Fasting advantages

Fasting is one of the Islamic Laws. Knowing of the fast benefits and understanding its philosophy is not possible for human being. Human’s limited science can not reveal all of the secrets and thought can not solve all of the problems.

Maybe, human’s science can open a new window for him in future. In that day, man is able to understand the philosophy of Islamic rules.

Therefore nonexistance of the knowledge of divine rules' philosophy, should not prevent us from obeying it. Because this obedience is not blindly, it is on the basis of science. Because Muslim knows that Allah is aware of every thing and there is no deficiency and requirement in his nature. He just wants prosperity and happiness for human beings. Then when he orders us to do something, we know that it is for our prosperity and our ideal perfection depends on it.

When Allah prohibits us from doing  something, man must know it’s harmful for him and his life.

Fasting has many physical and spiritual benefits. It keeps away human being from animal desires. Fast is so effective in making a righteous man and society.

The medical advantages of fast are very much, so that it’s no need to explanation and repetition and most of people know its benefits.Here are some of these advantages:

Human’s stomach and digestive system are the active members of  body. Their main task, is to digest the eaten foods. In fasting, these members rest and fatness which is harmful for body, will be diminished.

In Islamic narrations, it’s referred to the physical benefits of fast, Holy PROPHET (S) stated: “Fast is for health.” Also in many narrations, our Islamic Leaders stated: “Human being’s stomach likes the home of disease and avoidance of eating ,is its treatment.”

It is clear when these medical benefits are useful that a person who is fasting, avoids gluttony, at the time of fast"s breaking, because it hurts digestive system.

By making progress of medical sciences, physicians have found that, withholding from eating and drinking, is the best method of treatment. One of the physicians says: “Treatment by fast is so resultful.Then using it,will change medical and surgical programs.”

 

Fast open a new window to medical science. Fast gives an effective weapon to this science for fighting with diseases. The weapon in which we can use in different ways and human being will be the winner of this war. “By fasting and withholding we can treat disease.”

You should know that fast is not harmful for people"s health . If someone is sick , fast is not obligatory to him.

Some persons (who don’t fast) say that Peptic Ulcer disease is made by fast, but this is not correct and you should not attend to their opinion because stomach rests in fasting and when you fast your stomach acid is neutralized by Bile and Peptic Ulcer disease is not created.

Majority of Muslims fast in Ramadhan month and they don’t complain about this sickness and the number of Peptic Ulcer more than the others. But we should say that the most important advantages of fast are not its medical benefits, although some persons just consider this aspect. While fast spiritual benefits are better than its physical advantages.

Although fast medical advantage is like an evidence for Islam because this holy religion created the rules at Age of Ignorance in 1400 years ago as human being’s medical science understands it recently.

 

Fast as an obstacle against sin

Fast, especially Ramadhan fast is obligatory to all Muslims in Islam. It’s an effective factor in strengthening of piety and virtue. Holy Quran call this worship as an important factor for piety (Taqvaa). Piety has an important role in Islamic training of a Muslim. For reaching to piety, Islam has ordered  Muslims to fast for avoiding of sins.

Holy Prophet (S) was speaking for Muslems, Hazrat-e Ali (Pbuh) asked: “What is the most important act in this month?” Prophet (S) answered: “Avoiding from sins.”

A person who fast, by doing these divines rules to live piety spirit in his heart. Since thirst and hunger and other fast limitations put out the flames of whimsy and instincts, then training of piety is easier in holy month of Ramadhan.

 By continuous practice during Ramadhan month, piety creates in human’s heart and grows by passing of this program, he will be succeeded to remain pious.

 

Fast role in reinforcement of will

The governing of instincts and desires on human being’s heart is one of the most dangerous government. It misleads man and draws out him to low level . Fighting with desires, which have been called the Greater Jihad (Jihad-e Akbar), needs to firm will. A Fasting person fights with his desires by not eating and drinking. He resists against his instincts and practicing of this act ,strengthens decision and will.

Islamic leaders have stated: “The best man is one who fights with his desires and the strongest of them is one who destroys it.”

Then persons who fast, are the best people because they fight with their desires.

 

Heart Purity

Fast kindles the light of knowledge and information in heart. Ramadhan fast destroys the desires and put purity and piety instead of them.

In the shadow of this purity which is originated from fast, the person who fasts not only avoids from eating and drinking but also holds his hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouth and all members of his body from sin and it’s holy aspect of fast.

Hazrat-e Ali (Pbuh) states: “when heart avoids of thinking to sin, it’s higher than physical fast which avoids of eating and drinking.”

