THE OTHER SIDE OF RAMADAN (FASTING)

Moslems round the world have commenced another religious rite on the Islamic calendar, the observance of the 3^rd Pillar of Islam; Ramadan will commence. Adherents of the faith will “leave” their stomachs unattended to for thirty days. My brothers and sisters shall say no to food and anything liquid. The only time ingestion is permitted is in the wee hours of the morning (between 3:30 to 5:00) and after sunset (from 6:00 pm).

Ramadan, the 9^th month on the Islamic calendar, is considered holy because it was during this time that the first verses of the Holy Qu’ran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). It’s a month of piety. As such any acts of unrighteousness must be eschewed by the observer. However, some people usually commit their last “sins” before they begin this ritual.

“Fasting is not easy”, a friend tells me. “Not to talk of a WHOLE month!” True, it isn’t easy at the beginning since the body has become accustomed to food, thrice a day. So weaning it off what it has become used to will bring in its wake, what the medical practitioners call “withdrawal symptoms”.

One refrain I’ve heard concerns the type of breakfast some “Ramada-ing” Muslims indulge themselves with. They say some eat banku and fufu at dawn. I won’t repudiate these assertions neither will I confirm them. For now, I shall treat them as mere allegation. Peering into this whole eating time, one can conclude that the only time food is avoided is in the afternoon. Because breakfast is eaten in the morning-though earlier than usual-and supper, exactly the same time it should be eaten. So I don’t see the hassle.

It is interesting how Muslim bachelors race to marry prior to Ramadan. I learnt there’s blessing in that. Again, how come the number of troopers to the various mosques hit an all-time high during the first few weeks but falls sharply mid way into the season?

It appears most religions, if not all, recommend fasting. In Jewish worship, it is called Yom Kippur. Fasting brings an individual closer to God and that the propensity of having one’s wishes granted by God is preponderant.

But fasting, like any other religious act, has its “dos and don'ts”. Ramadan is no different. All observing Muslims must refrain from sex, drinking and eating. One is to resist all forms of temptation. That is, there should be purity in mind (thoughts) and doings (acts). It teaches self control, discipline, sacrifice and empathy. The only people exempted from indulging in it is the sick (invalids, ulcer and mental patients), pregnant and lactating mothers, women in their menses, children below puberty and those embarking on a long journey, albeit they must make up for the days they missed out.

What appear lost on most people when fasting is mentioned are the medical or health benefits that inures to the practitioner. For instance, any individual who ceases to feed the body affords it (body) opportunity to “right” the ‘wrongs” it has been subjected to. The body uses that break to de-tox, i.e. removal of excess materials from the body naturally. Certain excesses such as fats are used up by the body during this period.

Another benefit is that it affords the digestive system a break. The digestive system, like any machine is supposed to be rested. Should the machine be in motion unabated, the tendency of it breaking down becomes high. Periodically, it needs to be serviced to improve it efficiency and longevity. That’s why vehicles are regularly sent for servicing. Another scenario could be that of a farmer who indulges in either shifting cultivation or land rotation. After exhausting the fertility of that land, he moves to the next. The move affords the land a period to fallow. Have you wondered why God rested on the seventh day of creation?

Medical research tells us that certain conditions such as edema in the ankles and legs, swelling in the abdomen(abnormal fluid accumulation) are dealt with when one fast for a period. Fasting is said to have the potency of correcting blood pressure (B.P) levels.

Furthermore, substance abusers or addicts such as tobacco or alcohol users are weaned off through this mode. The therapy kills the desire or craving for whatever the substance the person is/ was on.

It also cleanses the skin of all eruptions and it is believed fasting whitens the eyes. It restores the appetite for food (wholesome natural foods).

In short, it promotes healthful diet and lifestyle. Imagine this; should you fast for at least ones a week, you would have fasted four times in a month. Multiply that by 52 ( number of weeks in a year) and we talking 208 days of phenomenal exercise out of the 365 days on the annual calendar.

This means, at least the digestive system and the body as a whole is granted enough rest to replenish itself. So go ahead and give it a SHOT!! It will be hard at first but as the saying goes: once the mind decides, nothing can stop it”.

Clearly, the benefit of fasting (in the case of Ramadan) transcends religious consideration. Yes, it’s a religious rite but the medical benefit is intrinsic. Whiles the soul is seeking heavenly endowments, the body receives its restoration as well.

So to all my Muslim brothers and sisters I say, BISMILLAH!! HAPPY RAMADAN!!