks the start of the month, and Muslims fast till the moon of next month, Shawal, is sighted.

After Ramadan, the month of Shawal arrives, in which Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in the first three days of this month. It is believed that eid is given to Muslims as a reward after fasting a whole month. Other than the rewards that await them in Paradise, the eid acts as an instant reward to boost their morales. This whole process makes the efforts Muslims put in Ramadan worthwhile and brings them closer to Allah.
Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” [Quran, 2:183]

Purpose of Ramadan

The purpose of Ramadan is to cleanse one’s body, mind, and spirit. In the spirit of Ramadan, people do more charities and perform more good deeds for humanity. This indicates that the purpose of Ramadan is not only exclusive to performing prayers but to reflect on oneself. Improve one’s behavior and personality when given a chance. The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to spiritual and religious benefits. It makes Muslims empathize more with the segment of society that cannot afford three meals a day. It reinforces the spirit of festivities among Muslims and spread joy.

Importance of Fasting for Human Body

Humans have developed various methods to adopt a healthy lifestyle; intermittent fasting has gained fame in the past few decades. After a lot of scientific research on this topic, science supports intermittent fasting, which is similar to Muslims’ Ramadan fasts. A large data collected by scientific researchers have proposed that fasting is important for cleansing our bodies. It removes toxins from our bodies that we regularly consume through our unhealthy eating habits or otherwise. Through which we can also feel the importance of Ramadan.

Fasting accelerates the body cells to produce energy by means other than glucose. It burns calories that we have accumulated from the months of binge eating. Ketosis is considered the ideal method for weight loss. That’s why people go on diets. It involves burning body fat to generate energy when the external energy (in the form of food) is not provided to the body. It also enhances the coping strength of the body and makes it stronger. Many researchers quote that during the fat-burning process, harmful cells are also burned down. Additionally, fasting is known to reduce body inflammation and control blood pressure that is good for the heart. So, Ramadan is like an intensive therapy where our bodies reboot to start fresh for the rest of the year.

1. Importance of Fasting for Human Mind

Science explains that fasting enhances cognitive functions making it easy for people to concentrate. Ramadan is a spiritual boost for Muslims. Therefore, it improves psychological health. It also creates a sense of unity among people through the festive mood of Ramadan and creates happiness that is very important for people amid the chaos in the world. Researches say that constant eating can repress the normal release of hormones, so we go for binge eating when stressed or sad. It provides temporary happiness.

However, the importance of Ramadan is a selective time period in where normal functioning of hormones occur, and humans can go through emotional catharsis by processing their emotions instead of eating to make thing better. Remaining hungry for a large part of the day creates empathy for our society’s less privileged and poor people. Therefore, more charities are done in Ramadan than in any other month.

2. Society in Ramadan

Ramadan is a month where it shows what an ideal Muslim should look like. During Ramadan, eating or drinking is prohibited, but harmful deeds and sins are also prohibited. People are asked to share food and happiness among themselves. Muslim countries around the globe celebrate Ramadan involving different cultural festivities. People send iftar (food made for breaking the fast) to each other. Many countries have a tradition of breaking fasts in parks with families and friends, creating a very festive environment. In a way, it creates a sense of a united society. Furthermore, when people restrain themselves from performing crimes and bad deeds, there is peace in society. If Muslims worldwide spend Ramadan with its true essence, the world can become a better place.

3. Restores Faith of Muslims

The importance of Ramadan for Muslims is beyond the worldly benefits. It restores the faith of Muslims. Not every Muslim in the world is regular in their prayers. Still, the arrival of Ramadan comes with Muslims spending their time and energy performing regular 5-times a day prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran. Psychology suggests that doing a thing 30 to 40 days daily makes it a habit. This is why many Muslims end up adopting offering prayers regularly by the end of Ramadan. Other than performing the rituals and practices, the spirit rejuvenates during this month that strengthens Muslims’ faith.

4. Personality Development

Islam teaches to develop a healthy personality along with performing the rituals and prayers. Ramadan is a perfect opportunity for Muslims to self-evaluate themselves and try to improve themselves. The aim is to improve one’s moral character increases in Ramadan because of the collective spiritual and religious energy surrounding us. The simple act of fasting teaches us self-control, patience, positivity, and empathy.

Moreover, Ramadan is a perfect time to adopt or get rid of any habit. Performing an act daily for 29 to 30 days will strengthen the action into a habit. It can also help to quit an undesirable or unhealthy action such as smoking. This is another way of how we can see the importance of Ramadan; People reported that it becomes easy to quit smoking after Ramadan if they completely abstain from smoking during the whole month of Ramadan. It is also a way to improve one’s personality and aid in developing a healthy and positive individual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Islam teaches humanity and the right moral character through these practices and rituals. It is not only about gaining reward for Paradise. The teachings of Islam for both Muslims and non-Muslims are based on religious and worldly gains. Focusing on one side is not enough. A believer has to maintain a balance between the world and the life hereafter. This is the reason why the Quran and Hadith clarify the importance of Ramadan and other practices over and over again.

Fasting comes with various physical and mental health benefits. It also promotes peace, love, and joy in society and brings people closer. It is not necessary that every Muslim follows Islam completely or even perform the religion’s regular practices. But most Muslims try to adopt a healthy and religious lifestyle in the month of Ramadan. The importance of Ramadan is mentioned in the Quran at various points. Muslims also receive the message of Ramadan from Hadith and Sunnah. Muslims celebrate Ramadan passionately and with sincerity. No doubt that the month of Ramadan is highly significant for Muslims around the globe.