Since the dawn of history, man did not find any means to
ascend over his desires and worldly wishes, attain spiritual upliftment, return
to spirituality, and renounce contemptible habits. Fasting in various forms was
practiced by ancient religions; from Hinduism to Judaism and Christianity.
On the second of
Sha’baan 2 A.H., fast was made obligatory in Islam. Surah al-Baqarah Ayah
183-185: “O believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory
for the people before you, so that you may have fear of Allah. Fasting is only
for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey has to fast the
same number of days at another time. Those who can afford redemption should
feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one’s own initiative will be
rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded if you know! The
month of Ramazan is the month in which the (Glorious) Qur’an was revealed; a
guide for the people, the most authoritative of all guidance and a criterion to
discern right from wrong.”
Hence, Saum (Roza) or Fasting is the second “Fru’-e-Deen”
or “Branches of Islam”
In Islam, the spiritual, social, economic, political, and psychological
benefits of fasting are inter-related. Fasting purifies the soul, cleanses the
intention and brings about abundance of virtues to the Muslims. A fasting
Muslim learns to curb his baser desires, avoids transgressions, and
extravagance. Fasting fosters a strong will, teaches patience and self –discipline,
the ability to bear hardship, and tolerate hunger and thirst in obedience to
Allah’s Commandments. Fasting regulates and systemizes the energies of instincts.
Fasting prepares the body for lofty spiritual impulses. Fasting grants a
respite to the human body so that they may be ready for normal activities in a
more vigorous manner.
Allah (s.w.t.) said: “Fasting
is for me and I am the one who rewards for it.”
The Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.) and Fasting:
There is a famous tradition of the
Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) that when he was in Mai’raj, he asked Allah (s.w.t.): “O My Lord! What is
the outcome of fasting in Ramazaan?” Allah replied: “Fasting leads to wisdom, wisdom leads to knowledge,
knowledge leads to certainty, when a servant attains certainty then it does not
matter tohim whether he
lives in difficulty or ease.”
The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)
also said: “Ramazaan is the month in which you have been invited to the banquetof Allah (s.w.t.). In
this month you made of those people whom Allah respects and honors. Your sleep in it is worship and your
breaths are glorification to Him. In the sight of Allah, this month is the best
month, its days are the
best days, its nights are the best nights, and its hours are the best hours.
The gates of heaven are open
in this month, so ask your Lord not to close them. The gates of the (Hell) fire
are closed, so ask your Lord not
to open them. Shaitans are in chain, so
ask your Lord not to dominate them over you. When you feel hungry and thirsty in this month, remember the hunger and thirst on the Day of Judgment.
There are many benefits for the various sicknesses and
diseases. Fasting helps weight loss, diabetes by lowering blood sugar, speeds
up metabolism, lowers cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, promotes long
life, improves hunger, improves immune system and hypertension, skin health.
There are psychological benefits of fasting also. A fasting Muslim experiences
peace and tranquility. Personal hostility is decreased. The recitation of the
Glorious Qur’an promotes tranquility of heart and mind and also improves
memory.
Sources
used:
The
Glorious Qur’an
The
Sermon of Sha’bania by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)
webmd.com
No comments:
Post a Comment