THE Holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. During Ramadan Muslims are required to fast; it is the fourth pillar of Islam and one of the most profound global spiritual experiences. It is during this blessed month that the Holy Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), making Ramadan not only a month of fasting, but also a month of reading and contemplation. Fasting is to abstain from food, drink, sexual intercourse and other temptations from sunrise to sunset. Children, pregnant and lactating women, menstruating women, the elderly and the sick are exempt from fasting as it may negatively affect their health. The rewards for fasting in Ramadan are countless. Although the full benefits of fasting may be known only by God, many men and women have discovered several physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of fasting. On a spiritual level: • Empowering human beings in overcoming the self and impulsive desires and transcending ego, fasting is one of the most important spiritual practices. • Spiritual purification is another benefit of fasting in Ramadan. Fasting purifies the mind and spirit, leading to greater clarity and sensitivity. • A reminder of our own frailty leads us to reverence, piety, selflessness, and humility. • Fasting helps Muslims curtail the unhealthy excessiveness and overconsumption that have become the norm in our modern lives. Fasting trains us to practice restraint and self-discipline. • Leaving food and drink for long hours of each day for thirty days cultivates gratitude for Allah's unlimited abundance, blessings, and gifts, particularly with regards to sustenance. • Feeling hunger pangs makes Muslims develop empathy and compassion for those living in poverty and deprivation; making those of us who have so much give more in charity to those who have not. Singling out fasting as a very important form of worship, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Allah the Almighty said, “Every good action is for mankind and is rewarded by ten times, up to 700 times, except fasting, which is for Me alone, and I reward for it.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud). On a physiological level: • The first physical response of the body to fasting is to break down glucose. The fats stored in the body, lacing the organs, and under the skin are also broken down to release energy. • Fat is burned during fasting and the toxins stored in the fat are released. Detoxification occurs in the liver, kidneys, skin, and other organs in the body. • Fasting allows the digestive organs to rest. The normal physiological functions continue but at reduced rates and this helps to maintain balance of fluids in the body. • Fasting is an effective and proven method to reduce blood pressure. It helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries by fat deposits). • Fasting promotes weight loss; it reduces the store of fats in the body. It has been observed that fasting increases the desire for natural, whole foods, such as fresh fruits, water, fresh fruit juices and fasting promotes a whole healthy lifestyle. • When taking fruits to break a fast, it increases the body's store of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. That increases vitamin C intake and helps to boost immunity. The value of the voluntary prayers (taraweeh) Praying is the second pillar of Islam. In Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the Holy Qur'an are recited. These special prayers are known as taraweeh and are performed after Ishaa prayer. The word ‘taraweeh' comes from the Arabic word which means to rest and relax. Indeed worshipers experience a heightened sense of serenity and mental calmness. It is recommended that Muslims attend the taraweeh in the mosque but one may also perform the prayers individually at home. Taraweeh are voluntary, but are strongly recommended and widely practiced in all Muslim countries and in Muslim communities all over the world. Taraweeh helps with better utilization of food, because the light motion prevents the stagnation of food in the stomach that can result from sleeping or inactivity after a meal. The movements in this long prayer can help increase the energy output and give mild movement of the joints, as a light form of exercise. Recitation of the Holy Qur'an Qur'an, the holy book, is guidance for mankind. Recitation of the Qur'an not only produces tranquility of heart and mind, but also improves the memory. Reading a letter from Qur'an is rewarded with ten good deeds, and in Ramadan the rewards are multiplied even more. A Muslim's status in the sight of Allah is raised by the recitation of verses from the Qur'an. The more one recites, learns, follows commandments, and makes the Qur'an a part of his or her life, the more Allah will elevate his or her status in this life and the Hereafter. Research studies reveal that memorizing and continuing to challenge the brain prevents memory loss and Alzheimer's disease in old age. Reading, repeating, and rehearsing the holy text every day results in sharpening of memory. Reading and reciting the Qur'an increases the capacity for memorization. The Night of Power, Laylat Al-Qadr All nights of Ramadan are holy nights but Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Power, is the holiest night of this month. It is one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, as mentioned in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The exact day of the Night of Power is unknown to us and the benefit of it being hidden is that every night Muslims will exert themselves in acts of worship, and not just wait for one night to be diligent. If everyone knew the exact night, people would probably limit themselves to that night only and miss out on praying and reading the Qur'an on other nights.
