Fasting
وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“And to fast is better for you, if only you knew”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184
Fasting is mentioned in all religions for a reason. If we truly understood how beneficial it is, we would be eager to make it an integral part of our lives. Imagine having a messy house filled with clutter, dust, webs, and mold. If someone offered a free cleaning service to restore order, you would likely jump at the chance. Fasting, in many ways, does this for our bodies. It acts as a cleansing process, revitalizing every cell, providing higher energy, a youthful appearance, and allowing the body to function at its full potential.
Fasting benefits us physically as well as spiritually. When we are not occupied with material food, the body gives the soul a chance to speak, be heard, and connect to the Divine. The benefits of fasting are beyond our imagination; we need to trust the process of this spiritual cleanse that gives space to the body, clears the mind, and embraces the soul. Imam al-Ghazali often spoke of how temptation and desire, especially around food, take over us and veil the eye of the heart. Fasting is one of the greatest gateways for a pure connection, an emptying of the body, of the material to elevate the sound of the soul, and the voice of God.
“Fasting is the first principle of medicine. Fast and see the strength of the spirit reveal itself”
Rumi
While you are fasting today, take the chance to really contemplate what happens in your magnificent body.
Take 10 minutes out of your day, lie down, close your eyes and place your hands on your gut, envision all the cleansing happening inside, imagine all the bad bacteria being swept away and replaced with vibrant energy. See a clear, clean space within you, ready to receive any messages from the Divine. Write down what your soul is telling you.
If you are not fasting, set the intention to join in with intermittent fasting from tomorrow and be mindful of the cleanse that’s occurring.
Also you will notice an ample more time in your day, set an intention to use it wisely.
“Fasting is one of the best and most innate ways the body can heal itself.
The migrating motor complex (MMC), also known as the housecleaning wave, is a recurring motility pattern that occurs in the stomach and small bowel during fasting and is interrupted by feeding. During periods of fasting the MMC is activated approximately every 90 -120 minutes and sweeps residual debris and bacteria through the gastrointestinal tract.”
The Metabolic Approach To Cancer – Dr Nashwa Winters
“In accordance with the words of the Apostle that “fasting comprises half of fortitude” and “fortitude forms half of belief”, fasting equals one-fourth of belief. Furthermore, it is distinguished from the other pillars [of Islam] by its special and peculiar position in relation to God, since He said through the mouth of His Prophet “Every good deed will be rewarded from ten-to-seven hundred fold except fasting which is endured for My sake and which I shall reward.””
The Mysteries of Fasting; translated from’ Kitab Asrar Al-Sawm’ of “Ilhya Ulum al-Din” – Al-Ghazzali by Nabih Amin Faris
