Concept of Fasting in Different Religions & Medical Sciences Concept...

Concept of Fasting in Different Religions &Medical Sciences

*Aqeel Ahmad Qureshi ** Shakeel Ahmad QureshiAbstract

Man instinctly loves an easy life and science has helped him to do so. Thislove for easy life urges him to disobey the Commands of the creator. To him, fasting(eating no food and drinking no water from sunrise to sunset) seems opposing to hisdesire for easy life. Having this in mind, there are many Muslims who do not observefast. So, in this piece of writing several misconceptions regarding fasting and goodhealth have been removed. To make this article as informative as he could, the scholarsstudied books, journals and findings of medical researches concerning fasting. Tomake this article a complete one for those who are non- Muslims as they do not knowthe ABC of Islam, the scholars provided the different meanings of "Islam". Then hediscussed the pillars of Islam on which the building of Islam rests. The reader of thisarticle will find the meaning, obligations and origin of fasting. The status of fasting inthe eyes of medical sciences is the pivotal feature and purpose of this piece of writing.The expression of information in an economical way with simple language reallydeserves to be encouraged. Each and every idea is not a mere statement, rather, everyidea has been strongly supported by Quranic text and sayings of renowned andauthentic doctors and scholars. The finding of this research work is that fasting carriesunlimited advantages. The account of fasting in religions other then revealed one's,enhances its important. It is of great importance both as an act of worship and as acuring technique.

______________Islam holds a great importance in the world religions. In terms of

population it is the second greatest religion. Its followers live in all parts(continents) of the world.

The meaning of Islam is obedience i.e. Allah's obedience. The

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Concept of Fasting in Different Religions & Medical Sciences

*Assistant Professor, Government Post Graduate College, Khanewal

**Assistant Professor, Government Civil Line College, Multan

chief feature of Islam is that its teachings are most comprehensive, vastand surround all what is life. It provides guidance both for the individualand social life. In Islam the importance of worship and ethical manners isequal to that of social, political and financial system. It is the religion thatfounded human unity and brought humans closer to humanity in the truesense. It also puts an end to all kinds of differences (distinctions) of casts,colour and creed among human beings

In short Islam determines the fundamental principles for humanlife and provided a system of faiths and worships. The obedience and tobe follower of it ensures a success for both present life and the future life.Literal Meaning of Islam:

Islam is from the root S L M . They join to form Salam. Following are its literal meanings.(a) Free from apparent and confidential/hidden evils and vices (pureand safe)(b) Peace and safety.(c) Well being.(d) Obedience.(e) Islam, Istislam, Inqiad (submission, obedience) surrender,obedience.(f) Of these meanings pure , sacred and unblemished areremarkable.(1)

According to Muslim Scholars the religious or dogmatic meaningsof "Islam" derive themselves out of its literal meanings and they are inclose relation to each other. Linguists have explained the religiousmeanings in the words.

The religious meaning of Islam is the expression of obedience andsubmission, expression of being religious, and sticking fast to the Sunnahof The Holy Prophet."(2)

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Pakistan Journal of Islamic Research Vol 7, 2011

The discussion and introduction to Islam as a word and asareligion (Din) may never come to an end for it, being a complete code oflife, encloses (surrounds) all what makes life and even beyond it "Islam" isa comprehensive word bearing unlimited aspects, but to make a long storyshort we can say that Islam is a Din (Religion) Lo! religion with Allah (is) the surrender (to His will and guidance).(3)

There are some other words in the Holy Quran to depict Islamsuch as.(4) The Religion of Truth.(5) The religion of Allah.(6) The right religion.

What is the ultimate conclusion of all the discussions about Islamis that Islam is a set of beliefs, actions (deeds) and a complete code of life.Its collective name is Din (religion) which includes creeds (faiths), prayerservices (worships), and matters (individual, collective, political,economical, military, judicial and international).Faiths in Islam:

Hazrat Abu Huraira (R) relates in a lengthy Hadith, that a personappearing before the Prophet, (who, was in fact the angel Gabriel in theshape of a man), said to him, "Tell me, what is meant by faith." TheProphet replied "Faith means belief in Allah and His angels, belief in theHoly books revealed to man, belief in the prophets of Allah, holding as thetruth, the day of Judgement and having firm belief in the fact thatwhatever happens in the world is by the will of Allah, whether it be goodor bad."(7)

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It was all about faiths included in Islam. This is an extract from alengthy hadith, also known as the 'Hadith of Gabriel'.

