Benefit of Fasting Ramadan: Spiritual, Physical, and Mental Rewards
It is essential to understand the benefits of fasting Ramadan. Ramadan is not only a month of fasting—it’s a spiritually nourishing experience that nourishes the soul, enhances faith, and purifies the heart. And although Muslims around the globe fast from sunrise to sunset.
Let’s look at the incredible benefits of this divine practice and how it can transform your life.
Table of Contents
How Fasting Purifies the Soul and Strengthens Faith
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that it purifies our souls. Fasting is not only a deprivation of food and water intake but also a most spiritual act that purifies the soul tests the faith, and brings man nearer to Allah.
With the restraint of their worldly desires, the believers gain serenity, patience, and self-awareness, which ultimately drive them nearer to purification and increased faith.
1. The benefit of fasting Ramadan Instills Self-Discipline and Taqwa
Fasting is an act of self-control that helps believers control their needs and wants.
Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, fasting is enjoined on you as it was enjoined upon those who came before you lest you attain Satan’s temptations.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Fasting through avoidance of food, beverage, and evil creates a greater sense of awareness towards the existence of Allah, reasserting the pledge of faith.
Explore the Fasting in Ramadan rules and their importance!
2. Sin Forgiveness and Purification of Spirit
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that it brings us forgiveness from Allah Almighty. Fasting entails the purification of the spirit by the expiation of sin committed prior to it.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated:
“Anyone who fasts the month of Ramadan with faith and hope of reward, his past sins will be pardoned.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)
This cleansing enables the heart to become open to goodness and Godly guidance.
3. The benefit of fasting Ramadan and Detachment from Material World Desires
- Fasting allows the believers to detach themselves from worldly and materialistic distractions.
- It redirects focus from physical needs towards spiritual growth so that one can reach inner self and become closer to Allah.
- Self-restraint over hunger and lust results in reliance on Allah rather than worldly desires.
4. Cultivation of Sabr (Patience) and Appreciation
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that it teaches us patience. Fasting results in patience because Muslims fast, go hungry and thirsty, and exercise self-control for Allah.
Abstinence also develops appreciation by making an individual feel blessings that otherwise he would consider as taken for granted, such as food, water, and good health.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The fasting person has two delights: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904, Sahih Muslim 1151)
This means that fasting comprises temporary and permanent rewards.
5. The benefit of fasting Ramadan in Developing Ibadah and Spiritual Contemplation
Fasting encourages more acts of worship, i.e., prayer, recitation of the Quran, and supplication. Fasting makes acts of worship more sincere and genuine.
The Night of Qadr (Laylatul Qadr), in which Ramadan falls, is very rewarding and also increases one’s faith.
Discover the fasting rules during Ramadan, and what is allowed and what is not!
The Physical Health Benefits of Fasting
Fasting has existed for centuries, both religiously and for health. Scientific research has in the last decades identified the many physical health benefits of fasting and made fasting an important tool for overall health. Some of the most significant physical health benefits of fasting include:
1. The benefit of fasting Ramadan in Weight Loss and Body Fat Loss
Fasting is a highly effective means of losing body fat and weight. By limiting calorie consumption for some periods, the body is forced to metabolize stored fat for energy. This enhances fat burning and metabolism, especially during intermittent fasting.
2. Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that Fasting controls blood glucose through increased sensitivity to insulin. It lowers insulin resistance, and the body is better able to use glucose. This benefit is particularly useful in people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
3. Detoxification and Cellular Repair
Fasting induces autophagy in the body, where the damaged cells and toxins are broken down. Such detoxing naturally keeps the liver healthy along with repairing the cells and inducing longevity and health.
4. Better Cardiovascular Health
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that fasting is linked with reduced cardiovascular risk. Fasting lowers levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and improves circulation. Fasting may also reduce blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. The benefit of fasting Ramadan in Improving Digestion and Gut Function
Providing the digestive system with a break, fasting can slow down bloating and digestive upset. Fasting also encourages gut microbiome balance, and enhances digestion and nutrient uptake. Fasters with conditions such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are able to find symptomatic relief from fasting.
How Fasting Strengthens Discipline and Self-Control
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that Fasting is a powerful habit that creates discipline and willpower in various ways:
1. Regulating Eating Habits
- Fasting causes one to regulate eating and eating unnecessarily.
- Fasting helps one get over desire and nasty foods.
2. The benefit of fasting Ramadan in Creating Willpower
- By fasting willingly and willingly giving up food and water, a person develops saying “no” to desires.
- This self-imposed restriction creates toughness of mind.
3. Developing Patience and Perseverance
- Fasting involves waiting for the right time to eat, which develops patience.
- Enduring hunger and thirst develops mental strength.
4. Shattering Addictions and Bad Habits
- One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that it helps us overcome bad habits. Most individuals utilize fasting as a chance to stop smoking, cut down on sugar, or manage caffeine addiction.
- It makes one more aware of their habits and promotes self-control.
5. Developing Focus and Mindfulness
Fasting develops mindfulness and self-awareness through an increase in the perception of one’s bodily and emotional responses.
The Ultimate Reward of Fasting in the Hereafter
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that Fasting directs one’s focus away from bodily desires toward spiritual and mental growth. Such moral self-restraint normally endures long after the practice of fasting has passed.
One of the highest merits of fasting is that it is a guide to Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Infact, there exists a gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan that only those individuals who fast will be allowed through on the Day of Resurrection. No other people will come through it along with them. It will be said, ‘Where are the fasters?’ They will arise and no others will come in along with them. Once they have entered it will be sealed and no other people will be able to get through it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1896, Sahih Muslim 1152)
Fasting is an expiation for past sins. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)
Fasting on specific days besides Ramadan also performs the same role of forgiveness:
“Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past and coming year, and fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the past year.” (Sahih Muslim 1162)
Fasting is a protection from the Hellfire. The Prophet ﷺ related:
“Fasting is a shield. So if one of you is fasting, he should not use foul language or be ignorant. If someone assaults him or curses him, he should say to him, ‘I am fasting.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151)
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Conclusion
One benefit of fasting Ramadan is that Fasting is an excellent way of purifying the soul and strengthening faith. Fasting teaches Taqwa, self-control, patience, gratitude, and freedom from worldly distractions, bringing the believers closer to Allah. Through sincere fasting, an individual achieves spiritual revival, increased faith, and a purified heart more sensitive to the direction of Allah.
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FAQs
What does fast in Ramadan do to the body?
Fasting in Ramadan helps detoxify the body, improves metabolism, enhances brain function, boosts immunity, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes overall physical and mental well-being.
What are the benefits of 30 days of Ramadan?
The 30 days of Ramadan enhance spiritual growth, strengthen self-discipline, purify the soul, improve physical health, foster gratitude, promote empathy, and bring immense rewards from Allah.
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