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§ The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
that fasting is a shield, which protects a person from sin and lustful desires.
§ Apart from spiritual benefits, Islamic fasting
has been reported to associate with many health benefits as it can be
considered as intermittent fasting such as Alternate day fasting (ADF) and Time
restricted feeding (TRF).
§ Metabolic health
benefits
Ø Weight loss
Ø Reduced insulin
resistance
Ø Decreased blood
glucose
Ø Reduced blood
pressure
Ø Improved lipid
profile
§ Other health
benefits
Ø Cardiac protection
Ø Prevention and
treatment of Obesity
Ø Prevention and
treatment of Diabetes
Ø Prevention and
treatment of Cancer
Ø Protection against
neurodegeneration
Ø Reduction of
inflammation
Ø Promotion of
health span
Ø Extension of
lifespan
§
Islamic fasting is observed during the holy month of
Ramadan.
§
Apart from Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to observe
fasting on the following days too…
Ø
The 9th
and 10th, or 10th and 11th days of Muharram
(First month of Islamic Calendar).
Ø
Any 6
days of Shawwal (Tenth month of Islamic Calendar).
Ø
Mondays
and Thursdays of every week, if possible.
Ø
13th,
14th, and 15th day of every Islamic month.
Ø
9th
day of Dhu'I-Hijja (12th Month of Islamic Calendar).
Ø
During
the months of Rajab (7th month) and Sha'aban (8th month)
before Ramadan, if possible.
§
Devoted Muslims keep themselves refrain from food,
drinks, smoking and sexual activities from the dawn to the dusk, during Ramadan
Fasting.
§
Fasting
helps to control one's desires and to focus more on devoting Allah (swt).
§
Islamic
fasting is similar to Alternate Day Fasting (ADF), since the feast and
fast periods of Islamic fasting lasts 12 hours in average.
§
Though
Islamic fasting is associated with some adverse effects, there was no
detrimental effects on health attributed directly to them, in health
individuals. In addition, the adverse effects of fasting could be minimized
very easily by following the preventive measures.
§
The
chronic patients with Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Cancer, Ulcer,
Urolithiasis, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), etc. should consult the healthcare
professionals before observing Fasting.
§
Moreover,
Islam exempts the Sick, Travelers and Pregnant, Breast Feeding and Menstruating
women from fasting.
§
Islamic
Fasting can be good for health if it is done correctly. Moreover, it
causes many physiological, biochemical, metabolic and spiritual changes in the
body.
§ The health benefits of Islamic IF
could be sustained by leading a healthy lifestyle and practicing optional
fasting regularly after the holy month of Ramadan twice a week on Mondays and
Thursdays.