Now we come to the acts of worship and importance of worship in Islam. Acts of Worship and Concept of Worship in Islam.

The Holy Book (Quran) as the basic source of Islamic lawemphasises.

I created the Jinn and humankind only that they might worshipme.(8)

This shows that the rationale behind creating this Universe and itscreature is nothing but worship.

Now we come to the list of acts of worship.(i)Prayer (ii) Zakat (iii) Fasting (iv) Hajj.

As far as the obligation to perform each of these acts is concerned,we can quote verses from the Holy Quran.Prayer (Salat)

Worship at fixed hours hath been enjoined to the believers.(9)Zakat:-

Those who, if we give them power in the land, establish prayerand pay the poor-due.(10)Fasting (As-Siyaam)

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it wasprescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil):(11)Hajj (Pilgrimage):

And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him

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who can find a way thither.(12)Fasting as a pillar (Fourth one) of Islam:

Fasting is the Fourth pillar in acts of worship in Islam. It is knownas Som in Arabic which means stop, refrain, desist. According tosome scholars it has been named as patience which means self-control,resoluteness, and perseverance. The above mentioned meanings express tosome extent what fasting means in Islam.

It is, indeed, to keep self-control and to keep oneself resoluteamong sensual greed and to keep oneself unswerving in the times of lust.Let us see what do authentic books say about fasting and its meaning.Fasting:

Fasting (As-Siyam) Generally means "to abstain from something."What is meant here is abstaining from food, drink, and sexual

intercouse from dawn until sunset with the explicit intention of doing so(for the sake) of Allah.(13)

Fasting to go without food or without certain kinds of food,especially as a religious duty.(14)

To eat little or no food for a period of time, especially for religiousreasons.(15)

Fast is obstinence from food, or certain kinds of food, for a periodof time. (16)

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food, either completelyor partially, for a specified period. (17)

Fasting is a ritual abstention from food and drink, observed byeither individuals or communities for varying lengths of time. (18)

Fasting, obstinence from food or drink or both for ritualistic,mystical, ascetic, or other religious or ethical purposes. (19)

It is from the root . Its literal meanings are to abstain fromsomething or to leave it. In religious meanings it means if a person is

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bound to religious commands and if he refrains himself from food, drinkand other absurdities, he will be said observing fast. (20)The Origin of Fasting:

The history (dates ) about the origin of fasting is unknown. A veryfamous physician of England Herbert Spenser in his book, "Principles ofSociology" makes a guess on the basis of examples of few uncivilized(savage) tribes that the fasting might have originated in the way thatpeople in times of savageness would have kept themselves hungry andwould have thought that their meal reaches in return to male and female.But scholars do not seem to rely on this conjecture.(21)

The origin of fasting is unknown. But the custom of fasting hasplayed a part in the practices of every major religious group at some time.(22)

It is an ancient practice found in most religions of the world. (23)Fasting has been practiced from antiquity worldwide by the

founders and followers of many religions. In the religions of ancientpeople and civilizations, fasting was a practice to prepare persons,especially priests and priestesses to approach the deities.

In the Hellenistic mystery religions, the gods often revealed theirdivine teaching in dreams and visions only after a fast that required thetotal devotion of the devotees. (24)

Like prayer fasting has also been a compulsory part of the Shariahof Prophets for old times. (25)Fasting in Different Religions:

Fasting has been somehow in vogue in all, religions before Islambecause all religions regard starvation and meditation necessary forspiritual development. No world religion has encouraged abundant eating.Even uncivilized nations, where there is no concept of any religion, havebeen found somehow practicing fasting.

Our discussion here will take into account the concept of fasting

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in different religions of the world.Fasting in Hinduism:

Hinduism is regarded as the oldest religion in world religions.Many of its rites and rituals started in 6th century B.C or later, but itcarries one or the other form of all religions. It does not have anyremarkable founder. But inspite of all this we see that there exists an act offasting for two days in each month on 11th and 12th for Brahmans.

