In Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow, 2:183), the Quran declares: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
The fast of Ramadan is a practice prescribed to Muslims for 14 centuries. Modern medicine has discovered many health benefits of fasting.
The historical context
Fasting is an ancient spiritual practice, prescribed in the Quran as in Jewish and Christian traditions. In the 7th century, fasting was perceived primarily as an act of devotion, without knowledge of its physiological effects.
The scientific confirmation
Modern medicine has discovered many health benefits of fasting:
- Cellular autophagy: In 2016, Japanese biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on autophagy, a process by which cells "clean" themselves by eliminating their damaged components. Fasting triggers autophagy, which protects cells and slows aging.
- Blood sugar regulation: Fasting improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss: Intermittent fasting promotes weight loss by reducing caloric intake and increasing metabolism.
- Cardiovascular health: Fasting can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, improving cardiovascular health.
- Neuroprotection: Fasting stimulates the production of neurotrophic factors that protect the brain and improve memory and cognition.
- Longevity: Animal studies have shown that intermittent fasting extends lifespan and slows aging.
The Quran has prescribed fasting for 14 centuries, and modern medicine now confirms its many health benefits. The verse also mentions that fasting is prescribed "as it was decreed upon those before you," which corresponds to the practice of fasting in Jewish and Christian traditions.