SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN 2 (Health, spiritual, economic, social and psychological benefits of Ramadan fast) BY YAHYA GARBA AL-YOLAWI

THE 120TH SERMON DELIVERED AT AREA 10 JUMA'AH MASJID ABUJA, BY YAHYA GARBA AL-YOLAWI, ON 19TH MAY, 2017/ 22ND SHA'ABAN 1438 AH

TOPIC: SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN 2

(Health, spiritual, economic, social and psychological benefits of Ramadan fast)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by all Muslims around the world to observe one of the five pillars of islam. The significance and benefits of fasting to a believer cannot be over-emphasized due to the number of mercies and blessings of Allah towards Muslimsummah throughout the month. Some of

the benefits are health benefits, moral benefits, spiritual benefits, social and, economic benefits to mention but few.

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF FASTING

Fasting above all is an act of obedience and submission to the command of Allah (SWT). This submission and commitment depend largely upon the love of the Almighty and the sincere attempt to gain His pleasure and to avoid His displeasure. Abu Hurairah (R.A) said that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "The Almighty and Master of Honor says: All other actions of a person are for himself, except the case of fasting which is exclusively for Me and I shall pay (recompense) for him for the same. Fasting is a protection and a shield (against the fire of Hell)."

Therefore, when anyone of you is fasting he should abstain from loose talk and avoid evil talks and noisy exchange of words. If somebody starts abusing him or picks up a quarrel with him, he should tell him that, 'I am observing a fast.' By The Almighty in whose hands is the life of Muhammad (S.A.W.), the breath of the mouth of one who is fasting is more pleasant in the sight of The Almighty than the fragrance of musk. A fasting person gets two kinds of pleasure: firstly, he feels pleasure when he breaks his fast, and secondly he will be joyful by virtue of his fast, when he meets his Lord. (Bukhari and Muslim).

 Another version of Bukhariadds: The Almighty says: The fasting person abstains from food, drink and from satisfying his passion simply for My sake; as such a fast is undertaken for My sake, I shall grant him the recompense for this. Other virtuous deeds (done in the month of Ramadan) are rewarded ten times to 700 and more.

Fasting is an act of expiation for our errors and mistakes. Abu Sa'eedKhudri (R. A.) says that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: When a person fasts for a day, for the sake of The Almighty, then The Almighty drives away the Hell from him to a distance of seventy years of traveling”. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting trains the believer in piety and sincerity (ikhlas); unlike other acts of 'worship', it is entirely based on self-restraint. Fasting teaches Muslim the principle of sincere Love of Allah: as when a Muslim observes Fasting, he does it out of deep love for Allah. Moreover, It infuses in Muslim the genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to Allah; because when he fasts, he does so for Allah and for His sake alone. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting Muslim keeps his fast in secret as well as in public. Allah says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”Q2:181

SOCIAL BENEFITS OF RAMADAN FAST

1.      Fasting promotes the spirit of unity and belonging within the Muslim Ummah . Millions of Muslims all over the world fast during the same month following the same rules and observances. Fasting promotes the spirit of human equality before The Almighty. All Muslims male and female, rich and poor, from all ethnic backgrounds go through the same experience of deprivation with no special privileges for any group or class.

2.       Unity, Brotherhood and Charity.Ramadan fast helps the Muslims to be aware of their unity. From the moment the new moon was sighted, the whole Muslim world enters into the spiritual discipline of fasting. Mutual awareness and mutual sympathy between Muslims is increased. We try doing more acts of charity towards each other. We bear in mind that back-biting gossip, quarrelling and so on can take away the spiritual benefits and reward of our fasting, as shown in a Hadith from Abu Hurayrah in which the Prophet is reported to have said: “if a person does not keep away from falsehood and false conduct Allah has no need of his fast.” (Bukhari). According to another Hadith “If someone tries to pick a quarrel with a Muslim who is fasting he is to control himself and reply   “I am fasting.” By all these means Muslims cultivate peace and brotherhood during the holy month.

