Health benefits of fasting

The Health Benefits of Fasting Will Carroll Source: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/wcarroll.html There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one’s health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting. Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving. (1) The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body’s progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. (2) Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, “the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid” (3), and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. “When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy.” (3) The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis. (4) Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. “Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin.” (5). This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. “Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound,” a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. (2) These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one’s environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each. (5) A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. (6) The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body’s search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body’s supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, “production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer ‘mistakes’ are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process.” A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. (7) This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. (2) Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system. In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. (2) Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production. (7) Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. (7) “The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition.” (5) A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. “The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years.” (8) In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one’s health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one’s health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy. References 1)”Dr. Sniadach – True Health Freedom 3 2)fastingforbetterhealth 3)”Ketosis by Sue Reith” 4)”Nutriquest, March 11th, 2000 – Ketosis and Low Carbohydrate Diets” 5)”WebMD – Detox Diets: Cleansing the Body” 6)”Fasting” 7)”Fasting – Good Morning Doctor” 8)”The health Benefits of Fasting”

Virtues of Laylat-ul Qadr

AUTHOR: ‘Abdullaah bin Saalih Al-Fawzaan
SOURCE: Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam (pg. 141-143)
 
Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever performs the night prayer on the night of Al-Qadr with Eemaan (firm belief) and seeking reward will have all his past sins forgiven.” [1]

This hadeeth is evidence for the virtue of the night of Al-Qadr as well as performing qiyaam (night prayer) during it. And it indicates that it is a grand night, which Allaah has honored and made better than a thousand months, with regard to its blessing and the blessings found in the righteous deeds that are performed in it. Thus it is better than the worship of a thousand months and that is equivalent to eighty-three years and four months. Due to this, whoever performs qiyaam (night prayer) with true faith and while seeking reward in it, will be forgiven his past sins. There were certain verses revealed concerning this virtue:

Allaah says: “We sent it (the Qur’aan) down on a blessed night. Verily We are Ever-Warning. Therein (on that night) is decreed every matter of ordainment.” [2]

Therefore, it is a “blessed night” meaning it possesses much good and blessing due to its merit and the great reward that awaits the one who does good deeds in it. Among its blessings, is that Allaah revealed the Qur’aan in it. Allaah says:

“Verily, We have sent it (the Qur’aan) down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (Jibreel) by their Lord’s permission with all decrees. (All that night) there is peace, until the appearance of dawn.” [3]

Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said concerning Allaah’s saying: “Therein descend the angels and the Rooh”: “This means that the descending of the angels increases during this night due to the vast amount of its blessings. And the angels descend along with the descent of blessing and mercy, just as they descend during the time when the Qur’aan is recited and encompass the gatherings in which Allaah is remembered and spread their wings for the true seeker of knowledge, out of respect for him.” [4]

This night occurs only in Ramadaan, since Allaah revealed the Qur’aan in it. He informs us that its revelation occurred during the month of Ramadaan in His saying: “Verily, We have sent it (the Qur’aan) down in the night of Al-Qadr.” [5]

And His saying: “The month of Ramadaan in which was revealed the Qur’aan” [6]

This means that its revelation from Allaah to His Prophet Muhammad (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) began in it.

Allaah’s statement: “The night of Al-Qadr” is either an indicative of the honor and station of that night, as it is said: “Such and such person has great Qadr”. The conjunction of “the night” to Al-Qadr is the joining of a descriptive feature to it, thus making it mean “An honorable night”. The word “Al-Qadr” may also be in reference to the ordainment and disposal of affairs. Thus, its being joined to the word “the night” would be in order to denote a place or time for it. So it would mean “the night in which all that will occur in the following year will be decreed.” This is similar to Allaah’s saying: “Therein (on that night) is decreed every matter of ordainment.” [7]

Qataadah said of this: “Therein is decreed every matter for the (upcoming) year” [8] and Ibn Al-Qayyim said that this is the correct opinion. [9]

What seems most correct is that there is nothing that restricts the possibility of these two understandings and Allaah knows best.

His statement: “with Eemaan” means with firm conviction in what Allaah has prepared for those who stand in prayer during this magnificent night. And “seeking reward” means looking for reward and the attainment of recompense.

Thus, this is a grand night, which Allaah has chosen for beginning the revelation of the Qur’aan. So the Muslim must acknowledge its weight in worth, by guarding it and spending it in worship whilst having firm conviction and seeking the reward of Allaah, in order that Allaah may forgive all of his previous sins. This is why the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned us about being heedless of this night and being neglectful of spending it in worship, for the Muslim would be prevented from its good.

Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ramadaan has come to you – a blessed month. Allaah has made it obligatory upon you to fast in it. During this month, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived.” [10]

The Muslim should supplicate much on the nights in which the night of Al-Qadr is sought. And he should supplicate with that which the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed ‘Aa’ishah (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa) with, when she asked him: “What if I know on which night the night of Al-Qadr occurs, what should I say?” So he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Say: O Allaah, indeed you are All-Pardoning. You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” [11]

Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said: “It is recommended to supplicate a lot at all times and (to supplicate) more than that during the month of Ramadaan, its last ten days and its odd days. And it is highly recommended to increase ones invoking with this supplication: ‘O Allaah, indeed you are All-Pardoning. You love forgiveness, so forgive me.’” [12]

Footnotes:

[1] Al-Bukhaaree (4/2550 and Muslim (759)

[2] Surat-ud-Dukhaan: 3-4

[3] Surat-ul-Qadr: 1-5

[4] Tafseer Ibn Katheer: (8/465)

[5] Surat-ul-Qadr: 1

[6] Surat-ul-Baqarah: 185

[7] Surat-ud-Dukhaan: 4

[8] Reported by At-Tabaree in his Tafseer (25/65) as well as Al-Bayhaqee in his book Fadaa’il-ul-Awqaat (pg. 216). Its chain of narration is saheeh.

