WHAT ARE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF FASTING?

Human beings are created from a body and a soul. A body without a soul is worthless and a soul without a body cannot function in this transient world. Every course of action people take, every bite of food they eat, and every act of worship they observe has a certain effect upon both their body and soul. Abstaining from food helps one reform and renew their physical and spiritual disposition and their behavior. It becomes very difficult for the carnal self to be in harmony with the heart and the spirit if the carnal self acts in whatever way it wishes, eating and drinking whatever and whenever it so desires.
It is universally recognized that there is a close connection between fasting and spiritual insight. Fasting deprives a person of food, drink, and sex during the day, and this denial of physical pleasure is reflected in the spirit, which gains more strength seeking the pleasure of Allah. Fasting provides the body with a period of physical and psychological rest, giving it the opportunity to cleanse, heal, and rejuvenate itself. This physical detoxification becomes a means for spiritual detoxification. Through fasting, the believer finds it easier to discipline the body in order to elevate the soul and thus approach closer to Allah the Almighty.
The disciplining of one’s self by fasting, subduing the physical desires, and keeping vigils in prayer exists in the teachings of Islam. Fasting is a perfect dietary system for the body and ascetic practice for the soul. When frequently observed, the virtues and merits fasting generates are obvious. A person whose only worry is their stomach and who always strives to fill their stomach can be neither healthy nor virtuous, since it is not probable that such a person can conceive of the hunger and misery of other people and will thus not be able to lead a harmonious or healthy life.

a. Fasting helps the body to rest

Medical authorities are all in agreement that the digestive organs, which begin to function at birth, need an occasional rest. The benefit of fasting during the day for one month is undeniable. When the digestive organs are at a state of rest, the organs of other related systems begin to relax as well. As a result of fasting, the whole body is given a much-desired rest, and an opportunity to renew and rejuvenate. Moreover, the feelings and sentiments of the person fasting are allowed to go beyond the limits of the stomach. They begin to function in harmony with the will of Allah, because they have become pure and refined. Like newly maintained and restored machines in a factory, these emotions begin to serve their real purpose of creation. Bediüzzaman Said Nursi says the following on this issue:
Many parts of the human body are either in direct or in indirect service of the factory of the stomach. If the factory of the stomach that feeds the carnal self does not cease its activity during the daytime for one month in the year, it keeps these parts busy and focuses their attention on itself, making them temporarily forget their exalted duties peculiar to each. It is because of this, since the earliest times, those closest to Allah have accustomed themselves to austere living with little food and drink to progress in spiritual perfection. Fasting in Ramadan reminds us that the parts of the body have not been created only for the service of the stomach. In Ramadan, many of those parts take pleasure in lofty spiritual pleasures, instead of material ones. The heart, the spirit, the reason, and the innermost senses of human beings are refined through fasting in that blessed month. Even if the stomach wails during fasting, these senses greatly rejoice.1
In order to function well, a machine needs to be maintained and repaired at regular intervals. Otherwise, it will either fall apart or become inefficient. A pupil is allowed to go on holiday after a period of attending classes. An employee works from morning till evening, and then takes a break in their work and begins to rest. Good, effective performance and the desired output would not be possible if such breaks were not part of the program. The human body is like a factory and its organs are like the machines in the factory. Observing the fast helps the body, which is in fact a factory producing endless energy, thoughts, and feelings, to rest so that it will not breakdown. Fasting also increases the performance of the inner organs in this living factory. Another important advantage of fasting for the body is that the believer can easily reduce their body weight and thus relax. Today, millions of people suffer from being overweight and spend huge amounts of money trying to lose weight. Although obesity itself is accepted as disease, the most dangerous and harmful aspect is that obesity can result in more harmful diseases, such as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, and heart and kidney diseases. Fasting is a remedy for both physical and spiritual ailments.

b. Fasting protects against diseases

Much has been written about the importance of fasting for both the spirit and the body. A large number of studies have been conducted about the medical benefits and spiritual merits of fasting.
In his book about strengthening the will power, the German professor Gherard advises that all people should observe fasting and states that it is the most effective way to free the soul from the dominance of the body and worldly affairs.2
In another study, Dr. Rowy says, “Fasting empowers the endurance of the body against diseases. Today, fasting, which is prescribed in Islam, is being recommended by modern medical institutions as a protective element against ailments.” This has been born out in the hospital that is run by Dr. Henri Lehman in Dresden and in clinics directed by Dr. Berscherbenr and Dr. Moliere, where patients undergo a fast as part of their treatment.3
In order to underscore the importance of fasting, Muhammad ibn al-Yaman reports: “I asked six questions to six people, but all of them gave the same answer to my six questions. I asked the doctors what the best medicine was. ‘Hunger and eating less is the best medicine,’ they replied. I asked philosophers what the most effective means of seeking wisdom and truth was and they said, ‘It is hunger and eating less.’ I asked worshippers what the most useful thing in prostrating oneself before Allah is. They said, ‘It is hunger and eating less.’ I asked scholars what the best method of collecting knowledge in the mind is and they said, ‘It is hunger and eating less.’ I asked kings what the best food is. ‘It is hunger and eating less,’ they said. I asked lovers what the best means of union with one’s beloved is and they said, ‘It is hunger and eating less.’”

 

Budak,Ali. Fasting in Islam And the Month of Ramadan.Tughra Books Press,Inc. 2006