Voice of British Muslim Women

Dr Munazzah Chou, Farnham

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between fasting and eating and can involve fasting for a set number of hours each day or eating one meal a couple of days a week. Centuries before intermittent fasting was feted for its multitude of health benefits, including longevity, heart health and cognitive function, Islam prescribed fasting for Muslims.

Is it all that surprising that the benefits of fasting spill over from the spiritual to the physical? Maybe not, as the Quran tells us, ‘And to Allah belongs the hidden things of the heavens and the earth, and to Him shall the whole affair be referred. So worship Him and put thy trust in Him alone. ’ Surah Hud (11:124) And also, ‘O mankind! there has indeed come to you an exhortation from your Lord and a cure for whatever disease there is in the hearts, and a guidance and a mercy to the believers.’ Surah Yunus (10:58)

A quick search on Pubmed of ‘fasting health benefits’ returned 2,047 publications since 1984. Over half of this total are papers published since 2020. The science of the effects of fasting is in its infancy and I have little doubt the list of health benefits will continue to grow as the mechanisms of its effect is still being investigated.

Fasting during Ramadan is of course more than abstention from food during daylight hours; Muslims are encouraged to be more charitable, avoid conflict and spend their time in the remembrance of God, all of which have been shown to be good for both our physical and mental health.

The benefits to people who volunteer or make financial donations are becoming clearer. Four brain chemicals are involved in reward or mood: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, all of which affect mental and physical health.

In other research forgiveness has been noted as a way to resolve anger and other negative emotions which in turn leads to various psychological and physical health benefits.

Lastly prayers have the most significant effect on our psychological state, as we are told in the Holy Quran ‘…it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort;’ Surah Ar-Ra`d (13:29)

Taken together, the ‘fasting’ of Ramadan is a complete guide to physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, which is why His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, guided us, “We should strive in all those matters which we have been reminded of during the month of Ramadan and all the virtuous deeds which we were able to carry out during the month and continue them even after Ramadan. In fact, we ought to try and excel in them.” (Friday Sermon, 7 May 2021; Al Hakam, 4 June 2021, Issue 168, p. 31)

Islamic teachings emphasised fasting as a path to spiritual purification and physical well-being centuries before science could explain its mechanisms. Today, experts promote fasting-based lifestyles for their health benefits, yet Alhamdolillah, believers have known its power through revelation for over a millennium.

References

McNally S. Scarlett McNally: Volunteering and charity work offer massive health and community benefits BMJ 2024; 386 :q1887 doi:10.1136/bmj.q1887

Kim JJ, Payne ES, Tracy EL. Indirect Effects of Forgiveness on Psychological Health Through Anger and Hope: A Parallel Mediation Analysis. J Relig Health. 2022;61(5):3729-3746. doi:10.1007/s10943-022-01518-4