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Imam Reza (A.S.) has said:

"Someone who recites one verse from the Book of Allah, The Mighty, The Glorious, in the month of Ramazan, is like one who has recited the entire Holy Quran in the other months."

Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 93, pg. 344

Ahadith of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) about the Month of Ramadan

The best dua.

 Ramadhan kareem hai - Roza rakhne Ka faida - Urdu

Fasting the month of Ramadan is commanded by the Qur’an 2:183: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint.” Verse 185 clarifies that the month of Ramadan is intended: “The month of Ramadan that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind.” In their Quranic commentary, Agha Pooya and Ahmed Ali explain that “The main object of the Islamic fast is to purify the conduct and character and get the soul charged with divine attributes of God in the practical life for one complete month.”

Scientists have also learned that restraining oneself by fasting has the side benefits of reducing the risk of cancer and the onset of geriatric diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia. Studies in peer-reviewed journals have even indicated that fasting may be an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, help reduce epileptic seizures, and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. And fasting is, of course, not unique to Islam, as it is practiced in almost every religion. Among Hindus, fasting is done for penance or for spiritual strengthening; the Sabians, the oldest of the Chaldean religions, also prescribed fasting for an entire month.

In Judaism, fasting is prescribed on Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement, as well as on other days of the year. Fasting on Yom Kippur is commanded in Leviticus 16:29: “On the 10th day of the 7th month you must fast.” And again in Leviticus 23:27-32: “Also, on the 10th day of this 7th month there shall be a day of atonement. It will be a holy gathering to you; you shall afflict your souls.” The prohibited acts for Yom Kippur are remarkably similar to those for Ramadan and include eating, drinking, washing or anointing the body, wearing leather shoes and marital relations.

In Christianity, Jesus (PBUH) instructs his followers on fasting as described in the following excerpts from the New Testament, Matthew 6:16-17: “So too when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites: they make their faces unsightly so that everybody may see that they are fasting. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that no one sees that you are fasting.”

Imam Ali (PBUH) enjoined us to self-restraint, advising, “Gain control of your selves through constant self-struggle.”

Health benefits of fasting.

1. Detoxify
As well as being great for spiritually cleansing yourself, Ramadan acts as a fantastic detox for your body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month. When your body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits. This body cleanse will leave a healthy blank slate behind, and is the perfect stepping stone to a consistently healthy lifestyle.

2. Ditch bad habits
Because you will be fasting during the day, Ramadan is the perfect time to ditch your bad habits for good. Vices such as smoking and sugary foods should not be indulged during Ramadan, and as you abstain from them your body will gradually acclimatise to their absence, until your addiction is kicked for good. It’s also much easier to quit habits when you do so in a group, which should be easy to find during Ramadan. Fasting’s ability to help you cut out bad habits is so significant that the UK’s National Health Service recommends it as the ideal time to ditch smoking.

3. Boost your brain
No doubt you’ll be aware of the positive effects fasting can have on your mental wellbeing and spiritual focus, but the brain-boosting powers of Ramadan are even more significant than you might think. A study carried out by scientists in the USA found that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function. Likewise, a distinct reduction in the amount of the hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal gland, means that stress levels are greatly reduced both during and after Ramadan.

4. Dates
Although three dates are eaten at the start of Iftar every day during Ramadan for spiritual reasons, they also come with the added bonus of multiple health benefits. One of the most important aspects of fasting is getting the right amount of energy, and considering an average serving of dates contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, this is one of the perfect foods to give you a boost. Dates are also a great way of getting some much-needed fibre, which will aid and improve digestion throughout Ramadan. Add to that their high levels of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, and it quickly becomes apparent that dates are one of the healthiest fruits out there.

5. Lower cholesterol
We all know that weight loss is one of the possible physical outcomes of fasting during Ramadan, but there’s also a whole host of healthy changes going on behind the scenes. A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood. Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. What’s more, if you follow a healthy diet after Ramadan, this newly lowered cholesterol level should be easy to maintain.

6. Lasting appetite reduction
One of the main problems with extreme fad diets is that any weight lost is often quickly put back on, sometimes even with a little added extra. This isn’t the case with Ramadan. The reduction in food consumed throughout fasting causes your stomach to gradually shrink, meaning you’ll need to eat less food to feel full. If you want to get into the habit of healthy eating then Ramadan is a great time to start. When it’s finished your appetite will be lower than it was before, and you’ll be far less likely to overindulge with your eating.