[9] See Shifaa’-ul-’Aleel of Ibn Qayyim (pg. 42)

[10] This hadeeth is reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee. See Ahmad Shaakir’s checking of the Musnad (no. 7148) and Saheeh At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb of Al-Albaanee (1490) as well as Tamaam-ul-Mannah (395)

[11] Reported by At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Maajah with an authentic chain. [Translator's note: The supplication transliterated from Arabic reads: "Allaahumma Innaka 'Afuwwun Tuhibbul-'Afwa Fa’affoo ‘annee." ]

[12] Tafseer Ibn Katheer: 8/472

Ramadhan is coming

Assalamalikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu,

so you are all (those few of you) are probably thinking.. wow, so many posts today but theres a reason.. they are all unrelated things that I have been meaning to blog about for some time now and with me working while not having much work its the obvious thing to accomplish Lately Ive been reading many blogs about Ramadhan and while trying to get myself sorted for this holy month I thought I would fill you in on my intentions and also what Ive been reading too. Insha’allah you enjoy and use the knowledge wisely.

What do you have intended for this year? Insha’allah this will be my last Ramadhan in Canada for awhile Allahu alim, so Im determined to make it memorable. Its been hard to go through these last few years over here on my own, although I have a few good friends who eat with me or spend the odd day, it isnt the same as having a husband by your side to break fast with, to go to the masjid with, to talk about your day with… Insha’allah next year will be different and although Im looking forward to the change, Im not looking forward to the challenge

Every year since converting I have fasted, including my first year when I converted just a few weeks before Ramadhan started masha’allah. I have always found it bareable and I feel for those who dread this time of year, it should be a time of peace and relaxation not stress and uncoordination. This year I will be hopefully doing some things different, but then also insha’allah keeping my routine in things I did last year to keep myself doing this for the rest of my time on this Earth insha’allah. I will be reading the quran over the month which I have done every year, in english I should probably add.. I cant yet read arabic I will pay more attention to the footnotes and maybe use my bigger quran this year to gain more knowledge. I will be praying more at the mosque insha’allah, last year is the only year I have really done in after finding ‘my mosque’ but I was still getting my bearings with practices there last year so this year insha’allah I will be able to go more often. Also, last year I was working 3-11 so by the time I finished work the prayers were over, this year I will spend half of the month on days so will definately be able to make it and even when Im on nights I will have more time off as Im on continental shifts (i work 15 twelve hour shifts per month) Im also intending on breaking my fast with more people, whether that means inviting people around or inviting myself to peoples places Im yet to figure out will see heehee. Im intending on taking Eid off (even though it is close to my leaving date) and driving over to Toronto to spend time with friends if they are going to the big Eid festival that is held there every Eid masha’allah. After Eid prayers in my mosque of course Might even buy myself something nice to wear too. After having cancelled my tv subscription from the beginning until I move out of this flat I will have more time to read my quran and a few other books I will be picking out of my vast library to read during this time, I also have recently started a cross stitching for myself of the holy kabaa so I look forward to posting a WIP photo at the beginning and end of the month insha’allah I am also looking forward to getting a start on a new surah too after having just learnt surah al-fil (at last I hear you say alhamdulillah)

This is going to be a hard one, I can feel it in my bones already. My mum has our next door neighbours from UK coming over the last 2 weeks of ramadhan, so Ill be expected to turn up and spend sometime with them which is going to be hard if Im fasting.. I just pray that timing all works out and I still get to fix my iman insha’allah.

Idiots guide to Ramadhan

Ramadhan reminders

Oum Anas’ blog

Umm Raiyaan’s blog

Two blogs from Aalya

Grateful to Allah (swt)

So what about you? what are your intentions and goals for this sacred month? will you be making any differences to the month than previous ramadhans?
Thanks for reading, peace and salams
Ammena

Ramadhan

So ramadhan is creeping up on us again insha’allah, every year I remember the hadith about how the sahaba would spend half the year waiting for this blessed month and preparing, but I am never able to do it myself. I always look forward to the time when I can reflect and make more of an effort to styudy my deen but I never actually prepare. It wasnt until I read a recent blog on a sisters page talking about preparation, I told her I hadnt prepared, that I find it difficult on my own that she told me I should still try to prepare. I told her the things I intend to do and before I realised it, there it was… preparation, masha’allah. I have just cancelled my tv subscription which will kick in August 30th insha’allah, so until I move back to uk, no more tv for me alhamdulillah. I have recently come across a new program for learning the quran after joining a memorisation of the quran group on facebook alhamdulillah. Which im really loving and used to nearly finish the memorisation of surah al-fil, at last alhamdulillah. I had intended to learn unto and including surah 102 (Al- Takathur) before I left for UK and seeing as I have no tv and this brand new program I may actually fulfil that intention insha’allah. Thats only 2 more surahs after the surah Im learning so insha’allah I will get them finished.

So what do you have prepared for this year? any intentions for the month? Insha’allah I will also be reading my quran like I do every year, I pray that next year I might even be reading in arabic insha’allah
Fi amenallah, walikum salam
Ammena