CHAPTER 5
FASTING AND THE PHYSICAL BODY
We eat and drink for energy,
which we then burn up when working or playing. When we generate greater amounts
of energy than we actually use we then end up with excess energy and this is stored
in the body as fat.
There are two ways through
which we can get rid of fat, and that is either by rigorous exercise, which
burns up a lot of energy rapidly, or by fasting. When we are fasting we still
need energy to meet our daily requirements. When the source of energy through food
and drink is limited the body uses its stored energy. In this way we get rid of excess
fat.
By reducing or eliminating
excess body fat every year during the fast of Ramadan fasting makes an
important contribution to physical health.
It should be obvious, however,
that this elimination of excess fat will not be achieved if one fasts for the
whole day and then, at the time of breaking the fast, eats three times as much
food as one would normally eat. In fact this overeating after a long day of fasting
can have a distinctly negative impact on health. The human body, like a motor
car, needs to be serviced at regular intervals. by changing spark plugs,
points, condenser, oil, oil filter, etc. and then 'tuning' the engine, the car
works better and more efficiently. There is, in addition, an increase in the
life of the car.
Similarly the human body
needs to be serviced and Islam achieves the servicing of the body during the
fast of Ramadan. While fasting, a number of bodily organs (in particular the
stomach) are rested and thus serviced. This servicing restores human health and
increases man's longevity.
Physical strength cannot be
sustained without good health, and fasting is essential for the maintenance and
the preservation of good health. Indeed fasting helps in the cure of many
illnesses! The question is: does Islam establish a link between physical strength
and power? And the answer is: Yes, it does!
When Al-Israelites questioned
the Divine choice of Saul as their king on the grounds that he was not a man of
wealth, Allah (subhanahu
wa ta’alah)
responded and pointed out that Saul was eligible for the status conferred upon
him because he possessed 'knowledge' and (physical) strength. (Qur'an, 2:247)
To Be Continued ....
