Key Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan In Islam

Ramadan is an Islamic holy month for introspection, good deeds, and prayers.  Being one of of the pillars of Islamic faith, it is mandatory for Muslim man and woman to fast, abstain from major/minor sins and exercise piety. 

Fasting starts from daybreak till sunset.  The sole purpose of Ramadan is to train and discipline the believers both psychically and spiritually. Ramadan helps Muslim brothers and sisters to set goals for better deeds and character throughout the year. 

Similar to New Year's resolutions for non-Muslims, Ramadan enables Muslims to make positive commitment and changes in their personalities, practices and weaker areas of life.  It also offers various physical, psychological, spiritual and social benefits.

Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan in Islam

Physical Benefits 

Fasting in Ramadan offers various physical benefits such greater insulin sensitivity, balanced blood and cholesterol levels. It also reduces weight and risk of diabetes. Other physical benefits include: 

• Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 
• Helps control overeating and diet issues. 
• Increases digestive processes and likelihood of healthy guts.
• Increased resistance and immunity to diseases and illnesses. 
• Detoxify.
• Increased Appetite for longer hours.

Psychological/Spiritual Benefits 

Fasting in Ramadan does only requires Muslims to treat it as purely physical exercise. It results in numerous mental and psychological benefits. The rigorous commitment to a disciplined routine ensures that Muslims also improve themselves mentally and psychologically. These benefits include: 

• Greater Self-Control. 
• Increases Fear of Allah 
• Increases Focus and concentration ability. 
• Abstinence from sins and vices. 
• Cleanses spiritual impurities such as habits of sinning. 
• Helps achieve closeness with Allah mentally and spiritually.
• Purifies soul 
• Better moral conduct and increased compassion toward fellow Muslims and others. 
• Facilitates in acquiring new positive habits such as punctuality, sleep patterns. 
• Empathy with poor people who are suffering due to food shortages, famines etc. 
• Increases level of gratitude for blessings.     

Social Benefits

Ramadan also enables Muslims to be socially active in a positive manner. Despite fasting, people go out to distribute food items to those less privileged. Ramdan sees boost in social/charitable activities across the globe. Other benefits include: 

• Unity as one group working for a common goal: help those in need. 
• Distribution of charity and food.
• Distribution of zakat. 
• Call for hospitality and good attitude and manners towards other fellow members of the society. 
• Acts of kindness and selflessness at social and individual level. 
• Stronger relationships with family and others.