The fasting is known as Akadashi . This makes 24 fasts roundthe year. In Hinduism, fasting is only for Brahmans. Non-brahmans areexception. Some Brahmans observe fast on each Monday in Katak which lasts from 17th october till 15th November. The hindu ascetics,going for mystic seclusion, observe fasting for 40 days. (26)

There are some other kinds of fasting as well in accordance withthe purpose, for the achievements of cherished desires, and duration.Sometimes, personal or political goals are sought through fasting.Mohandas Gandhi of India used fasting both as a penance and as a meansof political protest. (27)Apwas Fasting:

Apwas means to be hungry. It is a fasting of mild class. Theperson observing it specifies a day and pronounces the name of thatsupernatural being to whom he wants to gift his fasting, for instance somegod or goddess. The person observing fast eats lunch one day beforefasting and then after picking his teeth intends for fasting for the next dayand stops eating. This lunch is like pre-dawn meals. The next day aftertaking a bath the fasting person performs the day duties, takes water in hispalm and throws it in all directions. The next day after sun rise he has theauthority to break his fast at that time or at noon. If it lasts till noon then itis named as Lakant rather than Apwas.(28)

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Parak fasting:In it, the fasting person eats lunch on three consecutive days, for

the next three days eats only dinner and then for the following three daysobserves fast. There is also another fast same to Parak, namely Karcharabut it is for only four days.(29)Chandrabin fasting:

It is observed on the day of full moon. Maswas is also of thesame kind.(30)Fasting in Judaism:

Our discussion here will be about the nature and duration offasting in Judaism.

Jewish law orders a yearly fast on Yom kippur, the Day ofAtonement. Many Orthodox Jews follow the custom of having the brideand groom fast on the day before wedding.(31)

In Judaism, fasting is a command of God. Moses spent 40 dayswithout eating and drinking on the burning bush. So jews regard thefasting for forty days following Moses. It comes on the 10th of their 7thmonth. Therefore it is known as Ashura (10th). It was the day whenMoses received ten commandments of Taurah. Therefore Taurah has laidgreat stress on this day for fasting. (32)

Judaism is an ancient revealed religion. The mentioning of fastingis found in its texts with speciality. But the fasting on 40th day iscompulsory which falls on the 10th of 7th month (Tashreen) Taurah haslaid great stress on this Yom kippur. Jews also had a fasting of quietness.The fasting person is required to be quiet all the day. (33)

In Judaism, the days for fasting are limited and specified. In the times of Babylonia, fasting was considered a sign of mourn. According to Jews when they felt God was angry with them, they

observed fast or when the king set off for an expedition, they

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observed fast. Fasting is in practice as a sensation of some terrible event that

took place. Some other fasts are also in practice but they are local. They also

belong to some mishap. Some Jewish communities observe fast on the very first day of the

new year. Some of them are in the hands of Jewish religious scholars.

Occasionally they are prescribed for certain purposes. There also exist some personal fasts which the fasting person

keeps according to his free will. Fasting is also practiced on having a nightmare. In Jewish law,

fasting is prohibited on Eid.(34)Fasting in Christianity:

In Christianity, fasts, originally voluntary, became the subject oflegislation only in the 4th century. The Roman Catholic Churchdistinguishes between fast and obstinence. The former, obligatory on allpersons over 21, permits only one full meal in 24 hours; the latter, whichbinds all over 14, forbids meat or dishes made from meat.

The only obligatory fasts today are those of Ash Wednesday andGood Friday. The faithful are also required to observe a one-hour fastbefore receiving Holy Communion. Formerly, fasting was enjoinedthroughout Lent (except on Sundays), on Ember days, on vigils of themore solemn festivals, and on all Fridays except between Christmas andEpiphany and between Easter and Ascension. According to universalchurch law, abstinence was prescribed for all Sundays in Lent, St. Mark'sday, Rogation Days, all Saturdays, and all Fridays except those notedabove. The universal law, however was usually adjusted by local customand dispensation. The older system is followed, at least nominally, by the

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Church of England. The Greek Orthodox Church recognizes 266 fast daysin a year. These include every Wednessday and Friday; the 40 days beforeChristmas and the 40 before Easter, the fast of the Apostles, betweenWhitsunday (Penecost) and the feast of St. Peter; and the Lent of theVirgin, from August 1 until August 15( The feast of the Assumption, or,as it is called in the East, the Dormition). In contrast to the Romancatholic Church, the Orthodox never keep Saturday as a day of abstinence.

