Finally, Ramadan 2023 is here, and, as always, it comes like Spring and a flowery season for Muslims, all over the world. Its sweetness is not only there in the outer world, but the inner world of a Muslim also feels it. This blog is about Fasting as a journey to the inner dimensions of the soul. While talking about Ramadan, I think it is necessary to narrate a hadith here that tells the importance of this month in Islam;
Reported on the authority of Sahl bin Sa’ad R.A that the Prophet said,
“Jannah has an entrance by the name of Ar-Rayyaan which is exclusively reserved for fasting individuals. On the Day of Judgment, they will be called to pass through this entrance, after which it will be closed behind them and no one else will be allowed to use it.”
Short History of Ramadan and Fasting
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, with the sighting of the new crescent moon, Ramadan starts as the most sacred month in Islamic culture. Muslims keep fasts for the whole month and end it with Eid ul Fitr celebrations. The importance of this month doubles due to the “night of Qadr” on the 27th of Ramadan, in which the Holy Book ‘The Quran’ was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by Angel Gabriel. This Holy month of fasting is an opportunity for Muslims to earn 10x more reward on a noble deed, than in other months.
Ramadan- A Journey to Soul
Ramadan, a whole month of thirty days, is basically a journey or a gateway to travel toward the inner depths of the soul. It is a month of learning self-control, which means disciplining one’s self. This disciplining includes no eating and no drinking – from dawn to dusk. At the same time, this discipline also includes control of the eyes, ears, tongue, mouth, hands, feet, and the whole body (from doing any bad act). So, Ramadan is the discipline of the entire body, especially of the soul.
The biggest thing Ramadan and its discipline teaches is the highest level of patience/tolerance that is directly connected to the soul. When you keep fasting for the whole day and refrain from all impurities, it actually purifies your soul at its depth.
Also Read: Are We Really Trapped In This World; Psychology Behind Sin Of Adam
Fasting – Gate to Inner Dimensions of the Soul
Fasting is an act that makes the soul practice those things that are not possible in normal life. That’s why it is a gateway to reach the inner depths and dimensions of our souls. There are three gates of fasting that lead to these dimensions- ordinary fasting, special fasting, and extra-special fasting.
Ordinary Fasting: This is the first stage where external body practices are done, e.g., staying away from eating, drinking, and sexual satisfaction.
Special Fasting: This is the second stage where you go one step further/ahead/deeper and keep control of your body parts i.e., eyes, ear, tongue, hands, feet, etc. (from sins).
Extra-Special Fasting: This third stage belongs directly to the inner world of a person i.e., heart, mind, thoughts, and feelings that are highly connected to the soul. Fasting protects this soul dimension by urging you to control worldly thoughts and unworthy concerns. It makes you absolutely disregard everything but, Allah’s happiness only.
Scientific Evidence- How Does Fasting Give Strength to the Soul?
Science now acknowledges fasting as a supreme practice and a divine treatment for the purification of the body and soul. This blog “What science says about the benefits of fasting and its spiritual value” is an amazing piece of writing to read in this case. The science of medicine, neurology, and nutrition is deeply convinced of the spiritual benefits of fasting for the human body.
In the 7th century, while a deadly pandemic, it was suggested by scientific evidence, in those times, that fasting has amazing health benefits. Here are the words of Murat Alemdar, an associate professor of neurology at the Medical School of Sakarya University;
“If an individual cares about having a regular sleep, a regular nutrition and other regular movements of life, he/she will capitalise on the benefits of fasting in Ramadan more than others,”
Besides, Ramadan and fasting are a super helping hand to the brain, as according to scientists, it helps the metabolism process in the body to renew itself and detox. Also, it could lead t the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which is essential for stem cells (cells important for the metabolism process).
Meanwhile, the brain remains on rest for enough time as the stomach is less in use. In the spiritual sense, according to Alemdar, there is a rejoicing or refreshment of the brain, as the nervous system believes that fasting has fulfilled something crucial for life. Neuro-experts say that fasting also increases mental focus and lessens anxiety in the body.
Also Read: Art Of Patience & Silent Observation Makes You Better
Ramadan and Fasting – FAQs
- What is the basic Ramadan fasting rule?
No eat, drink, or sexual activity from dawn to dusk. Stay away from what displeases Allah SW.T.
- What is Ramadan in Islam?
In Islam, Ramadan is the month of earning 10x reward on each noble deed. In this month, the gates of heaven are opened, whereas the gates of hell are closed, and satan is prisoned. Fasting is said as one of the five pillars of Islam. Besides, Ramadan is the holy month in which Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).
- What are Ramadan Symbols?
The Ramadan main symbols include the crescent moon and the star, dates, lanterns, and a special calmness/sweetness in the air that is only felt by heart and mind.
