Once, a female patient with a 103°F fever, barely able to walk, entered my consultation room during the holy month of Ramazan. When I asked if she was fasting, she said yes. Despite my repeated requests to break her fast so that I could start her on the necessary medication immediately, she adamantly refused.
Dr. Munawar Aziz
Somewhat annoyed, I asked her, “Why do you fast?”
She replied, “Because everybody fasts in the month of Ramazan.”
I then asked, “Who has ordered it?”
She responded, “I saw my parents and others doing it.”
I said, “You must have read the Quran.”
She confidently replied, “Of course! I am a Muslim. I have read it and have started reciting it this holy month for blessings (sawab).”
However, she had no idea that in Surah Al-Baqarah (2nd Surah of the Quran), in Ayat 183, fasting is commanded along with its conditions—such as the allowance to break the fast when sick or traveling, with the requirement to make up for it later.
This is a great tragedy: we read the Quran merely for sawab (blessings) rather than for guidance in our daily lives. Had we been taught Arabic as a language, like Urdu or English, from our school days, we would have been able to understand its text directly. Though translations are available, Arabic is a rich language where the meaning of words depends on their context—otherwise, their interpretation can change.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries for spiritual, health, and cultural reasons. It involves abstaining from food for a specific period. In recent years, scientific research has highlighted numerous benefits of fasting.
One of its main advantages is improved metabolic health. Fasting helps regulate blood sugar levels, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes fat loss. Intermittent fasting, in particular, has been linked to weight management and a reduced risk of Type- 2 diabetes.
Fasting also supports cellular repair through a process called autophagy. This mechanism removes damaged cells and promotes the regeneration of new, healthy ones, reducing the risk of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, fasting has been shown to lower inflammation, which is a key factor in many chronic illnesses.
Mentally, fasting can enhance brain function by increasing the production of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which supports learning and memory. Many people also experience improved focus and mental clarity during fasting periods.
Beyond physical and mental benefits, fasting offers spiritual and emotional advantages. It promotes self-discipline, mindfulness, and gratitude for food and life’s blessings. When practiced correctly and under medical supervision if needed, fasting can be a powerful tool for overall well-being.
I often tell my friends: considering the hours wasted at marriage functions—waiting for food until 4 or 5 PM or dinner after 10 PM—why not hold weddings during Ramazan? Everyone will ensure they arrive at least half an hour before iftar and disperse early!
In fact, I once witnessed such a wedding in Ramazan at a restaurant in Islamabad.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe, and spiritual Ramazan.
- Dr. Munawar Aziz
Abbottabad, Pakistan.
aziz.munawar@gmail.com
In accordance with the time of the year, coming fasting month of Ramadhan. Choice of timing is excellent and the matter is no doubt medically, physically and spiritually explained beautifully.
Irfan Talib.
A very good idea to hold weddings in Ramadan ! For the rest, I agree that most Muslims around the world (non-Arabs) only recite the Holy Quran in Arabic, that has some blessings, but I feel it would be more useful if people also tried to read and understand the Quran in their own native languages . Good Quranic translations are highly necessary . We will never be able to properly practice our faith without properly understanding it.
A good write up to spread knowledge about fasting and the benefits involved.keep it up dear sir