The reformed churches of Europe fasted during Lent only; theScottish Presbyterians recognized only fasts with Scriptural authority. (35)

Many Christians Commemorating the 40 days that Jesus spentfasting in the wilderness. In general, for Christians, fasting seldom meansdoing without all food for an entire day at a time. In addition, people whoare not well can usually receive permission from their religious leaders notto fast.(36)

Roman Catholicism and Eastern Christianity, has observed a 40days fast period during Lent, a spring period of penitence, and duringAdvent, a penitential period before Christmas. Protestant churchesgenerally leave the question of fasting to the consciences of individualchurch members.(37)

There are certain differences among various sects of Christiansregarding the obligation and observance of fast. However, ChristianCalendar prescribes following types of fasts.(i) Christian fast(ii) Polis fast(iii) Eranus fast(iv) Fast of cross(v) Eid-ul-Fasah(vi) Church fast.

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Fasting in Buddhism:Buddhist monks fast on certain days and confess their sins in quiet

whispers. (38)While Buddhism is an ascetic religion and regards the body as

evil, Buddha was opposed to excessive ascetic practices of any kind,mainly because excess was evil. Hence, though food was to be taken inmoderation as a method of guarding the gateways of the senses, he neveradvised excessive fasting. One of the ten abstinences is that of eating atforbidden times. Monks must eat but one meal, at mid-day, and nothingafter it, they must fast on the days of the new and full moon. (39)Fasting in Zoroasterianism:

Among the western religions, only Zoroasterianism prohibitsfasting because of its belief that such a form of asceticism will not aid instrengthening the faithful in their struggle against evil.(40)

Zoroasterian, religious leaders have protested against fasting fromfood. They claim that the food fast actually has no moral value, whencompared with "fasting from evil" with eyes, hands, tongue, or feet. (41)Fasting in China:

In China, before the sacrifice during the night of the wintersolstice, when the heavenly Yang (positive energy) principle was believedto begin its new cycle, a fixed period of fasting and abstinence wasobserved. (42)Fasting in Egypt:

Fasting is conditioned with some religious festivals in traditionalEyptians.

In Egypt, fasting as a method of expiation for sin, eitheroccasional or at fixed times, was recognized. All luxuries had to beabstained from, as well as every form of gratification of the passions. (43)

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Fasting in Greeks:Only Greek women observe fast on 3rd of Thismo

feria.

among traditional greeks. (44)Fasting in Islam:

The main fast of Islam, ordained by Mohammed himself is the30-days period of Ramadan, when no food may be eaten until sundown.Even though this month often comes during the hottest seasons of theyear. Devout Muslims also observe the six days in the following month;the fast of Ashura, on the 10th day of Muharram; every Monday andThursday; and the 13th and 14th of each month (known as "the brightdays."). (45)

Fasting is often referred to as a good work and it is one of therecognized duties of the Muslim. Hence, there are many stated times offasting, some of which are obligatory, and others may be regarded asworks of supererogation undertaken by the devout. Chief amongst theformer class is the fast of the 30 days of Ramadan, rigorous and strictlyobserved, in which no water is allowed between dawn and sunset, andfrom which only the sick and infirm, travellers, idiats, and children areexempt. (46)Obligation of fasting:

All the above given discussion strongly advocates the importanceof fasting not only in Islam but also in other world religions. But here weshall stick to the obligation of fasting in Islam. The command ofobligation of fasting was given after two weeks of the incident ofalternation of Qibla in 2 A.H. Ramadan was specified as a month forfasting about which it was revealed in Shaabaan. (47)In Quran:

And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month. (48)

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O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for your. (49)The two verses advocate strongly the significance and obligation

of fast in Islam. The whole Muslim nation agrees that the fast of Ramadanis obligatory.In Hadith:

Allah has made it mandatory for all to fast during this month.

