Edited by Yara Alsayes
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and improvement. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast, they feel that they are joining the whole Muslim society in observing the same duty, at the same time, and for the same end. In Ramadan our lifestyle probably changes, we do things that we’re not used to do at normal days. These are just some benefits associated with Ramadan and Islam teachings in general.
“Prayer stretches all body muscles just like yoga, and different prayer phases are very similar to some yoga poses.”
Fasting is Great Detox
Literally defined, fasting means in Islam to abstain from foods, drinks, and smoking, from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan. One thing that we hardly ever do is to take a break from food for significant lengths of time. It may seem overwhelming or daunting. However, could it be beneficial? Yes! Eliminate coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body. Our digestive system is a very hard-working and busy system and fasting allows our body’s systems to focus on detoxifying and breaking down toxins in the body quickly without the job of heavy food digestion. So fasting, if done right, will actually benefit the body.
Why Break your Fast with Dates?
Because following Sunnah has more to it than first meets the eye. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) used to break his fast by eating dates and milk. Dates are extremely healthy food. They’re full of nutrients and vitamins and are a great source of energy when you’ve been fasting. Not only that, but they are known to be great detoxifying food!
“Our digestive system is a very hard-working and busy system and fasting allows our body’s systems to focus on detoxifying and breaking down toxins in the body quickly without the job of heavy food digestion.”
Prayer and Yoga are Very Similar!
Prayer is good for your body, not just your soul. Prayer stretches all body muscles just like yoga, and different prayer phases are very similar to some yoga poses. “Sujud” is the most important position in prayer; it leaves the heart in a higher position than the brain, which increases flow of blood into upper regions of the body. This allows mental toxins to be cleansed. This is extremely similar to the “Child’s Pose” in Yoga. Also, many people who perform Yoga use recitation of the Holy Quran to help them meditate.
Ramadan is A Chance to Disconnect
Ramadan gives us a break and provides us with a rare opportunity to reflect about our own selves, our future, and our families. It is a time to give ourselves a mental break and to forget about the hundreds of worries and stresses. Inner peace is core value in Islam to the point that prayer is needed five times a day!
Cleanliness is Vital
Before humankind had a proper understanding of how germs and bacteria work, Islam had made it clear that cleanliness is very important. Islam’s teachings make sure Muslims clean themselves from anything that could possibly harm them; something which people only understood the true importance of years and years later.