3. Fasting promotes the spirit of charity and sympathy towards the poor and needy. A rich person may be able to "imagine" the suffering of the poor or "think" about hunger. This may explain, in part, why Ramadan is also known as the month of rahamah and generosity.
4. Fasting also promotes the Islamic form of sociability. Muslims are encouraged to invite others to break the fast with them at sunset, to gather for the Qur’anic study,tafsir and taraaweeh and tahajjud prayers. This provides spiritual atmosphere and better chance for socialization in an Islamic  brotherly and spiritual atmosphere. It has been related that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said:” Anybody who offers meal for the breaking of the fast of another person earns the same reward as the one who was observing the fast without taking in any way the reward of the fasting person. Imam Tirmizi

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING:

Many people observe fasting as a religious obligation but only few know the health benefits it has. Fasting is a good practice, if properly implemented. It promotes elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar and fat stores. It promote healthy eating habits and boost immunity. Here are  some top  health benefits you can derive from fasting.

1. Fasting Promotes detoxification

Processed foods contain lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body. Most of these toxins are stored in fats. Fat is burnt during fasting, especially when it is prolonged. And the toxins are released. The liver, kidneys and other organs in the body are involved in detoxification.

2. Fasting Rests Digestive System

During fasting, the digestive organs rest. The normal physiologic functions continue especially production of digestive secretions, but at reduced rates. This exercise helps to maintain balance of fluids in the body. Breakdown of food takes place at steady rates. Release of energy also follows a gradual pattern. Fasting however does not stop production of acids in the stomach.

3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response

Some studies show that fasting promotes resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies. Examples of such inflammatory diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts assert that fasting may promote healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar

Fasting increases breakdown of glucose so that the body can get energy. It reduces production of insulin. This rests the pancreas. Glucagon is produced to facilitate the breakdown of glucose. The outcome of fasting is a reduction in blood sugar.

5. Fasting Increases Fat breakdown

The first response of the body to fasting is break down of glucose. When the store of glucose is exhausted, ketosis begins. This is break down of fats to release energy. The fats stored in kidney and muscles are broken down to release energy.

6. Fasting Promotes Weight loss

Fasting promotes rapid weight loss. It reduces the store of fats in the body. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.

7. Fasting Promotes Healthy diet :

It has been observed that fasting reduces taking in of processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one-way fasting promote healthy lifestyle.

8. Fasting Boosts Immunity

When an individual is on balanced diet in between fasts, this can boost immunity. Elimination of toxins and reduction in fat store also helps the body. When individuals take fruits to break a fast, they increase the body's store of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants readily available in fruits. They help to boost immunity.

9. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions

Some researchers are of the view that fasting can help addicts’ persons to reduce their desires, for nicotine, alcohol, intoxicants, caffeine and other drug orsubstance abuse.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF RAMADAN FAST:

Ramadan trains the muslimummah in the process of budgeting and planning. We are all aware that muslims   spends more in the period of Ramadan on food stuff and other charitable activities which usually comes at the result of carefully examining, budgeting and planning on what, and how to spend theirmoney and that largely depend on the assessment of cash in and out flow of individual and organizations and that is very essential in the world of business keeping that spirit even after Ramadan is very crucial to the growth and development of your business.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS:

Fasting enhances the feelings of inner peace, contentment, and optimism. These feelings come as the result of fulfilling Allah’s command and thus,  earning  His  pleasure and Blessings . It teaches patience and perseverance and enhances the feeling of moral accomplishment. Abu Hurairah (R.A..) related that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “ If a person does not refrain from lying and indecent activities, Allah does not want that he should abstain from eating and drinking.”(Bukhari)Note: The idea behind this tradition is that backbiting, lying and indecent activities while fasting lessen the reward of the fast and decrease its chances of acceptance. Therefore, one should shun these things while fasting.

May Allah (SWT) forgive me where I am wrong and guide us to the right path.

 We ask Allah the most high, to continue to guide, protect our Iman and may He spare our lives to witness this upcoming Ramadan, and accept it as an act of ibadah. 

Ameen.

Praised is due to Allah, the lord of the world.

Contact: yahyalyolawi@gmail.com