The person fasts in the month of Ramadan, in the condition offaith and with the specific intention, of gaining a reward in the hereafter,he will have the sins has committed till that time, forgiven. (50)

Your fast is a shield.(51)

Fasting is for me and I shall reward for it. (52)Purposes of Fasting:

Whatever command was revealed to Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is nota mere command of God but it is full of wisdom and advantages. Thebuilding of Islam is on such pillars that carry spiritual, moral, collective,material benefits along with them. So the purposes of fasting are also wellsaid in the words of Holy Quran.

(53)(54)

These two verses explain the purposes of fast.(i) That ye should magnify Allah for having guided you.(ii) And that preadventure ye may be thankful.(iii) That ye may ward off (evil)

So it is our duty regarding the purpose of fasting (i) to magnifyAllah for having guided us.(ii) to be thankful to him and (iii) to ward

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off(evils).Fasting and Society reformation:

So far we have discussed the obligation and usefulness of fastingin the light of Quran and Hadith. Now we are going to analyse the role offasting in society reformation. We shall see how it plays its role ineradicating social evils.(i) Prayer is a daily training while fasting is a training schedule of

extraordinary kind for one month. It holds the man for 720 hoursin the strong claws of its discipline to uproot the evils. This kindof training causes an entire change not only in individual but alsoin society.

(ii) It gives Muslims a sense of service. He feels that he is a servant toHim. He must consider himself dependant upon God.

(iii) Along with the sense of service it gives the feeling (sense) ofobedience. It trains man for complete obedience of His commandto abstain from gratification of desires such as food, drinking etc.Without obedience fasting (eating and drinking nothing) will belike a dead body without soul.

(iv) It helps the individuals to build their character. The character isbased on fear of God. It kills all what is negative in man andpromotes all what is positive.

(v) The training in fasting includes self control. i.e. control for thegratification of desires such as eating, drinking and sexualpleasure. It also helps individual to control his passions such asanger. A fasting person is bound, in the true sense, to show such aself-control in all his dealings that it becomes ideal. Thisself-control helps individuals to evolve a society full of peace,prosperity and care (feel) for other's rights. The society thustransforms into an earthly paradise. (55)

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The Spiritual Aspect of Fasting:The spiritual aspect of fasting is implicit in the verse that makes

the obligation of fasting known to the people.

O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you even as it wasprescribed for those before you that ye may ward off (evil). (56)

Piety is the name of that feeling at heart having gained onehesistates to commit what is regarded as sin. He finds anxiety in him forwhat are known as good deeds.

We can say that the spiritual goal of fasting is piety.(ii) It gives Muslims the lesson of true love and sincerity.(iii) It motivates Muslims for service (worship) and makes him closerto God.(iv) It awakens the human being by making him broad minded(v) It teaches tolerance and selflessness.(vi) It makes him moderate. (57)Fasting and Medical Sciences:

Now we have come almost to the concluding part of this researcharticle. This part is about the significance of fasting in the eyes of MedicalSciences.

The Holy Quran Says:-

And that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know. (58)M. Arifuddin (Scientist Centre for Cellular and Moleculer BiologyHaidrabad India) Says:-

Human body is, indeed, like a machine which can be named asBiological Machine. It also works in the same manner as other machinesdo. For example, motor car is a machine but it needs petrol which gives itenergy. For maintenance it needs servicing and overhauling occasionally.

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Similarly the biological machine of human body needs food forenergy as well as occasional service and overhauling so that it mayproduce good deeds which will effect the soul and morality of him. TheCreator of this machine, therefore, has made fasting obligatory to keep themachine neat and clean to get neat and clean (good) deeds as a result.These good deeds will help him to reach a high spiritual place. Now wesee the importance and role of fasting in making the biological machineneat and clean.(i) Obesity means the increase in size and number of Adipose cells,

Fasting is the best way to control Adipose cells.(ii) People compel the stomach to produce Hydrochloric Acid

consistently by having food more than enough for them. Itincreases the chances of Peptic Ulcer. Fasting in this regard givesstomach rest and the production of HCL stops. Thus the chancesof falling ill decrease.

(iii) Liver is Lipogenic Glycogenic and Cholestrogenic in well Fedcondition. It means that it produces fat, glycogen and cholestrolbut when one observes fast, the liver produces glucose fromglycogen, fat and proteins. The liver produces 160 kg glucose inone day in a man with fast. Our brain needs it badly. Moreover thecoricycle which does not work in well fed condition startsworking in fast.

