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Fasting



We are in the midst of Ramadan.
It is the holiest (9th) month of the Muslim lunar calendar.
It is a month where fasting is compelled unto us believers.  

Each religion has different rules when it comes to fasting.

But all have just a sole objective; to ignore worldly desires and to develop a closer, deeper connection with God, our Creator. 

Ditto!

When you fast, you cannot be unaware of the demands of the stomach. And we impatiently wait to fill this burning hole. 

Consider, since you have done a good deed, you obviously will get a reward. This reward can be granted to you in varied ways, either in this world or gratified in the hereafter.

Every time your stomach grumbles (and it does roar most of the time), and you ignore it for God’s sake, you have a reward waiting for you.

This rumbling also reminds us of the gratitude we should feel when we are fed, sadly at times overfed, and thus realise the pains of those who are not as fortunate as we are.

Fasting is not purely a part of worship, but also teaches us self-discipline.

While fasting your body is trained to face all the hardships of the daily routine. 

Throughout the year, we give in to the physical needs of the body, thus we should also be able to fulfill our spiritual needs as well so that we strike an equitable balance.

Scientifically, fasting increases the level of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which is an important protein hormone that plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss as well as muscle strengthening. It helps to detox as many people prefer to name it; well in fact YES, detox of the body with effects on detoxication of the soul.

In Judaism, some of the reasons for fasting are for - atonement of sins, commemorative mourning & gratitude.

In Christianity, Lent is the most followed fast. Believers take different vows to hold their fast, mostly to give up something they really like or cannot do without on regular days. That symbolises their sacrifices.

Hindus fast before some religious festivals so as to purify their body for the upcoming prayer or festivities.

What is crystal clear is the focus is common in all: Purification of body and soul

There are 3 basic types of fasts—compulsory, optional or a conditional fast.

In Islam, a promise is of such value that if you swear using God’s name and you do not keep your word, then you must fast for 3 days. This highlights the importance of a promise.

To end, we can say that fasting is a time to reflect on your spiritual life, helping you become more generous, appreciative and grateful and thus a better human being.

For me, fasting is all of the above but I also like the fact that during this month, we have our meals together. The quiet moments on the balcony before dawn when my father recounts stories of the prophets and their teachings. The getting together with friends for long prayers during the night. The special drives with my mum late at night to go and fetch some delicious goodies. Not to mention the tricks that the empty stomach plays on the mind about what delicacies (the special ramadan mouth-watering treats) would be displayed on the breaking fast table. And what is even more gratifying is sharing with others what we have.

So fasting is truly a time to reset our body, align our mind and connect with our dear ones.   


NisMah



10.05.2020

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 15, 2020 at 3:52 AM

    I absolutely love this ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 15, 2020 at 4:28 AM

    Take a bow child :)
    This is very well written...clap clap

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 15, 2020 at 10:06 AM

    Very well writing
    Keep it up nismah
    Proud of you

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 15, 2020 at 12:46 PM

    Well written
    I liked how you linked the scientific importance along with the religious. Keep it up 👍

    ReplyDelete

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