It is interesting that you know the physical fast creates spiritual revolution in the persons who fast. It has been proved that wickednesses and corruptions are diminished in Ramadhan month.

 

Fast and Patience

Patience is a character which is emphasized by Islamic ethics. Muslim fights for some aims in his social and personal life and he is countered with some problems. Victory and attaining of aims is not simple without patience. It increases man’s resistance and strengthens his will. If a society doesn’t bear difficulties, it can not gain a victory against its enemies. We can fight with cruels by patience and resistance. Fasting especially in hot days of summer in which thirst become intolerable, man learns patience and bears difficulties easily. Quran and Islamic leaders have called fast as patience.

 

Fast and Contentment

Islam differs from the West and the East material schools. It considers world as means for spiritual perfection and reaching to eternal prosperity. For this reason Islamic culture is not the culture of enjoyment and consumption.

It is the culture of contentment and self-sacrifice. In material schools, man considers his body and eating and sleeping but in Islam, man considers spirituality. One of the ways for reaching to humanity high level is contentment, self-sacrifice and devotion. Fast is a duty which saves human from material enjoyments and teaches him to help the others and to rule over his desires and also avoid of lavishment.

Fast teaches  Muslim that he can live with a little thing and there is no need to pay attention to material enjoyment for living.

Sympathizing with the Poors

Our Islamic leaders have called Ramadhan as charity month. Stimulating of man’s sympathizing sense to the poor is one of conspicuous results of Ramadhan. Persons who live comfortably and don"t feel hunger and thirst, may forget the poors but fast is a means by which they can member and help them.

It has been recommended to pay alms in Ramadhan month. In this month rich man closes to poor man and society learns assistance. Charity means to share the provision with each other and for this reason Ramadhan has been called as charity month.

 

In Ramadhan people do benevolence to each other and by this valuable character, their society is purified from abominations. The persons who fast, should consider these points till all of people use of these constitutional Islamic programs in Ramadhan month.

Someone asked Imam Hassan Askari(Pbuh): “Why is fast obligatory?” he answered: “For rich man understands hunger and helps the poor.”

Discipline

Punctuality and discipline are the manifestations of human being’s civilization and one of the most important factors in success and progress. May be some people think that these particulars are specialized for westerns’ life and their civilization, but discipline and punctuality are Islam’s instructions. Fast Ramadhan begins in the holy Ramadhan month by observing new moon. According to this problem that Ramadhan is in Arabic month, then it will happen in all seasons, sometimes in hot days of summer or in cold days of winter. A person who fast,should begins his fast before sun -rise and break it after sunset. This is a lesson which makes Muslim to be regular in his life.


 

The Social Effects Of Fasts

 

 

The social effects of fasts are not concealed for anyone. 

Fasts impart the message of equality amongst the individuals of the society.

 By acting upon this religious obligation the affluent ones not only experience the hunger of the hungry and the impoverished ones of the society, first hand, but economizing on their daily food also serves to benefit them.

 

Yes, it is possible to draw the attention of the affluent ones towards state of the hungry and the deprived ones by describing their conditions to them, but if this aspect were to be experienced personally and physically, the effects would be all the more noticeable. 

 

The fasts provide a personal and physical experience to this important social issue.  And it is for this reason that it has been narrated that when Hishaam Ibn Hakam sought to know the reason for the legislation of the fasts, Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) replied: 

The fasts have been made obligatory in order to establish equality between the rich and the poor; and this, in order that the rich experience the pangs of hunger and thus fulfill their obligations with respect to the poor.

Usually, the rich can attain whatever they covet; God desires that there exist equality between His servant and so makes the rich to experience hunger, pain and trouble so that they may exhibit mercy upon the hungry and the destitute.(1)

 

If the wealthy nations of the world were to fast for just a few days in the year and experience the pangs of hunger, would all these hungry ones still continue to exist in the world?


 

What Is The Philosophy Of Fast?

 

There are various aspects associated with the fasts and they also possess numerous physical and spiritual effects and benefits, which tend have a great impact upon man - the most important of them being their ethical aspect and their educative philosophy.

Some of their important benefits are that they make man’s soul kind, strengthen his determination and moderate his instincts.

When an individual fasts, despite his hunger and thirst, he must stay away from food, water and sexual pleasures and prove, in practice, that he is not an animal within a stable but an entity that can rein in his wild soul and overcome his lust and carnal desires.

