Fasting is one of the central pillars of Islam, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. However, for Muslims, fasting is not limited to Ramadan. Islam also promotes the practice of fasting during other months. Most of these fasts are voluntary. Yet fasting has multiple spiritual and physical benefits during other months of the year. This article will teach us the advantages of fasting in months other than Ramadan.
When Should Muslims Fast Other Than Ramadan
Other than Ramadan, there are several special occasions when Muslims must fast. Two of the most important days of the week are Mondays and Thursdays. During these two days, the deeds of any Muslim are present before Allah himself.
Abu Hurairah narrated:
The Messenger of Allah said: “Deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.”
Another recommendation is to fast during every Islamic month’s 13th, 14th, and 15th. It is essential to know that fasting during these days is called Siyam Al-Ayyam Al-Bid. The prophet encourages you to fast during these days as it allows you to reflect on your soul. Moreover, it also helps you to cleanse your soul and gain multiple rewards.
Muslims can also fast on the 9th and 10th Dhu Al-Hijjah, the day of Arafah and Ashura, respectively. These two days hold immense importance in Islam. Anyone who fasts on the day of Arafah atones their sin for the previous and upcoming year—similarly, anyone who fasts on Ashura thanks Allah for his mercy.
Muslims can also fast to fulfil individual vows made to Allah. If someone promised a fast to Allah for a certain reason or occasion, they must fulfil their promise.
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Beyond Ramadan
Fasting is one of the best ways to connect strongly with Allah. There are multiple spiritual rewards for fasting; as mentioned before, it is not limited to the month of Ramadan. Muslims are aware of several fasts that strengthen their spirituality and faith.
Strong Connection with Allah
Every year, muslims fast during the month of Ramada. These 30 days of fasting end with celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr. The dates of Ramadan and Eid-ul-fits depend upon the movement of the moon. If you want to know the dates of Eid Ul Fitr this year or for more details click here. The simple act of fasting is categorized as a form of worship that helps us to draw closer to Allah. In the Quran, it is mentioned.
يٰۗاَيُّہَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَـمَا كُتِبَ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ۱۸۳ۙ
O believers, fasting is enjoined on you as it was on those before you, so that you might become righteous.
Fasting reminds us of the countless blessings of Allah. By staying away from food, drinks, and other physical needs, Muslims can only focus on worship and pray to Allah. It helps to form a deeper connection with Him.
Development of Self-Discipline
Fasting helps to build a sense of patience and self-discipline which is one of the traits of the Prophet Himself.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) meant for Me and I (alone) will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting. By Him, in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of judgment than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts has two (occasions) of joy, one when he breaks the fast he is glad with the breaking of (the fast) and one when he meets his Lord he is glad with his fast.
Muslims who are fasting need to control their desires and be self-restrained. If someone practices this consistently, developing the habit of discipline becomes easier. Moreover, it also helps to avoid sinful behaviors daily.
Purification of the Soul
Fasting purifies your soul from negative traits like greediness, anger and even jealousy.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
This purification process is not restricted to the month of Ramadan. If you fast in months other than Ramadan, you will also have the same experience of the spiritual benefits. Therefore, you get to maintain positive traits during Ramadan and throughout the year.
The Physical Benefits of Fasting Beyond Ramadan
Fasting is not only beneficial for the soul. Instead, it also positively affects the body, giving us several physical benefits. One of the examples of this positive effect is detoxification of the body and promoting the overall well-being of the human body.
Healing of the Body
When we fast, we do not get fat supply from external resources. It uses the stored-up fat and flushes out the toxins from the body. It also gives the digestive system a much-needed break. During fasting, the body can focus on working to repair itself. There are scientific researches that also support the fact that fasting improves the cellular repair process.
Improvement of Metabolic Health
Fasting on a regular basis helps in the regulation of blood glucose levels and the improvement of metabolism. Even non-Muslims are into practicing intermittent fasting to notice a healthier glow up to their bodies. Additionally, fasting also helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Mental Clarity
When fasting, our body conserves energy and redirects this energy to other important functions of the body, such as the brain. When the body is not working on digestion, the functions of the brain are more efficient. Ultimately, it helps to improve concentration and mental performance. The physical benefits of fasting are numerous. Other than this, it also helps to develop a clear sense of focus, productivity and emotional stability.
Conclusion
Fasting in months other than Ramadan has several physical and spiritual benefits. If one develops a habit of regularly fasting throughout the year forms a stronger connection with His creator. Moreover, he also gets to experience a pure mind and soul that focuses on the overall health of an individual. Fasting helps to develop the habit of self-discipline. At the same time, you will definitely experience numerous things from Allah himself.
Author Bio:
Zain Jawwad is a skilled copywriter and content creator who writes high-quality articles and blogs. He has experience covering a wide range of topics with valuable insights. Zain also occasionally contributes articles to Muslim & Quran.