(iv) It is a notable fact that the amount of energy we get from food isproduced without food in fasting from the waste matter in ourbody. It is known as calori Homostasis. (59)Our discussion here will focus on the effects of fast on differentsystems of human body. Our this discussion will help us toanalyse the unimaginable usefulness of fast for healthy body andhealthy mind.

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Fasting and Digestive System:Fast casts its effect on all organs of human body but it must be

kept in mind that fasting is prescribed by the creator of humans whoknows the most. He knows the limitations of human body and Hiscommands do not take any one beyond limitations.(i) The very first effect of fast is on water level in a human body.

Though it surely decreases but, with the help of some naturalsystem one can overcome the decrease in water level, to preventwater loss harmones such as Nor. AdreNalin start working.

(ii) With the decrease in water level digestive juices also decrease. Inthe last hours of fast these juices appear but in a very less quantity.The glands producing these juices go in rest which enhances theirworking later after Aftar. (60)

Fasting and Liver:Fasting also effects liver like other organs. It is an interesting fact

that fast influences liver functioning wonderfully.Fast provides liver a rest condition for four to five hours. This rest

is not possible without fast. Liver produces bile to digest the food. Sciencesuggests the duration of rest for liver at least one month in a year. It ispossible only through fasting.

The modern man, who worths his life very much, considershimself safe after several medical check-ups. But if liver had the ability tospeak, it would have said to such a man you can favour me only byobserving fast.

During fast liver is free to digest and store food so it can produceGlobulin which strengthens immune system. (61)Fasting and Obesity Resulting in Sterility:

Obesity causes sterility in too much fat women. Fasting helpspregnancy in fat women. Thus fasting is helpful both the cure of sterility

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and as causing pregnancy in fat women. (62)Fasting enhances harmones functioning:

The substance produced by body to digest food is throughRetrogogue and Secretogogue processes. We eat 1.5 litre food in one day.While Secreto Gogue produces 7.5 litres to digest food. This makes 9litres in total. During fast the production of 7.5 stops and thus this systemtakes rest. During fast the following hormones increase in their numbers.

Cortisol Aderndcorticortrs Harmone (Acth) B- EndorphineB-Liportophine Harmone, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline. (63)Fasting and Immune System:

The quantity of Adrenaline increases from 200 Pmal / 1 to 700 Pmal/1. Noradrenaline increases from 0.25 n mal/1 to 1.5n mal/1. Glucogonand Insulin increase from 2 to 7 in proportion. The chief function ofcortisol is to enhance immunity. It decreases inflamation. B-Endorphine isa natural pain killer which works like opium. Its function is to makehuman feel no pain. It also casts good effect on mood and sleep.With theincrease in Adrenaline, the Glycogen in Liver and Fat in Adipose Tissuestarts dissolving.

Fasting, thus, causes an extraordinary Tuning, Overhauling andServicing of human body. All the organs start functioning with a newpower. The decrease in Follice Stimulating Harmone decreases sexualurge and increases the ability to think. (64)Fasting and Metabolism:

Complete Fast decreases hunger or eradicates hunger and thus thebody weight decreases quickly. Allancot in 1975 in his book "Fasting,Way of life" emphasises that fast gives rest to digestive and nervoussystem and causes body metabolism to be balanced. (65)

Metabolism is the chemical activity in a body that uses food toproduce energy one needs to work and grow.

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Fasting and Health:Dr. Jack Gold Stein, who has been approved by American Natural

Society, advocates fasting in his book."Triumph over Diseases by Fasting" in these wordsFast causes an end to Toxin in human body which is very much necessaryfor better health. Another book of 45 pages about the effects of fast hasbeen published by Ahmedabad Gala Publishers. Dr. Gala and DharrunGala have provided the medical advantages of fast by showing detailedfacts and figures of cases reaching health with the help of fasting. Theysay that following were the diseases which came to an end due to fasting.Temperature Feeling coldConstipation Diarrhoea.Sinusitis MalariaAppendicitis ObesityMenses Problem Asthima etc. (66)Fasting and Blood Production:

Blood is produced in bone merrow. When human body needsblood, an automatic system stimulates the bone merrow. In weak peoplethe bone merrow is also in passive working. During fast when food is atthe lowest level, the bone nerrow starts its function. In this way weakpersons can cause more blood production by keeping fast. (67)Fasting and Intestines:

