Fasting During Ramadan
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every able-bodied man, woman, and child once they reach puberty. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. Fasting begins at the crack of dawn and continues until sunset. During the fasting hours, no food, drink, or intimate relationships are allowed. Exemptions are granted for people who are ill or physically unable to fast, as well as for women experiencing menstruation and travelers, for the duration of their respective conditions.
From the Quran:
“[Fasting has been prescribed for you] for a certain number of days. So, if anyone among you is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. And for those who find [fasting] physically overwhelming, their redemption is in feeding a needy person. Whoever volunteers to do more, the better for him. But fasting is best for you if you only knew.”
“ The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down with guidance for mankind, bearing clear messages from the timeless truth of divine guidance and moral correctness. So, whoever from among you witnesses the month, he/she should fast in it and whoever is sick or on a journey [should fast] an equivalent number of other days. God desires ease for you — not hardship — to enable you to complete the days and celebrate God for having guided and enabled you to be thankful.”
Quran, 2:184–185
The biggest benefit of fasting aside from submitting to the command of God is the spiritual benefits that equate the highest and mighty with the poor and humble in feeling the effect of the denial of all pleasures of food, drink, and pursuit of any sexual activities throughout the day from early dawn to sunset. Remember the people of Gaza! In addition, fasting should propel the able person to extend a helping hand to the needier in society. Indeed, giving during the month of Ramadan exceeds all other giving throughout the year.
Other benefits of fasting are purported to improve circulation, reduce inflammation reset most functions of the body.