In fact, the most important philosophy of the fasts is this spiritual effect; man, who has a variety of food and drinks at his disposal and can reach out for them the moment he experiences thirst or hunger, is like the trees that grow near the rivers, seeking support of the walls of the gardens.  These fondled and pampered trees possess less resistance and are short-lived.  If water does not reach them for a few days they immediately dry up and wither away.  In contrast, the trees which grow between the rocks on the mountains or in the deserts and which are pampered from their incipience by strong storms, scorching rays of the sun and harsh winters, and are deprived of luxuries, are strong, durable and highly resistant!

Fasts act similarly with man’s soul, granting it - in exchange for temporary restrictions - a strong determination, steadfastness, and the ability to face up to hardships and severe occurrences, and since it controls the unruly instincts, it makes man’s heart pure and luminous.

In short, fasts heave man out of the world of animals and elevate him into the realm of angels, and the expression لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (so that you may guard (against evil)) in the verse 183 of the chapter al-Baqarah(1) , while mentioning the philosophy behind the fasts, also bears an allusion to all of the above realities.

The well-known tradition الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ (The fast is a shield against the fire (of Hell))(2)  is also a reference to this issue.

In another tradition from Imam A’li (as) we read that some companions asked the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny): What should we do to keep the Satan away from us?  He (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) replied: Fasts blacken the face of the Satan; charity in the way of God breaks his back; befriending someone for the sake of God and perseverance in performing good deeds cuts his roots and seeking forgiveness severs the vein of his heart.(3)

In Nahjul Balaghah, while explaining the philosophy of the various acts of worship, Imam Ali (as), upon reaching the fasts says:

وَ الصِّيَامَ ابْتِلَاءً لِإِخْلَاصِ الْخَلْقِ

(God ordered the observance of fasts for fostering (the attribute of) sincerity within the people)) (4)

And again, in another tradition of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny), we read:

إِنَّ لِلْجَنَّةِ بَاباً يُدْعَى الرَّيَّانَ لَا يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ إِلَّا الصَّائِمُونَ

(Paradise has a door by the name of ‘Rayyaan’ (the sated one) and none shall enter Paradise through it except those who fast).

The late Sheikh Saduq, explaining this tradition in his book Ma’ani al-Akhbaar, says: The reason for selecting this particular name for this door of Paradise is that the maximum inconvenience suffered by a person who fasts is due to thirst; when they shall pass through this door, they shall be quenched in a manner that they shall never

experience any thirst, ever again.(5)


1-يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيامُ كَما كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ‏ (Translator’s comments)

2-  Bihaar al-Anwaar vol. 96, vs. 256.

3 Ibid, pg. 255.

4 Nahjul Balaghah, saying 252.

5-  Bihaar al-Anwaar vol. 96, pg. 252.


 

Eighteen reasons why a Muslim Fasts

 

   Every year the month of Ramadhan comes and goes; every year we fast, yet without proper appreciation of the potentials of character building that the fasts hold for us. We find ourselves as spiritually backwards after the fast are over as when the month began. In fact our lack of knowledge of the real objectives of fasts often tends to produce an adverse effect in us, for, as is well known, the best of medicines could have ill effects if not taken in accordance with the physician"s directives and instructions.

 

   Thus the fast tends to make many of us irritable and quick tempered (expecting, as we do, VIP treatment from others, especially our subordinates and family members because of our fast) while the fast was in fact meant to mellow us into exhibiting the finer tracts of human character as illustrated by our Imams. Imam Zainul Abidin (as) would record the lapses of his servants during the month of Ramadhan, without telling them anything at the time. As the month would draw to its close, he would gather the servants before him and apprise them of their mistakes, forgiving them at the same time and beseeching the Lord to forgive him, even as he had forgiven them.    The holy Imam, Masoom that he was, only sought by this practical demonstration to draw attention of his followers to the fact that they would be accountable to God for their actions and should they desire His forgiveness, they would have to forgive their subordinates as well. This practical lesson taught by the Imam ought to be rigorously pursued during the month of Ramadhan by the followers of the Imam.

 

   As in this case, so in other spheres of life, our attitude to fasts ought indeed to be radically changed. We ought to welcome fasts as a practical means of reforming ourselves rather than nearly consider them as an inevitable religious bondage, eagerly awaiting to free ourselves there from at the month end to resume our ways of old again. Besides of course being a means to acquiring the pleasure of God, for which all acts of devotion are basically meant, fasting could be used as a stepping stone to build up the various traits of character in accordance with the clear injunctions of the Quran itself that fasts have been prescribed with a view to developing piety in man.

