Zoë Chardon and Amelia Chardon / 2025-2-26
As we approach March, the beginning of Ramadan (which is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar), draws near. Many associate Ramadan with friends, family, and community, but another aspect that is widely overlooked is fasting.
What is fasting during Ramadan, really?
Fasting during this sacred holiday is one of the five pillars of Islam, therefore contributing to the fundamentals of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are the core beliefs of Islam, such as prayer, alms, pilgrimage, and, of course, fasting.
During the fasting period, participants abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sunset. They are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan, which falls from Friday, February 28, 2025 to Saturday, March 29, 2025 this year. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside Ramadan may suffice. However, not everybody is required to fast; there are exceptions. If you are sick, old, menstruating, pregnant, frail, a child, chronic illness (ex. diabetes), or travelers, you are exempt.
But why do people do it?
In the lense of those fasting during Ramadan, it takes on a whole new meaning. Fasting is considered a private act of worship bringing about nearness to God, discipline and empathy.
Fasting brings you closer to God and increases spirituality because it's a time for self reflection, and when you abstain from your fundamental needs, food and drink, it gives many ample time to reflect on their connection with God. Many people have reported having increased mental clarity, and a closer connection to their spirituality and religion. It serves as a reminder on how much they depend on God’s guidance.
In addition to this, fasting is an excellent way to increase your self discipline. It helps you overcome temptations and adversity during your daily life, as well as exercises your self-restraint, which helps improve your inner strength, and overall well being.
Fasting during Ramadan also has also been scientifically proven to increase a person's sense of empathy. The basis of fasting is to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, which is a challenge that many endure daily, but not willingly. Fasting is considered a way of showing solidarity for those who are less fortunate, and have nothing to eat or drink, and it’s a daily reminder to be grateful for what you have.
Knowing the benefits of abstaining from food and drink, would you consider fasting a healthy practice? Do you believe that fasting can improve a person's mental and emotional well being? Could fasting become a type of emotional therapy? Try it and find out!