7. Absorb more nutrients
By not eating throughout the day during Ramadan you’ll find that your metabolism becomes more efficient, meaning the amount of nutrients you absorb from food improves. This is because of an increase in a hormone called adiponectin, which is produced by a combination of fasting and eating late at night, and allows your muscles to absorb more nutrients. This will lead to health benefits all around the body, as various areas are able to better absorb and make use of the nutrients they need to function.

Benefits of fasting (transcript from recording)

As an age-old practice, fasting has been used for centuries; but only recently, has science begun to uncover its myriad benefits.

In this video, we are going to explore 10 health benefits of fasting from boosting metabolism to promoting gut health and everything in between. So are you ready to discover this untapped reservoir of health benefits? Stay tuned as we unravel the health benefits of testing.

Firstly, fasting can kick start your metabolism and aid in weight loss. Now, it might seem counterintuitive, but it's true, when the body is in a fasting state, it switches its energy source from glucose to fat, essentially turning your body into a fat burning machine. This metabolic switch not only increases your metabolic rate but also helps in burning fat, leading to weight loss.

This isn't just theory folks. Several studies have shown that intermittent fasting can increase your metabolic rate by 3% to 14%. Now that's quite a boost. And when it comes to weight loss. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who fasted lost weight more effectively than those who simply reduced their calorie intake. So it's not just about eating less, but when you eat that matters. So if you're looking to shed those extra pounds fasting could be your ally.

Fasting doesn't just help with weight loss, it is also a heart and brain booster. When you fast, your body initiates a process called autophagy, where it cleans out damaged cells, particularly those in your heart. This biological housekeeping reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, but the benefits don't stop at your heart. Fasting also has a profound effect on your brain health. It promotes the growth of new neurons and enhances cognitive functions. This means better memory, improved concentration and even increased creativity. Moreover, fasting can reduce inflammation, a key contributor to neurodegenerative disorders. By doing so, it helps to safeguard your mental function as you age, potentially warding off conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, so it's not just about shedding a few pounds, fasting brings a whole host of benefits that can improve your overall health.

Fasting therefore could be your ticket to a healthier heart and a sharper mind. Want to live longer and stay healthier, fasting could be the answer. Let's delve into the science of longevity and fasting. Research has shown that fasting can activate certain pathways in our body that help slow down the aging process. It does this by promoting autophagy, a cellular self-clean-up process and boosting the production of a protein called sirtuin, which is linked to increased lifespan.

Now imagine a future where you are not just living longer, but your living better, healthier, that is where the immune system comes into play. Fasting has been found to help reset the immune system, reducing inflammation and encouraging the production of new white blood cells, your body's frontline defense against disease. This means that fasting could potentially help you combat common colds, flues and other infections more effectively. Fasting, it seems, could be a key ingredient for a long and healthy life and the benefits of fasting don't stop there.

As we delve deeper into the world of fasting, we find that it holds potential in regulating diabetes by controlling insulin levels, fasting can help maintain a steady balance in blood sugar levels. Imagine a seesaw, with insulin on one side and glucose on the other, fasting helps keep the seesaw in equilibrium, preventing the highs and lows that can wreak havoc with your help. Enhancing skin health is another surprising benefit of fasting. When you fast, your body goes into a sort of cleaning mode, eliminating toxins and impurities. This detoxification process can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. It's like giving your skin a deep cleanse from the inside out. When it comes to fighting cancer, fasting shows promise too. Research suggests that fasting can slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It's like a double-edged sword, cutting down cancer cells while boosting the power of cancer treatment.

Lastly, let's not forget about gut health, the cornerstone of overall well-being, fasting can help maintain a healthy microbiome by giving your digestive system a break and allowing it to repair and rejuvenate like hitting the reset button on your gut, promoting balance and boosting your overall health. Clearly, fasting offers a plethora of health benefits, that are too good to ignore its quickly recap the remarkable health benefits of fasting. Firstly, it boosts metabolism and age, weight loss, it also enhances heart health and improves mental function, fasting promotes longevity and strengthens the immune system. It can regulate diabetes and enhance can help remarkably. Fasting can even help fight cancer and promote good health. These 10 benefits make fasting an incredible tool for overall wellness.

Qur'anic verses and hadiths of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and sayings in Arabic, Persian and English.

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