Fast provides energy and rest to intestines. It happens because ofhealthy digestive juice production and the muscles movement of stomach.There lies Endothelium under the layers of intestines to cause immunity.This network of intestines gets new power and freshness. Thus a fastingperson becomes safe from all such diseases that may come to him becauseof digestive intestines. (68)

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Fasting and Nervous System:During fast, in some people feeling of anxiety and peevishness

increases but this has nothing to do with nervous system. It is mainlybecause of Egotistic in such persons. On contrary to this, during fastnervous system is at rest. The comfort gained from full offering ofworship eradicates all hatred and anger. All worries and anxieties dissolvein complete obedience to Him. Fast casts pleasant effects on nervoussystem and thus helps the fasting person to be free from worries. (69)Fasting and Diabetes:

In the list of modern diseases Hypertension and Diabetes Melatisare such two which have caused disturbance in every second person. Thepatient of diabetes inspite of expensive treatment do not recover becauseof over dieting. They are always found eating something with the idea thatdiabetes can cause weakness. It rather adds to the sickness and disturbsstomach and liver. The only curing technique for such persons is fast. Fastsaves one from over dieting. This causes the functioning of stomach andliver to come to normal. That's why fast proves healthful for the diabeticpatients.

The sugar level in persons without fast may fluctuate but inpersons with fast it becomes normal. (70)Fasting and Cancer:

The findings of a recent research have astonished every one bysaying (disclosing) that fast prevents cancer. It causes the growth ofcancer cells to slow down. The glucose level decreases during fast. Ourbody needs fuel as energy. So, to get energy our body uses fats instead ofglucose. It produces Ketone bodies which cause the decomposition ofprotein to stop. The cancer cells need decomposed proteins for growth.During fast they are produced in less number and so fast preventscancer.(71)

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CONCLUSIONIn the light of all discussion which is authentic too, it can be

concluded that the observance of fasting is found much earlier than Islam.The words of Holy Quran strongly advocate this notion.

As it was prescribed for those before you.

Fasting is a pillar of Islam but it also occupies a high status inother religions as well including the most ancient Hinduism, Judaism,Christianity etc.

Islam being a complete code of life carries unlimited wisdom in allits commands whether they are worships or daily matters. Fasting as thefourth pillar of Islam is also full of profound advantages for humankindwithout regard of religion. That is the reason that it has been in voguesince the very beginning. Moreover the recent researches of medicalsciences prove its unlimited advantages.

Medical sciences show its vital role in making a human body richin health. The opinions of European Doctors given at the end of the articleshow that they prescribe it as a cure for certain fatal diseases such asCancer and Asthma. It also proves handy in curing obesity causingsterility. It has been found more useful than expensive treatments indiabetes and hypertension. In the light of all its advantages which can notbe taken into account one can say that fasting carries great importanceboth as an act of worship and as a curing technique.

REFERENCES(1) Isfahani, Raghib, Al-Mufradaat, Quran Mahal, Karachi, 1984,

Page 239-240

(2) Al-Amdi, saif-ud-Din Abul-Hassan, Kitab-ul-Ahkaam, Al-Hukkam Fi

Asul-e-Ahkam, Dar-ul-Fikr, Bearut 2002

(3) Al-Quran, Translated by Marmaduke Pickthall, Qudrat Ullah, Co,

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Lahore 03-19

(4) Al-Quran 09-33

(5) Al-Quran 110-2

(6) Al-Quran 30-30

(7) Bukhari, Muhammad Bin Ismail, Sahih-e-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Eman,

Maktaba Rehmania, Lahore, 1985, V-1, Page 127

(8) Al-Quran 51-56

(9) Al-Quran 04-103

(10) Al-Quran 22-41

(11) Al-Quran 02-183

(12) Al-Quran 03-97

(13) As-Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh-US-Sunna, Translated by M. Saeed Dabas,

Jamal Al-Din, M. Zarabozo, Dar-Al-Fath, for Arab Information, Cairo,

Egypt, 2003, Page-395.

(14) Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press, Page-311

(15) Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman Group

Limited,England, Page-502

(16) The World Book Encyclopedia, World Book, Inc, Vol,7- Page 32.

