When Science Meets Sunnah

Fasting isn’t only reserved for the month of Ramadan. We know it is Sunnah to fast Mondays and Thursdays as well as 13th, 14th and 15th of each month. This sounds an awful lot like intermittent fasting, which health professionals all over the world recommend for optimal health. Perhaps it is time we practice this Sunnah more often.

Recent scientific research has shown the benefits of intermittent fasting and what effects it has on our bodies. Scientific research and multiple studies can be written on the benefits of fasting, yet only when we see past all those can we truly capture the wisdom behind it all. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent as mercy to mankind. His teachings were left behind to follow as an example. It is often human nature to know that something is good for you but not practice it. Yet, when Sunnah meets science, it is hard not to be intrigued.
The consensus is in and the results are beneficial to our whole body; physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Physically: Fasting has been proven to provide a vast array of health benefits. Besides often losing weight while fasting, some of the other changes you will notice also include an improvement in blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, balances hormone levels, prevents oxidative stress, and helps detox the body of toxins. When the body isn’t working hard to digest our food, fasting gives it time to rest and recuperate.
Mentally: Surprisingly when we are fasting we have a certain form of mental clarity. Our brains have been shown to work better. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a protein that increases during fasting. It helps with parts of the brain that are associated with memory, learning, and cognition.
Spiritually: Fasting is not special to Islam, it is practiced in almost all forms of religious beliefs. It’s the spiritual benefit that draws us to withhold from food and worldly desires. Fasting is done with the intent to gain a closeness to God. It can be a form of spiritual awakening and a purification of the heart.

Reviving the art of intermittent fasting will God wiling lead to a rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit.
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About Iman Salam
Iman Salam is an American currently residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her desire for a better lifestyle and health led her to study integrative nutrition. She holds a Diploma in Preventative Health & Nutrition, Executive Master›s in Preventative Health and Nutrition, and is a certified Personal Trainer. Currently, she works as a Nutrition Consultant and is studying to be a Practitioner in Traditional medicine. Follow her on Instagram and check out her website.