 

   In the hurry and bustle of the present day life, man often finds himself ill equipped to battle through life"s odds if he is not equipped with the proper attitude to face the various problems. While we find ourselves frustrated or look to other directions in such difficulties, we have most unfortunately overlooked the character building force that the fasts provide us every year.

Ramadhan is a month of fasting and prayers for the Muslims. The fast consists of total abstinence from food and drink from dawn to dusk.

   There is however, a greater significance to fasts than mere abstinence from eating and drinking. The real objective of fasts is to inculcate in man the spirit of abstinence from sins, and cultivation of virtue. Thus the Quran declares that the fasts have been prescribed with a view to developing piety in man. How are the many facets of piety sought to be cultivated through fasts? This article tries to list as concisely as possible; the various benefits the fasts would confer upon Muslims.

The most important consideration in undertaking a fast, as in any act of devotion, is to seek nearness to God, and seek His pleasure and Forgiveness. Thus it generates a spirit of piety in man.

   Creating the conditions of hunger and thirst for oneself, simply in obedience to the Divine order, measures the faith of man in God and helps strengthen it by putting it to a severe test. Fasting enhances through creation of artificial non-availability, the value of the bounties of God that man often takes for granted. This inculcates in man a spirit of gratitude and consequent devotion to God. Nothing else can bring home to a man the worth of God"s bounties than a glass of water and a square meal after a day long fast.

This also reminds man that the real joy in enjoying God"s bounties lies in moderation and restraint and not in over indulging.

Fasting makes us deeply conscious of the pangs of hunger and discomfort suffered by the less fortunate among our brethren.

They have to put up with difficult conditions all through their lives.

 It thus kindles in man a spirit of sacrifice leading to change towards his suffering brethren. Fasting gives man an unfailing training in endurance, a spirit of acceptance. This could well prepare him to put up with the unchangeable situations in life in the same spirit of resignation as cultivated during the fasts. Fasting develops courage, fortitude, and a fighting spirit in man to surmount the heavy odds in life with a cool and tranquil mind.

It sharpens his power of concentration to overcome obstacles through a vigorous exercise all throughout the month, leading to a steeling of his will power and resolve, which could help him in challenging situations in life.

 It is seen than many an undesirable habit that is difficult to give up, is more easily given up during the days of fasting. Fasting teaches man reliance on God, and confidence in Him. Just as the vigorous state of fasting for a whole month is undertaken with His assistance, bitter situations in life could also be surmounted with His help. Fasting develops a spirit of patience in man, with the realization that the days of fasting, though seemingly unending, do have a successful and happy end. Thus is life.

 

All bitter situations pass, and come to an end. Fasting is meant to conquer anger and develop self-control in man.

The vigorous effort required putting up with hunger and thirst could well be extended to conquer other infirmities of human character that lead man into error and sin. Fasting inculcates a spirit of tolerance in man to face unpleasant conditions and situations

 without making his fellow beings the victim of his wrath.

    Many people, when facing discomfort and deprivation, become irritable and annoyed. This anger is then vented on those around them.

Fasting helps a man become more tolerant despite his own discomfort. Fasting mellows a man and enhances his character, giving a jolt to the human instincts of pride, haughtiness, jealousy and ambition. Fasting softens his character, and clears his heart and mind of many negative emotions. Fasting exposes the weakness of man in the event of his being deprived of two basic bounties of God; food and drink. It infuses into him a spirit of weakness and submission, generating humility and prayer in an otherwise arrogant being.

Fasting breathes the spirit of forgiveness in man towards others,

as he seeks God's forgiveness through fasts and prayers.

   Fasting gives lessons in punctuality. Man has to adhere to a strict schedule of time in the observance of the fast. Fasting could affect the economy of the individual, as he is less wasteful on food and meals. Fasting demands a rigid sense of discipline, mental, spiritual and physical. This forms characteristics that are an essential ingredient to success in life.

Fasting creates spiritual reformation in man, infusing him with a spirit of enthusiasm and zest to change and become a better human being in the eyes of God. This is an excellent opportunity, given to believers each year, to change themselves and consequently their destinies.

 

On the physical side, fasting cleanses the human system of the accumulated impurities of uninterrupted eating throughout the year.

 

   It prepares the body to face diseases or conditions of scarcity. The rigid abstinence of a fast regulates man"s health, sharpens his intellect and enhances the qualities of his heart. Fasting is thus a bounty in itself, encompassing within itself many bounties. It instills a spirit of reformation in man, creating a wide awakening in him to fulfil his duties towards God and man, and towards himself.