(17) Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, Grolier, Incorporated, Page-220

(18) The Encyclopedia, Americana, Vol.11, Grolier Incorporated, Page-42

(19) The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 4, Encyclopedia Britannica,

Inc. Page-692.

(20) Urdu Daira Mauraf Islmia, Danish Gah Punjab, Lahore,2005, V-12,

Page 253.

(21) Encyclopedia Britannica, V-10, Page 194

(22) The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol 7, World Book, Inc. Page - 32

(23) Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowlege, Grolier Incorporated, Page-220.

(24) The new Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 4, Encyclopaedia Britannica,

Inc. Page 692

22


(25) Khurshed Ahmad, Islamic Ideology of Life, Karachi University,

Karachi, Page 314.

(26) Microsoft Encrta Encyclopedia Standard, 2005, See Under Subject,

"Fasting".

(27) The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol 7, World Book, Inc. Page-33

(28) Shirin zada Khudo Khail, Rasool Akram and Ramzan-ul-Mubarak,

Al-Faisal Nashran, Lahore, 2007 Page 13.

(29) Ibid Page 14

(30) Ibid Page 14

(31) The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol 7, World Book, Inc. Page-32-33

(32) Nadvi, Sulman, Serat-ul-Nabi, Al-Faisal Nashran,Lahore, 1991, Vol-5,

Page 154

(33) Microsoft Encrta Encyclopedia Standard, 2005, See Under Subject,

"Fasting".

(34) Jameel Asghar Javeed, Roza and Medical Science, Khazina Ilm-o-

Adab, Lahore, Page 60-62

(35) The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol 11, Grolier Incorporate, Page 43.

(36) The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol 7, World Book, Inc.

Page 33

(37) The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol 4, Encyclopaedia Britannica,

Inc. Page- 692

(38) The New Encyelopaedia Britannica, Vol 4, Encyclopaedia Britannica,

Inc. Page - 692

(39) Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Vol-5, T & T. Clark, Page-764

(40) The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol-4, Encyelopedia Britannica,

Inc. Page-692

(41) The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol.7, World Book, Inc. Page-33

(42) The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 4, Encyclopedia Britannica,

Inc. Page-692

23


(43) Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Vol-5, T.& T. Clark, Page-763

(44) Jameel Asghar Javeed Roza and Medical Science, Page 42.

(45) The Encyclopaedia Americana, Vol 11, Grolier Incorporated, Page-43

(46) Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics. Vol 5, T & T. Clark, Page-

763-764

(47) Ibn-e-Qayam, Zaad-ul-Maad, Vol 1, Dar-ul-Kutub Egypt, Page 160

(48) Al-Quran 02-185

(49) Al-Quran 02-183

(50) Bukhari, Muhammad Bin Ismail, Sahih-e-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Som V-1,

Page 772

(51) Ibid Page 769

(52) Bukhari, Muhammad Bin Ismail, Sahih-e-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Som V-1,

Page 770

(53) Al-Quran 2-185

(54) Al-Quran 2-183

(55) Khurshed Ahmad, Islamic Ideology of Life, Karachi University Page

314-321

(56) Al-Quran, 02-183

(57) Magazine, "Tareef Bil-Islam", International Islamic federation, Kuwait.

(58) Al-Quran 02-184

(59) Qadri, Qudrat-ullah, Islam and Jadeed Medical science, V1,

Dar-ul-Mutala, Hasilpur, Page 404-409

(60) Ibid 462-467

(61) Jameel Asghar Javed, Roza and Medical Science, Page 92-93

(62) Health Magazine "Herbal Cure" Hyderabad India, 15th July, 1981.

(63) Wealth of India, Publication and Information Directorate, New Dehli,

1976, Page 274.

(64) Qadri, Qudrat-Ullah, Islam and Jadeed Medical Science, Page 412-413

(65) Ibid Page 415-416

24


(66) Ibid Page 434-435

(67) "Dawat", Roza Number, Dehli, February 62

(68) Muhammad Wali-ud-Din, Dr. Surgen, "Khutbat" Dakan Medical

College, Hayderabad, India

(69) Ibid

(70) "Dawat", Roza Number, Dehli, February 62

(71) Ibid

25


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