The end of Ramadan is right around the corner, and I can’t help but to reflect on the challenges of fasting and the spiritual journey. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset for the whole month of Ramadan, consisting of 29 to 30 days. Although fasting makes up a big part of Ramadan, other aspects of worship, like charity, patience, and prayers are amplified practices that have a significant impact during the spiritual journey of Ramadan.
In this post, I will discuss how fasting has been shown to have numerous spiritual and health benefits. Fasting has a significant spiritual awakening, it deepens a person’s sense of gratitude and compassion towards what we have been blessed with, like a home, clothes, and food the essentials to keep us alive. It serves as a reminder of one’s faith and commitment to God and encourages acts of charity and kindness toward others.
The benefits of fasting on our health are numerous. Many people have realized the positive effects that fasting has on the body and already practice intermediate fasting to achieve longevity and improve their overall health. Fasting not only has been found to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation in the body but has also been linked to weight loss and improved brain health.
Fasting not only improves mental and physical health, but also creates essential habits like discipline, community responsibilities, and accountability for one’s actions. It’s also a great way to achieve virtues such as patience and the ability to focus on what is essential in this life. Oftentimes, we get carried away with pursuing the lushes of this world, forgetting the principle of our existence. Personally Ramadan is an opportunity to calibrate and balance my soul between the abundance of this life and achieve a sustainable and mindfulness lifestyle. Imagine fasting every year for the rest of your life? Fasting is one of the effective ways to achieve self-reflection, which can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Traditionally, after fasting for a whole month, it is common to throw a big feast as a farewell and celebrating the achievement of Ramadan. In some countries, like, Egypt is common to give children money or gift sweets to your family members. In other countries, people practice giving personalised gifts. In the spirit of gifting, if you are looking for something unique and personable to give during Eid than check out my friend Nsenga’s art. Take a look at her website at, https://nsengaknight.com/, here is a highlight of her work;
My creative practice is situated at the intersection of Islamic art, Western abstraction, and Black aesthetics. My upbringing as a first-generation Black American Muslim informs my work in many respects and I seek to make critical contributions to conversations on the status of Black America, American society, politics, culture, and Islam in the 21st century.
Nsenga Knight
Nsenga’s Art:
In conclusion, Islamic fasting offers a multitude of spiritual and health benefits that can improve overall well-being. From improved physical health to gaining a sense of purpose and awareness. Fasting is a powerful tool for promoting holistic wellness. Whether you are Muslim or not, incorporating fasting into your routine can have a positive impact on your life.
Have you ever tried fasting for a day?
Andrea Blossom 
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