The general fasting period in Islam is usually the season of Ramadan also known as “Id el-Fitr”. It is a season in Islam where strict faithfulness to the principles of Allah SWT is usually observed. It is not just about abstinence from food and water, but a complete period of holiness and strict self-regulation in fulfilment of one’s soul.
This exercise is a spiritual investment made to seek the blessings of Allah SWT and it is a compulsory exercise for every Muslim faithful. At the period of fasting, there is a consciousness in the heart and soul of any Muslim faithful to get closer to Allah as they refrain from food, immoral behaviours, and every other behaviours that displease Allah. This act is believed to be very essential during the fasting period.
As a result of circumstances of life, there are people who are exempted from fasting during the Ramadan season. It should, however, be noted that as a Muslim, one can only be exempted if the circumstances surrounding you are inevitable. Those that can be exempted during this period are; the insane, children who are not adolescents, babies, aged ones, women during menstrual period, pregnant and nursing women and those with critical health conditions.
However, not all fasting during this period are usually validated because unknowingly to some, they must have gotten themselves involved in things that are displeasing to Allah. Therefore, to validate or authenticate fasting, the following have to be looked into;
Abstinence from food, liquids, and sexual activities from dawn to sunset.
There must be an intentional determination to fast every day before dawn.
It is advisable to break the fast as soon as possible immediately after sunset, even if you need to break with just water.
Also, there are situations when one can think he/she has violated the rules to fasting, but most times does not affect the fast of such individual. Situations like; when an individual forgets that he/she is fasting and mistakenly eats or drinks, unintentional vomiting, swallowing saliva, and brushing of teeth. When an individual forgets he/she is fasting, it is usually advisable to complete the fast irrespective.
The action of fasting during Ramadan is very beneficial to the soul, mind, body and ultimately to the relationship with Allah. There are physical, spiritual and mental benefits of fasting which help in seeking the blessings of Allah.
Physical Benefits:
- Fasting helps in reducing inflammation, prevents obesity and other associated chronic illness.
- It enhances the health condition of the heart and promotes long life.
- It strengthens the immune system by supporting muscle growth.
Spiritual Benefits:
- It enhances ones’ commitment to Allah and makes an individual conscious of his existence and strengthens ones’ belief in Allah.
- It leads an individual into Paradise. Once an individual is committed to the teachings and the existence of Allah, he/she is granted full access to Paradise.
Mental Benefits:
- It helps you to pay attention to your body system. It reduces excessive consumption of food, resets portion size of food and understand when you are truly satisfied.
- It reminds you that food is a necessity for survival and one should be grateful to Allah (SWT) for meeting our basic needs.
