Fasting is one of the most ancient spiritual practices known to humanity. Across civilizations and religions, people have fasted for spiritual purification, physical health, and mental discipline. In Islam, fasting holds a central place as one of the five pillars of faith. The month of Ramadan is a sacred period when Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset. However, beyond its spiritual significance, modern science has increasingly recognized the remarkable health benefits of fasting. Interestingly, many of these discoveries align beautifully with the wisdom already mentioned in the Holy Qur’an more than fourteen centuries ago. Fasting was made obligatory for Muslims through the following verse:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ سورۃ البقرۃ (2:183)
This verse highlights two important facts:
Fasting is not unique to Islam it existed in earlier communities. Its primary goal is Taqwa (self-control, spiritual awareness, and discipline. Another important verse states: “The month of Ramadan in which we revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind.”
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ (2:185) سورۃ البقرۃ
This verse connects fasting with spiritual growth and divine guidance. At the end of the fasting verses, Allah says:
“And fasting is better for you, if you only knew.” وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ سورۃ البقرۃ (2:184)
One of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries related to fasting is autophagy, a natural process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones. In 2016, Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on autophagy. His studies showed that fasting triggers this cellular cleaning process. When a person fasts the body shifts from using glucose to burning fat. Damaged proteins and cells are broken down cellular repair mechanisms become active. This process may reduce the risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and premature aging.
The Qur’anic phrase “if you only knew” seems especially powerful in light of such discoveries. Weight Management and Metabolic Health, fasting improves metabolism by reducing insulin levels,
increasing fat burning, improving insulin sensitivity, intermittent fasting, now popular in medical research, shows significant improvement in obesity and metabolic syndrome. When fasting insulin levels drop, human growth hormone increases, the body begins to burn stored fat. This helps prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.
Islamic fasting naturally follows an intermittent fasting pattern approximately 12-16 hours daily during Ramadan. Fasting enhances brain health in several ways increases production of (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) improves memory and focus, reduces inflammation in the brain. Some studies suggest fasting may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Spiritually, fasting enhances reflection and contemplation, aligning with Qur’anic encouragement toward thinking and understanding. Fasting contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, bad cholesterol, reducing triglycerides and improving good cholesterol. Research shows that people who fast regularly may have lower risks of heart disease. This aligns with Islam’s emphasis on moderation in eating. “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ سورۃ الأعراف (7:31)
This verse reflects the importance of balance in diet and lifestyle.
Islam encourages moderation not only during Ramadan but throughout life. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also recommended voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, which resemble modern intermittent fasting schedules. From a psychological perspective, fasting strengthens self-control, reduces impulsive behaviour, enhances emotional regulation and increases gratitude. Modern psychology confirms that delayed gratification strengthens character and resilience. The Qur’an clearly states the spiritual objective “…that you may attain Taqwa.”
كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ سورۃ البقرۃ (2:183)
Taqwa includes self-restraint, mindfulness, and ethical awareness, and control over desires, qualities also emphasized in modern psychology as essential for mental well-being.
Short-term fasting encourages the body to recycle old immune cells and generate new ones.
During Ramadan, many people report fewer digestive problems and improved immunity when fasting is practiced properly.
The Qur’an mentions: “…as it was prescribed for those before you…” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
This confirms fasting was practiced by earlier prophets and communities. Many ancient cultures practiced ritual fasting. This universality suggests fasting is deeply rooted in human spiritual and biological needs. Beyond physical health, fasting strengthens empathy for the poor, social unity, charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) and community bonding. When wealthy and poor experience hunger together, compassion increases. Ramadan transforms society into one of generosity and unity. Islam does not promote extreme fasting. The Qur’an allows exemptions:
“…Whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days…”
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ سورۃ البقرۃ (2:185)
Islam prioritizes health and balance. Pregnant women, sick individuals, elderly people, and travellers are allowed concessions. This shows the flexibility and mercy in Islamic law. Many health experts now recommend fasting for weight control, metabolic health and disease prevention. What modern laboratories are discovering today was divinely prescribed over 1400 years ago. This harmony between revelation and science strengthens faith for many believers.
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