Fasting ~ The Physiological Dimension
| Khatib : | Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: | 120 |
| Khutbah Date: | 10/22/04 |
"Whoever keeps his duty to Allah, Allah ordains a solution and provides sustenance from unexpected sources. So, whoever has trust in Allah, Allah is sufficient. Surely, Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." [Qur'an 65:2]
The Body
Allah (SWT) Almighty has constructed the universe upon a certain balance ( al-mizan ) and has likewise ordered this balance upon humanity. The great religion of Islam offers perfect guidance for every branch of our lives and among them is our health. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said that a strong believer is better than a weak one. But Islam does not atop there. It offers a program of action for everything that it prescribes. The primary objectives of Salah, Zakah and Siyam are to bring us closer to Allah and inculcate taqwa (piety and self restraint) within us. But the fact is that when Islam is taken as a unitary whole and its entire program implemented, each of its pillars reinforces the other and serves multiple purposes. Our purpose here is to examine the physical dimension of siyam (fasting) not as the primary aim, but as an inevitable byproduct when one enters into Islam whole-heartedly as Allah's commands.
Of all the injunctions of Islam, fasting is the one with the most obvious physical benefits. The Messenger of Allah stated that every act has a charity and the charity of our health is the fast. Those believers who recognize that sadaqah (charity) of their wealth does not diminish it in the least also recognize that fasting, when practiced properly, rather than diminishing our health actually promotes it.
The primary physical purpose of fasting is the inculcation of discipline and self-restraint, especially in appetite. Gluttony (overeating) and its natural consequence of obesity are a major cause of disease and illness in this country.
a) health
- Fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy.
- Most of the problems for which recommend fasting as treatment are ones that result from over nutrition rather than malnutrition.
- Fasting increases the process of elimination and the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin. Fasting is a multidimensional experience. Physiologically, refraining from eating minimizes the work done by the digestive organs, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Most important here is that our liver, our body's large production and metabolic factory, can spend more time during fasting cleaning up and creating its many new substances for our use. Breakdown of stored or circulating chemicals is the basic process of detoxification. Fasting increases the process of elimination and the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin In a sense, detoxification is an important corrective and rejuvenative process in our cycle of nutrition. It is a time when we allow our cells and organs to breathe out, become current, and restore themselves.
- Body fat can be used for energy
- Fasting is a multidimensional experience. Physiologically, refraining from eating minimizes the work done by the digestive organs, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Most important here is that our liver, our body's large production and metabolic factory, can spend more time during fasting cleaning up and creating its many new substances for our use.
- Nutritionally, fasting helps us appreciate the more subtle aspects of diet, since less food and simple flavors become more satisfying.
- Fasting is a catalyst for change and an essential part of transformational medicine. It promotes relaxation and energization of the body, mind and emotions, and supports a greater spiritual awareness
b) body
- Of all the injunctions of Islam, fasting is the one with the most obvious physical benefits. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) stated that every thing has a charity due and the charity of our jasad / body/ health is the fast. Those believers who recognize that sadaqah /charity from their wealth does not diminish/ naqas their wealth also recognize that fasting, when practiced properly, rather than diminishing our health actually promotes it.
- The primary purpose of fasting is the inculcation of discipline and self-restraint, especially in appetite. Gluttony (overeating) and its natural consequence of obesity are a major cause of disease and illness in this country. since obesity is in large part a discipline problem, the Islamic program of fasting as a means of curbing one's appetite and developing self-restraint is an ideal solution, at least to reduce the scope of the problem if not eliminate it altogether.
- the greatest physical benefit of siyam is its role in the reduction of stress. A sound mind is the key to good health, and mental stress has been identified as the probable cause, or at the least an aggravating factor, in most illnesses. Numerous scientific studies have established the role of stress in medical illness. One such study found a higher rate of heart disease in people with the stressful 'type A personality.' These people are competitive, hostile and easily driven to frustration and anger.. The profound effect of fasting in Ramadan in generating inner peace. contentment and tranquillity, the refraining from quarreling and abuse as well as the genuine feelings of brotherhood and good-will in this month are bound to have their physical effects on the body.
- we have developed an appetite for many harmful substances, including nicotine, caffeine and excessive salts, which lead to hypertension, heart disease, our diets include excessive refined sugars, which lead to dental cavities and exacerbate diabetes.
The fasting state mobilizes the body's fuel and energy stores and increases the excretion of waste products, this has a purifying effect. The Islamic principles of moderation, self-restraint and avoidance of harm can go a long way in overcoming these pitfalls.
Some Physical and mental Benefits of Fasting
- Rest for digestive organs
- Reduction of allergies
- Detoxification
- Purification
- Weight loss
- Better resistance to disease
- Improved senses – taste, hearing
- Change of habits
- Diet changes
- Rejuvenation
- Revitalization Better sleep More relaxation Better attitude
- More energy
- More clarity, mentally and emotionally
- Inspiration
- Creativity
- Spiritual awareness
- Right use of will